Like this greenhouse, for instance. Zakhar might think he was smart to renovate, but my grandfather kept this area barren because the sewer is one of the few underground entrances into the fortress. By building a structure around it, intruders are harder to spot.
“As you can see, we’ve added on to the size of the gardens as well. I considered having the wedding here. It’s beautiful enough, and having the ceremony within our walls limits the risk of ambush…But your cousin was adamant about having it in a church. And I do agree with his point. This marriage needs to beseen. Your grandfather’s passing of the torch to me was the first sign of union between our two families, but this wedding…This will do away with any doubt that the Zadorov family is the powerhouse of Russia.”
“He wanted to have the wedding in their fortress, but I convinced him to have it in the church. It’s a risky move, but his ego won the better of him, just like I assumed it would. He wants the world to know he’s finally taken over the Taranov Bratva. Fortunately for us, his ego will be his downfall. With him and his top men out of the compound, it will be much easier to get our men in. And the church I chose is perfect for hiding Taranov soldiers as well. It’s technically within his territory, but one of my oldest friends is the patriarch. He’s already preparing for us.”
“Yes, Ivan told me about how important the church will be to symbolize this union between our families. He was so ready to get out and live his life that he was willing to hand things over to awoman. But I think he knew all along you had a match for me, didn’t he?” I purr.
Zakhar chuckles, and again, I have to remind myself not to kill him here and now. “Yes, I offered for Oleg to take his place years ago when he started to look toward retirement. I was surprised his own son didn’t want the mantel, but to each their own. It’s not every day an arrangement like this one falls into your lap. He’s lucky Oleg wasn’t already married…Speaking of which, have you gotten the dress fittings all settled? I know it’s short notice, and well, you’re much larger than the average woman here. My mistress recommended we go big so thatour seamstress would have as much material to work with as possible.”
“Thatis your dress?” Misha holds up the monstrosity with wide eyes before losing himself in laughter. “How big do they think you are? Mila, please tell me you aren’t wearing this shit.”
“Yeah, it was about six sizes too big. And the extra ruffles add on twice the material too. But yes, asshole, I’m wearing the giant dress with a hundred different places for me to hide weapons. They think they’re being funny, but this is the best thing that could’ve happened…plan A as far as dresses are concerned.”
“How many different dress plans did you have?”
“Six,” I deadpan, shivering at the thought of plan F.
“Yes, of course the fittings have gone spectacularly. You have the most wonderful seamstress. I’m sure you can see how difficult it must be for me to find clothes that fit properly. I’ve gone through dozens of tailors, but they all struggle. Gladys did an incredible job, though. I hope you don’t mind if she comes with Oleg and me to New York. I’m going to need her, especially for the moredelicategarments.” I wink.
“Of course, pussycat. It can be an extra wedding gift.”
“Ivan, what will happen if we succeed? Taking out the Zadorov family, as well as the other heads involved with their outfit, will leave too big a hole, and you know it. If you’re retired and I’m running New York, who’s going to monitor this? Someone is going to fill that, whether we like it or not. And what if they are worse than the others?”
“We have other family in Russia, dear, and they share the values you and I do. My father and yours had another brother by the name of Alexei. He was the oldest and the heir to the Russian branch. He didn’t agree with your grandfather’s regime. By that time, my father was already the established Pakhan in New York, and your father in Thunder Bay. Alexeihad three sons, and your Grandfather assumed they would make a better choice of heir than their father, but he needed something temporary. A regent, if you will. Zakhar was young and ambitious and just the strand of evil your grandfather enjoyed.
“He was never supposed to take over this branch permanently, but when your grandfather died, Zakharsent out death warrants for Alexei and his sons. Alexei turned himself in, but his sacrifice allowed his family to escape. They took refuge with us in New York for several years. I was closer to them than my own siblings. After a while, it became dangerous for them to remain at our compound. They were old enough to care for themselves and all scattered in the wind to different states within America. I kept in touch, though. The three of them agreed to take this role together, in order to rule this branch as more of a democracy than a dictatorship.”
“Extra? Oh, I have a feeling I’m going to leave with more than enough already.”
Chapter 38
“And this isyour room!”
Ellie opens the door to reveal a beautifully decorated room in the west wing of their compound. The estate isn’t as large as the one in New York, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in elegance. As fun as the red latex is in my bedroom, and Mila’s, it’s a breath of fresh air to be staying in more modern surroundings. The soft blues and beige wood give off a beachy vibe, fitting for a city like Thunder Bay.
“What do you think?”
“It’s fantastic, but you didn’t have to go to all this trou—”
“Oh, don’t mention it. We had it fixed up for you as soon as we moved in. It was one of the first changes Teddy made.”
I give Ellie a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, then turn my attention to Teddy with the cheesiest grin I can muster. “You were thinking about me, huh?”
“Whatever, man,” Teddy mumbles, rolling his eyes.
He never sees my tackle coming, and even if I don’t quite get him to the ground, I still squeeze him in the tightest hug I can manage. “Nah, admit it. You were thinking about me.”
“I’m going to give you two lovers some privacy,” Ellie giggles. “Let me know if you need anything.”
The moment the door closes, I plop on the bed, noticing how comfortable the mattress is. This ismuchbetter than the bed in New York. “So, how’s life?”
Teddy lowers down onto a chair beside the bed with a raised brow. “I’ve been with you all afternoon. I’ve told you how life is.”
“Yeah, yeah, but we were withthe Santori brothers.It’s not like you canreallyget into things with them around.”
“Jesus, what kind of things do you think I’ve been up to?”
“Um, their sister for one—”
