Just enough to enhance my features without looking overdone.
When I finally slip into the emerald nightgown and step into the heels, I barely recognize myself.
The woman in the mirror looks confident, alluring, powerful.
Not fragile at all.
“He won’t know what hit him,” Elena says with satisfaction.
I survey the bedroom with a critical eye.
The lighting needs to be softer, more intimate.
I dim the overhead lights and arrange candles on the dresser and nightstand.
The bed is already made with fresh sheets, but I add extra pillows, creating an inviting nest.
On the nightstand, I place a bottle of wine for Mikhail and sparkling water for myself.
Music plays softly from the speaker system, something sultry and slow that sets the mood perfectly.
Then I move to the kitchen and survey the dinner Elena had prepared.
The table set with candles, the flickering light adding just the right touch of romance.
Everything is set.
I glance at the clock. 9:15 p.m.
He should be here any minute.
40
MIKHAIL
The conference room reeks of tension and expensive cologne.
I lean back in my chair at the head of the table, studying the faces of the men who’ve served me for years.
Some look nervous.
Others defiant.
All of them are wondering if they backed the right horse when Marco made his play.
“Gentlemen.” My voice cuts through the murmured conversations. “Let’s be clear about where we stand. Marco’s betrayal has been dealt with. Anyone who stood with him has been dealt with. What remains is rebuilding what he tried to destroy.”
Viktor shifts in his seat, his scarred knuckles white as he grips the armrest. “Pakhan, the families are restless. They see weakness?—”
“They see transition.” I interrupt him with a look that makes him swallow his next words. “Marco was my enforcer for years. His betrayal shook the foundation. But foundations can be rebuilt stronger than before.”
I stand, placing my palms flat on the polished mahogany. “I’m appointing Tony Moretti as my new head enforcer.”
The room erupts. Voices overlap, some angry, others shocked. I let them vent for exactly ten seconds before I slam my fist on the table hard enough to rattle the water glasses.
“Enough.” The single word silences them. “Tony has proven his loyalty. He fought beside me against Lorenzo. He took a bullet meant for his sister—my wife. He understands what it means to protect family, and that’s what we are. Family.”
I meet each man’s gaze in turn. “Anyone who has a problem with this decision can leave now. The door is open. But understand that if you walk out, you don’t come back.”
