I've played the mediator for so long, caught between the Dantes and the Bratva, maintaining a delicate balance that kept everyone alive.
But the balance is broken and lives are at risk.
Now more than ever, I need to use what I know and my skills to forge peace.
If I fail, Luca dies.
I know he’s right now plotting his revenge, a scheme that will likely get him killed.
What I’m doing is so frightening to me that when I made the decision to follow through, I first had to get sick.
But I’m nothing if not determined.
So I washed my face and brushed my teeth and enacted my plan.
I left Enzo sleeping, asking one of the staff to keep her eye on him until Luca returned.
Then I made my way through back corridors out into the garden and to the back corner of the property.
With security enhanced, I wasn’t sure I’d make it there.
And when I reached the back fence, I worried the old gate would be guarded.
But that corner of the lot is so overgrown and the gate has been forgotten.
It’s how it had been seven years ago when Luca and I used to use it to sneak out.
I send a silent prayer that Enzo will understand someday, that Luca will forgive me.
My choice is clear—offer myself to the Bratva in exchange for peace. For my son's safety. For Luca's life.
It takes effort to push the rusted gate open.
I’m able to move it enough to slip through.
Once outside, I hurry away from the compound and then use my phone to call for a rideshare.
Once in the car, I feel some relief at escaping unnoticed, but now the real fear rises.
I have no illusion that Maksim won’t kill me if I can’t convince him to accept me in place of Luca.
My driver drops me on the street, a quarter of a mile from Maksim’s estate.
I don’t want to put this innocent woman in the crosshairs of this war.
I walk toward the gate, dread growing with each step.
Two men emerge from the shadows, faces I recognize from diplomatic meetings years ago.
They say nothing as they pat me down, removing my phone.
One of Maksim’s men exits the house and meets me to escort me inside and to my doom.
"Katerina." Maksim descends the stairs, arms outstretched. "Welcome home."
I force myself to accept his embrace.
Three kisses, Russian style.
