For a moment, I think he's going to turn around and leave without saying anything. His eyes close briefly. When he opens them, he puts his hand to my cheek.
"I will be back."
I watch as both men get into the car and drive off, left to wonder if this is the way things will always be between us. Though I don’t know exactly what “this” is.
My hands find my middle, pressing there instinctively.
If I'm going to be the kind of mother this child needs, I'm going to have to figure out exactly how I fit into their father's life.
If I do at all.
19
MATVEI
The room has no windows. That's the way we designed it.
I sit at the head of the long, cherry-wood table, polished to a high finish. Instead of heading the proceedings today, I am the focus of them.
Evgeny and I trailed Samson around the city, my rage simmering, my desire to simply kill the bastard and return home to Sonya instead of watching, waiting, and collecting information consuming me.
This inquiry pushes my anger to another level entirely. I could have failed to show up, my absence standing as my simple answer to the other syndicates. I could have threatened reprisal if they dared question me.
But the fact that they're calling this tribunal means my power is in danger of slipping. Which makes me angry, and I’m already in a foul mood from the constant ache in my shoulder and being called here at all.
Somehow, the other syndicates have learned of my recent business deals. They can’t know too much because no onebesides Evgeny knows the whole of it. I created a web too complicated, even key people knowing only what they need to.
My gut is telling me this has to do with the torching of my warehouse. No way the two aren't connected. I'm almost positive I know who's behind it. But I need proof first.
If I had refused to join instead of clearing things up now, there's a good chance suspicion would land on my relationship with Sonya. She is carrying my child, the heir to my empire.
I can't let Sonya and the baby become targets.
The other heads of the Chicago Bratva watch me, their expressions ranging from anger to disturbance to anxiety, especially among the heads of the smaller families—thosewho owe quite a lot to me.
In fact, everyone in this room owes quite a lot to me.
Finally, Vasily, his scarred face frightening, clears his throat. "Matvei, I think you know why we called you here."
I lean back in my chair, cross one leg over the other, and study each face, especially those who won't look me in the eye. "Do I?"
"We're here because of the disturbing rumors that have been circulating. Rumors claiming that you’re trying to make your businesses legitimate, betraying thevory v zakone."
My laugh is derisive. "Is that really all you have, Vasiliy? Rumors?"
"They're not just rumors," Grigoriy snaps. He's tall, thin, and gaunt, his cheeks and eyes sunken in, making him look like an animated corpse.
"I've managed to substantiate the fact that several of your dealings lately have been moving into other markets. Legitimate markets."
I stare himdown. "And why does that bother you, Grigoriy? Because it's legitimate? Or because I've discovered yet another revenue stream that you're too dense to come up with yourself?"
Finally, some color appears on his face, his cheeks turning a pale pink. "You know you won the vote forpakhanof the Volkov’s by very slim margins, Matvei. There are those of us who wanted your brother instead, even though he was young, because he would have deepened theBratva'shold on the city. He would have shown the Italians and the Irish where they belong in the hierarchy."
"My brother? You mean the bastard who comes from a disgraced Italian mob family?"
"No matter where he comes from and despite the fact that Piotr barely acknowledged him, Samson has still been able to build strong alliances on his own." A nasty sneer appears on Grigoriy’s face as he finishes the sentence.
"Samson has illegal dealings and a slippery tongue. Don't tell me his fast-talking nonsense has won you over. Have you really fallen for his bullshit?" I taunt. "My father chose me for a reason. Did you truly respect my father, as you say? Or were you merely cozying up to his power and influence?"
