Page 78 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

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EMIL

"He's been using his police credentials to access files," Luca says, standing in front of my desk with a folder in his hands. "He's made inquiries with the FBI, DEA, and local organized crime units. He's asking questions about our operations, our businesses, our associates."

I lean back in my chair, fingers steepled under my chin. "How long has this been going on?"

"Since the honor fight. Maybe before." Luca opens the folder and slides a stack of papers across my desk. "He's been careful, but not careful enough. One of our contacts in the department flagged it."

I scan the documents. Jack Walker has been busy. Too busy. He's violated our agreement, one of the main conditions I set for allowing Kiera's brothers to remain in her life without interference.

"He's putting himself at risk," I say quietly. "If the wrong people find out he's digging into Bratva business, they won't wait for my permission to act."

"I know." Luca's expression is grim. "The council won't tolerate a cop investigating us, Pakhan. Not even if he's your future brother-in-law."

"Fuck." I rub my hand over my face, feeling the weight of this situation pressing down on me. "How much does he know?"

"Enough to be dangerous. Not enough to do real damage yet." Luca pauses. "But if he keeps going, he'll find things that can't be ignored."

I'm about to respond when my office door slams open.

Kiera storms in, her blue eyes blazing with fury. She's still wearing the clothes from dinner, her red hair slightly disheveled like she's been running her hands through it. She looks beautiful and terrifying all at once.

"What are you planning to do about my brother?" she demands, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Luca glances at me, and I nod. He steps back, giving us space but remaining in the room. This is Bratva business, and he needs to hear whatever agreement we reach.

"Close the door," I tell her.

"No."

"Kiera. Close the fucking door."

She hesitates, then reaches back and shoves it closed with more force than necessary. The sound echoes through the office.

"Jack better not be harmed," she says, taking a step toward my desk. "I'm warning you right now, Emil. If anything happens to him⁠—"

"Sit down."

"I don't want to sit down. I want to know what you're planning."

I stand, moving around the desk to face her. She doesn't back away, doesn't flinch, just lifts her chin and meets my gaze with that stubborn defiance I see all too often.

"Your brother is investigating me," I say flatly. "Using his police credentials to access confidential files, making inquiries with federal agencies, and asking questions about my business operations."

"So?"

"So he violated our agreement. The condition I set for allowing your family to remain in your life was that they stay out of my business. Jack isn't staying out of it. He's diving in headfirst."

Her jaw tightens. "He's worried about me."

"He's putting himself in danger." I take a step closer, and she holds her ground. "If the wrong people find out a cop is investigating Bratva operations, they won't ask my permission before they act. They'll eliminate the threat."

"Then tell them not to."

"It doesn't work that way, Kiera. I'm the Pakhan, but I'm not a dictator. There are rules, protocols, and traditions. If Jack keeps digging, eventually, someone will decide he knows too much and is too great a risk to the family and our operations. And when that happens, I won't be able to protect him."

She stares at me, and I can see the fear beneath her anger. "What are you saying?"