Now she sits three feet away, pretending I'm just another business associate, and all I can think about is bending her over Pietro's desk.
"...can train your team within a week," she finishes, finally pausing for breath.
Pietro nods, clearly pleased. "What do you think, Dmitri?"
I let the silence stretch. Watch the color rise in her cheeks as my gaze traces down her body with deliberate slowness.
"I think," I say, voice dropping low, "your sister is remarkably talented."
Her eyes narrow. She heard the double meaning.
Good.
"The system sounds perfect for our needs." I lean back, keeping my posture relaxed even as everything inside me coils tight. "When can she begin the training?"
"Tomorrow, if you'd like," Pietro offers. "Vittoria, you can work with his team at Nexus?—"
"No."
The word cuts through the room. Vittoria's hands grip the armrests, knuckles white.
Pietro frowns. "No?"
"I mean—" She catches herself, smooths her expression. "I can do remote training. Video calls. There's no need for me to be on-site."
Oh, moya krasotka. You think distance will save you?
"Remote training won't work," I say, keeping my tone reasonable. "My men learn better with hands-on instruction. They'll need her there."
Her jaw tightens. "I'm sure your tech team can?—"
"I don't have a tech team." I shrug. "The Bratva prefers... traditional methods. Your expertise is exactly what we need."
It's not entirely a lie. But it's not the whole truth either.
The truth is I want her in my space. On my territory. Where I can watch her work, hear her voice, breathe the same air. Where she can't hide behind compound walls and locked doors.
Pietro looks between us, something calculating in his expression. He's not stupid—he sees the tension. But he's also a businessman, and this alliance matters more than his sister's comfort.
"Vittoria." His voice carries the weight of a Don's command. "You'll work with Dmitri's team at Nexus. Starting tomorrow."
Her throat works as she swallows. For a moment, I think she'll argue. Fight. Show that fire I've been craving.
Instead, she stands. "Fine."
One word. Cold as ice.
She turns to leave, and I let her get almost to the door before speaking.
"Vittoria."
She stops. Doesn't turn around.
"I look forward to working with you."
Her shoulders stiffen. Then she's gone, the door clicking shut behind her.
Pietro exhales. "She's been... difficult lately. Since Riccardo."
