Eventually, her sobs become less frequent. I don’t know if it’s acceptance or exhaustion that has her calming. Either way, I’m relieved.
“I’m not crying because I regret killing him,” her soft voice whispers. “I’m crying out of relief. It’s over. I avenged ????. He’ll never hurt me, or any other woman, ever again.”
I rub soothing circles on her back, letting her know I’m here.
“I know, Katerina. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now. Your ???? would be very proud of you. Now she’s able to rest in peace.” She snuggles deeper into my chest and wraps her arms around my neck, burrowing into me.
Silently, we cling to each other, basking in each other’s comforting touches.
Eventually, the office door swings open. Pyotr walks in, looking for us. When his gaze lands on his father’s corpse, he staggers backwards. He didn’t know Viktor as the monster hewas until recently. This has to be hard on him. I avert my gaze, giving him a moment to mourn.
After a few minutes, he catches my stare and rounds the desk.
“It is done. The women have been freed at the docks and will be taken back to Russia. Your brothers and the Syndicate are all to thank. The disloyal men have been rounded up, and Viktor…” He chokes. “I am now Pakhan, thanks to you.”
“It had to be done. I’m looking forward to working with you.” I don’t acknowledge that we’re now enemies. It doesn’t seem appropriate.
“I want to offer an alliance without any strings. I’d like the Bratva and the Syndicate to be allies instead of enemies. I won’t run it how my father did. We will gladly follow the rules.” Honesty bleeds into his words, and I realize this is a man I can trust.
“I look forward to peace. We will stick to the previous treaty,” I assure him.
“No. I’m absolving that one. We will have a new treaty, one that doesn’t require such sacrifice. I’m releasing you two from the arranged marriage. Get a divorce and be free to marry someone you love. We’ll have peace without it.” His generous smile is a dagger to my heart.
I look down at my wife, but she’s too dazed to process his words. There’s a pit in my stomach. Divorcing Katerina is the last thing I want. Without her, I am lost. Without her, there’s nothing pushing me forward. I can’t lose her.
But I can’t force her to be mine. So many choices have been taken from her. She’s never been truly free. I owe it to her to give her the opportunity.
No matter what she chooses, she’ll always be my wife. She’ll always claim my heart. Even if I have to watch her settle down with another man, she’ll always have my protection.
“I’ll talk to her later. She’s processing what happened,” I tell him.
He nods then leaves the room.
I follow not long after with my wife in my arms. Everything feels so wrong in our world, but everything feels right with her against me.
His offer echoes in my mind as we leave the Bratva house. I can’t even take a full breath.
How can I survive when she leaves me?
Chapter 53
Katerina
After sleeping overnight, I feel revived today. A new life has started for me. One where I’m free from the horrors of my past. Unfortunately, Dominic doesn’t seem to have the same sentiment.
Dominic’s been quiet since the ambush. He’s barely looked at me today, and when he does, it’s full of anguish.
“What is the matter with you?” I demand at lunch. “Why do you look like someone kicked your puppy?”
“What do you mean?” His head jerks up, and he looks startled, as if my outburst wasn’t expected and isn’t warranted.
“I mean, why are you acting like this? You should be happy. It’s over! The fight is over! And yet, you look tormented. Tell me what’s wrong!”
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. Dammit, he’s nervous about something. It’s starting to freak me out.
“Let’s go on a walk.” He’s slow to leave his chair and offers me a hand. I tentatively take it, and he leads me out of the house.
We walk in silence for a few minutes until it overwhelms me.
