The door opens, and Alessandro steps in with Adriano trailing behind.
The sight of all my siblings gathered around my hospital bed would be touching if it didn't feel like a war council.
"Don't try to get up," Alessandro says, noting my restlessness. "You've done enough."
At first, I think he’s being an asshole, accusing me of causing problems.
But then I realize there's no condescension in his tone.
He’s saying the words like I’ve done something right.
"What happened after I went down?" I ask, even though speaking takes a great deal of effort.
Alessandro exchanges a glance with Adriano before answering. "Maksim's holed up in what's left of his compound. We took out sixteen of his men."
"Twenty," Valentina corrects. "Four more died yesterday from their injuries."
"It was a bloodbath," Adriano adds. "Exactly what we were trying to avoid."
I bite back a retort. They might not have wanted war, but war came for us anyway. It came for Katerina, for my son.
“We fared better,” Alessandro says, shooting a glare at Adriano. “Maksim sent a message this morning. He wants to talk."
"Talk?" I laugh, then wince as pain shoots through my chest. "He kidnapped Katerina as bait and now he wants to talk?"
Alessandro's expression doesn't change. "He's coming to the table because we left him no choice. His power structure is fractured. Half his captains are dead."
"Good," I spit.
"It's better than good," Valentina says. "It's an opportunity."
I look between my siblings, suddenly understanding. "You're forcing him into a peace treaty."
Alessandro nods. "On our terms.” He outlines the terms he plans to set, which are fairly punitive. Dad would be proud.
"He'll never agree to that," I say.
A hint of satisfaction crosses Alessandro's face. "He has no choice.”
“He did order the killing of our father and kidnap little Enzo. I think he’s getting off easy,” Valentina says with disgust.
I don’t disagree. I vote for annihilation, but it’s not my business. As long as Katerina and Enzo are safe, I’m out of it.
Alessandro nods. “I think Maksim now realizes that I’m no pussy and that we’ve got your back.”
“Even if you're the black sheep of the family,” Adriano tosses in.
"Black sheep?" I raise an eyebrow despite the pain. "I've been called worse. By you, specifically."
Adriano's mouth twitches, almost a smile. "Fair enough."
"Remember when you called him 'the family disappointment' that one Christmas?" Valentina chimes in. "Right before he flipped the dining table?"
"That was a good table," Alessandro sighs.
I manage a rough laugh. "You all deserved it. And the table was hideous."
"It was Grandmother's," Adriano points out.
