She’s my everything.
And now she’ll rule by my side. Where she belongs.
Chapter 42
Katerina
Dominic has me seated next to him at his desk. He’s actually replaced his old desk with a new one that has openings for two chairs. He’s deemed it our office. I do think the replacement was also prompted by the cat scratches and destruction done by Vova on his desk. But I appreciate the gesture.
Stefan and a few other Syndicate higher ups enter the office, including my brothers-in-law. Their expressions vary from curiosity to anger at the sight of me. I know we are gathering to officially induct me into the Syndicate, but it appears they weren’t told that.
As they stand on the other side of the desk, they murmur amongst themselves. There’s clear distress between them. Dominic clears his throat, and they quiet.
“I had you come today to welcome my wife into the Syndicate. It’s time she gets her place, and with the vacancy Alex has left, it’s the perfect opportunity.” The pride in his voice has me stroking his thigh under the table. I try to convey mygratitude with the contact. His hand sneaks down and squeezes mine.
“Er… Dom. Is this the best idea?” Stefan seems the only one brave enough to question the big, bad boss.
“Are you questioning my decision?” Dominic’s voice, while calm, holds a sharp threat.
“No, sir. I trust you. I’m just wondering what makes you believe she is… ready? She hasn’t gone through the training required of a Syndicate member.” Stefan looks less confident the more he speaks. He fidgets with his fingers.
“Katerina has been training extensively since she’s been here. Her weaponry skills rival even my own. She just proved herself by taking out a traitor among us.” Dominic’s grip on me tightens as he mentions Alex. I know even death hasn’t absolved his sins in Dominic’s mind.
The men become enraged at the mention of a traitor. It’s not something anyone takes lightly, especially in the underworld.
“Who?” Stefan demands.
“Alex. He attacked my wife because of her heritage. She bested him, and we took care of him.” He stands and places his hands on his desk. “Let it be known, anyone who comes for my wife, faces not only my wrath, but also hers. And I can assure you; you’ll be begging for mine when you’re in her reach. Don’t be fooled by her beautiful face, she might be one of our most lethal weapons.”
The men stare at me with expressions ranging from fascination to disbelief. I make note of which ones seem to view this arrangement the most negatively. I won’t let my guard down, even in the compound anymore.
“What will be her position? Will she replace Alex?” Stefan seems doubtful of my ability to fulfill Alex’s role.
“No, she’s far too important to waste in such a way.” Dominic looks around the room, waiting for someone to interject, but they remain silent. “She will be the Queen of the Syndicate. She’ll rule by my side.”
The room erupts into chaos. Men are commenting on how it’s not a real role, some even mention that they won’t take orders from a woman. That this is no world for women.
But my dear brothers-in-law stand there with grins on their faces. They look at my husband with a knowing look, and I feel left out of an inside joke. Dominic just shakes his head at them.
When the volume of the room and words hurled reach an unacceptable level, I fly to my feet and bang my fist on the desk.
“SILENCE!” The room immediately quiets. “I am loyal to my husband. I will rule by his side. I have the Syndicate’s best interest at heart. But make no mistake, should any of you cross me, I will rain hellfire upon you.”
I glare around the room, daring anyone to test me.
“If any of you question my loyalty because of my heritage, know I was never involved in Bratva affairs, and I loathe them more than any of you do in this room. If you question my competences because I’m a woman, then I challenge you in the ring.” I pause, needing them to soak it in. “Know this, I am not one to be underestimated. Alex did, and that was his fatal mistake. Heed my warnings.”
To my surprise, the men in the room nod at me in respect. Some come forward to shake my hand. The Montclair brothers welcome me and voice loudly that they will follow my command.
Dominic clears the room, and when the last one leaves, he turns to me.
“Tiger, you did so well. You demanded their respect.” His stoic demeanor dissolves into a grin as he pulls me into him. He cups my cheeks as he stares into my eyes.
“Well, I learned it from you. That’s how you lead these men.” I turn to him and note the heat in his gaze. “And my husband is the big, bad Syndicate boss.”
His eyes darken at my words.
“Seeing you up there, commanding the room… Fuck, tiger. I was hard as a rock. I had to hide my cock behind my chair. But my strong wife, leading a room of my men was too much to handle.”
