My oldest brother's expression is unreadable, but I see he’s considering this outrageous proposal.
"I need to speak with my sister," Alessandro says. "In private."
Maksim nods, his eyes never leaving me. "Of course. Family matters."
Once the Russians exit, Adriano explodes. "We're not sending her to that monster! We should end this right now," he continues. "I'll take care of Maksim myself. One bullet. Problem solved."
"And start a war that will bleed us dry?" Alessandro's voice is ice.
My mind races through calculations.
Soldiers lost, vulnerable territories, families we protect who would be caught in the crossfire.
I think of Luca, how he took a bullet rescuing Katerina, how he's still fighting to recover.
He threw himself into hell to protect family.
A family who rejected him, and yet he was still here for us.
"I'll do it," I hear myself say.
Both brothers turn to me, shock visible even on Alessandro's usually impassive face.
"Valentina, no—" Adriano starts.
"We need this alliance," I cut him off. "We're vulnerable right now. Another war would destroy everything Papa built."
"You don't know what you're saying," Adriano argues. "The things I've heard about Maksim?—"
"I know exactly what I'm saying." My voice grows stronger with resolve even though I’m terrified. "I'm a Dante. This is what we do. We sacrifice for family."
I turn to Alessandro, straightening my spine. "But understand this. I'm not going as a helpless bride. I'm going as your eyes and ears inside the Bratva. As an asset."
“That’s a death sentence for sure.” Adriano shakes his head.
"You don't have to do this," Alessandro says quietly.
I think of Luca's body, broken and bleeding.
Of the funeral processions for our soldiers.
Of the children left fatherless in families under our protection.
"Yes," I say firmly. "I do."
Alessandro holds my gaze for a long moment. "Fine." He exhales slowly. "But I want conditions."
Adriano slams his fist on the table. "This is insanity! You can't seriously?—"
"Enough." Alessandro silences him. "Valentina has made her choice."
Turning to me, he adds in a softer tone, "I'll make sure you have protection. Eyes watching you at all times."
"And what good will that do if she's already in his grasp?" Adriano's voice is tight with fury. "You know what happened to his last wife."
I swallow hard.
Everyone in our world knows those rumors.
