“It’s a sound plan,” Vito concludes finally, leaning back in his chair. “Elegant in its simplicity, devastating in its effectiveness.”
“Thank you,” Kira says with a slight nod.
“One concern, though.” Vito’s gaze moves between us with uncomfortable intensity. “The emotional component. This level of betrayal... it changes people. Are you prepared for what you’ll become tomorrow night?”
“I’m prepared to do what’s necessary,” she replies without hesitation.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Kira is quiet for a moment, considering the question with the analytical precision she brings to all difficult problems. “I’ve spent my entire life being the person my family needed me to be. Tomorrow night, I become the person I need to be to survive. If that changes me... then it changes me.”
“And you?” Vito turns to me. “Are you prepared to stand beside someone who’s capable of this level of calculated betrayal?”
“I’m prepared to stand beside someone strong enough to make impossible choices when they’re necessary,” I correct. “Someone who chooses survival over sentiment, future over past.”
“Even when those choices involve patricide?”
“Especially then.”
Vito nods slowly, as if my response confirms something he suspected. “Very well. We proceed as planned.”
He stands, signaling the end of our strategic session. Kira rises as well, gathering the documents we’ve spread across his desk with efficient movements.
“I should return to my apartment,” she says. “Maintain normal routines until tomorrow.”
“Of course. Rafael will escort you.”
“That’s not necessary?—”
“It’s not a suggestion,” Vito cuts her off with gentle authority. “After tomorrow, you’ll be family in truth as well as name. We protect family.”
Something flickers across her face—surprise, maybe, or gratitude. She’s not used to being protected rather than used.
“Thank you,” she says simply.
“Thank me by surviving what comes next.”
After Kira leaves with Marco to ensure her safe return, I remain in the study, ostensibly to review final details but actually working up the courage for a conversation I’ve been avoiding.
“Vito,” I say as he pours himself a Scotch . “There’s something else.”
“I was wondering when you’d get to it.” He gestures for me to continue. “What’s on your mind?”
“I want to marry her. Really marry her, not just fulfill the political arrangement.”
“I gathered as much from the way you look at her.” Vito settles back into his chair, studying my face. “The question is whether this is what you really want, or just what you think you want in the aftermath of shared danger.”
“It’s what I want.”
“Even knowing what she’s about to become? Even understanding that if our plan succeeds, she’ll inherit control of the Petrov organization?”
“Especially knowing that.”
“You realize what that means for your future, don’t you? For your place in this family?” Vito’s voice is patient but serious. “If Kira becomes head of the Bratva, you’ll be connected to that organization by marriage. Your loyalties will be... complicated.”
“My loyalties are already complicated.”
“By choice or by circumstance?”
