"Indeed." He pauses. "Complicated enough that you might be willing to help simplify things?"
And there it is, the real reason for his call. I close my eyes, seeing me, Luca, and Enzo together, imagining the life I almost dared to hope for.
"Your brother's death seems to have affected you less than expected," Maksim observes. "Perhaps your time with the Dantes has changed your perspective on family loyalty."
I grip the phone tighter, moving farther away from the French doors where Luca watches me.
"Pyotr threatened my son."
"Ah, yes, young Enzo." The way Maksim says my son's name makes my skin crawl. "The boy with Dante blood. How convenient for you to align yourself with his father's family when it suits you."
He has some nerve. He made the deal with Lorenzo that put me in the Dante home. "That's not what?—"
"All these years away from Luca Dante," he continues, cutting me off. "Now suddenly, you welcome him back with open arms. You spread your legs again for him despite knowing what his return has cost us. What it's cost you."
My heart pounds. "What are you implying?"
"I'm not implying anything, Katerina. I'm stating facts." His voice hardens. "You've chosen your bed partner over your blood. Over your people."
"You don't know anything?—”
"I know he abandoned you once already. I know he killed your brother without hesitation. And I know about this affliction that causes captives to sympathize with their captors. Stockholm syndrome, I believe it's called."
Anger flares hot in my chest. "I'm not a captive." Except I am.
I’ve tried to convince myself that Lorenzo had some affection for me and Enzo.
That the Dante family respects me. But Maksim is right.
"Aren't you? Look at your situation objectively. The Dantes have you isolated. They've turned you against your own brother. And now Luca has you believing he's your protector when his very presence puts you and your son in the crosshairs."
I swallow hard, hating that he’s right.
"Consider your priorities carefully," Maksim continues. "Is Luca Dante's bed worth your son's safety? Worth your life? Because that's the choice you're making."
Terror snakes through me. "You want me to betray him."
"I want peace," Maksim counters smoothly. "And revenge. Luca Dante has killed many of our men. Blood demands blood. You know our ways."
I stare at the dark garden beyond the terrace, my mind racing through impossible scenarios.
Luca, who fought through an army of Bratva to save our son.
Luca, whose hands killed my brother but also cradle Enzo with such tenderness.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then we take matters into our own hands." His tone grows colder. "And in war, Katerina, there are always casualties. Children included."
My blood freezes. "You wouldn't?—"
"I would do whatever necessary to restore balance." He pauses, I’m sure to let the impact of his words sink in. "Think of your son. Think of what Luca's presence has already cost you. One life for many, including Enzo's."
Through the glass doors, I can see Luca pacing, glancing in my direction. The man I've loved, hated, and loved again. The man I need to sacrifice to save my son.
"I need time," I whisper.
"Twenty-four hours," Maksim concedes. "After that, the choice will no longer be yours. And don’t think about telling anyone. If you do, Enzo will pay. We have eyes everywhere.”
