We arrive at the reception as the sun is starting its descent, gracing the open field in a golden hour. Guests mingle under massive tents, catering staff slip among them, and a five-piece group plays beautiful, subtle instrumentals in the background.
After the first dance, we’re barely settled when my father appears at Kazimir’s elbow. He clears his throat. “You did well,” he says to Kaz first, voice gruff but sincere. “The ceremony. The arrangements. Everything.”
Kaz inclines his head, respectful in a way he rarely is with anyone; he’s the boss, after all. “Thank you, old friend.”
Then Liev looks at me, and something in his face softens. It still surprises me how gentle he can look when he forgets to guard himself.
“I’m glad you’re happy, Alyona,” he says quietly. “That’s all I wanted.”
I take a deep breath, and when I let it out, we share a small smile. A few months ago, we could barely speak without old resentments rising like smoke, and now he’s standing in front of me like a man trying very hard not to ruin a fragile second chance.
“I am,” I tell him. “Terrifyingly so.”
His mouth twitches.
“And congratulations,” he adds, glancing pointedly at my stomach. “On everything.”
I grin. “You realize this makes you a grandfather, right?”
He blinks like I’ve slapped him.
“A what?”
“A grandfather,” I repeat sweetly. “There’s no escaping it. I’m buying you one of those ‘World’s Best Grandpa’ shirts.”
He makes a strangled sound of protest, which only makes me laugh harder, and after a moment he shakes his head, muttering something in Russian under his breath before excusing himself toward the bar.
Kaz watches him go with an unreadable expression.
“What?” I ask.
His mouth curves slowly. “There might be more surprises heading his way.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“It’s practical,” he says mildly. “Just business.”
I narrow my eyes. “Kazimir.”
He leans closer, voice dropping. “During negotiations with Hinto, Ryder made several demands of her own. She is smarter than her father and significantly more difficult.”
“That tracks,” I say dryly.
“One condition was a formal pairing between our operations,” he continues. “And Hinto ran with it when his daughter was out of earshot. A marriage tie. Something binding enough that neither side is tempted to start another war.”
“Wait. What?”
Kazimir continues, his features suddenly serious, voice low. Thisisbusiness. “With Ryder as Hinto’s only heir and you very pregnant,” he says, brushing his knuckles over my waist, “someone else must step forward.”
It clicks a second later.
I stare at him. “No.”
He lifts a brow. “Yes.”
“My father?”
“He’s the obvious choice on our side,” Kaz says calmly. “Experienced. Loyal. And aside from me, the most powerful man in the Savannah Bratva. Hinto likely already has someone in mind. Though whether Ryder agrees is another matter. She is a firecracker.”
