Dominic
Gathered around the conference room are the higher ups of the Syndicate. Some men from my father’s reign still are active members. A few, I think, will die before they retire. A good portion of the men present are people I’ve selected throughout my time as the leader of the Syndicate. They’re the ones loyal to me. The ones that trust me. They won’t be as hard to convince.
“I brought us together today to discuss an upcoming change.” The room silences as I begin speaking. “I’ve brokered a peace treaty with Viktor. In ten days, we will no longer be at war with the Bratva.”
There are murmurs throughout the room. Most of my men seem relieved, but a few seem agitated. Their faces are pinched as they talk rapidly among themselves. It concerns me. A few of my men have been too eager during this war. Almost as though it excites them.
“What are the terms?” Mark asks. He’s a younger guy but is eager to learn. He’s going to make a great member of the Syndicate one day.
I glance at Stefan just for him to shoot me a knowing look. We both know how this is going to go.
“The alliance depends on an arranged marriage between the Syndicate and the Bratva,” I tell them honestly. They’re going to find out anyway.
The room breaks out in chaos. Some men are demanding answers. Others talk among themselves. But overall, the consensus seems to be anger.
“QUIET!” I yell, effectively silencing the room.
“Dom, who do you propose enters this marriage? Surely you cannot ask this of one of your men,” Daniel inquires. He’s older, having been around since my father’s rule. But he’s a strong ally. He’s someone whose suggestions I tend to consider.
“You’re right. I would never ask that of one of you. I will be marrying Katerina Sokolov.” As expected, the room erupts into chaos once more.
“Your father would never do this!”
“This is preposterous!”
“She’ll betray you. It’ll be the end of the Syndicate!”
Men shout their opinions over one another. I’m not sure who’s saying what. Most of the criticism I expect. But that last one, yelled by young Alex, the threat of her betraying me, stabs through me like a knife.
Not because I didn’t consider it, but because it’s the only thing I’ve thought of since agreeing to this.
She is the biggest threat to this plan.
And the only defense I have is distance from her.
“ENOUGH!” I shout over them, but they keep going.
I pound loudly on the table. The loudbanggrabs their attention.
“It has already been decided. Papers have been signed by both Viktor and me. This is not up for debate. You will notchange my mind. And you will not question my decision. If you have legitimate concerns,” I glance at Stefan questioningly, and he nods. “If you have any legitimate concerns, go to Stefan. He’ll investigate and report to me any that have merit.”
I look around the room, meeting my men’s gazes. My cold tone leaves no room for questions, and most seem to understand that. A few men brood, furious about our alliance with the Bratva.
When my gaze lands on Olly, an older member from my father’s time, he braves up.
“You don’t know what you’re doing, boy. You’ll ruin us,” he threatens.
My hand tightens into a fist, tempted to use it on him. But I take a deep breath and refrain.
“It’s ‘boss’ to you,” I hiss, not standing for the disrespect. “I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m going to every length to ensure no more of my men lose their lives to these bastards.”
It’s a lie. But it’s one that quiets him.
I have no idea what I’m doing. I know in my gut that this is a terrible idea. But it’s the only one I’ve got.
Chapter 11
Katerina
