“It has to be possible.”
“Why?” Vito leans forward, his voice taking on the edge that has made strong men confess their sins. “Because you love her? Because you think love conquers all in our world?”
“Because she’s valuable. Because eliminating her along with the rest of her family would be wasteful and counterproductive.”
“Elaborate.”
I take a breath, knowing that what I say next will either save Kira or damn us both. “Kira is Vadim’s oldest child. His designated heir in everything but name. She has the respect of the organization, the technical skills to modernize their operations, and the intelligence to avoid her father’s mistakes.”
“Your point?”
“My point is that if she were to assume leadership of the Petrov organization—either through succession or through... other means—we’d have the ally we originally intended to create through this marriage.”
Vito’s eyes sharpen with understanding. “You’re suggesting regime change.”
“I suggest that some problems solve themselves if you’re patient enough to wait for the right moment.”
“And if that moment requires... acceleration?”
The euphemism hangs between us, delicate and deadly. We’re talking about murder now, about eliminating Vadim Petrov and installing Kira as his replacement. About turning my wife into a puppet ruler accountable to Rosso’s interests.
About destroying her family to save her.
“That would depend on the circumstances,” I say carefully.
“Would it? Because from where I sit, the circumstances are fairly clear. The Petrovs planned our elimination. They used your engagement as cover for intelligence gathering. They allied with a known enemy of both families.” Vito’s voice carries the cold logic of a man who’s spent decades making impossible decisions. “The response seems obvious.”
“Total war benefits no one.”
“Strategic elimination benefits everyone who survives it.”
“Including Kira?”
“Especially Kira. She inherits a cleaner organization, free from the baggage of her father’s poor judgment. She gains a husband with strong ties to our family. She secures peace between our organizations for the next generation.” Vito spreads his hands as if the solution is simple. “Everyone wins.”
“Except her father. And Alexei. And anyone else who gets eliminated in the process.”
“Yes. Except them.”
The casual acknowledgment of planned murder should shock me more than it does. But I’ve crossed too many lines tonight to maintain the illusion of moral high ground.
“What are you asking me to do?” I say finally.
“I’m asking for your assessment of the situation. Your professional opinion on the best path forward.” Vito’s tone becomes almost paternal. “You know these people better than anyone now. You understand their capabilities, their weaknesses, and their relationships. What do you recommend?”
The weight of the question settles on my shoulders like lead. He’s not just asking for tactical advice—he’s asking me to help plan the destruction of Kira’s family. To be complicit in murders that will traumatize the woman I love while simultaneously securing our future together.
“I recommend patience,” I say finally. “Let me talk to Kira first. Let her understand the full scope of what her family planned. Give her the chance to choose her response.”
“And if she chooses family loyalty over practical alliance?”
“She won’t.”
“You seem very certain of that.”
“I am.”
Vito studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You’ve changed, Rafael. When this assignment began, you would have recommended the most efficient solution regardless of personal complications.”
