Page 116 of Violent Pawn

The other week during AA, Giovanni asked us to recount the moment we felt the need to drink, to abuse the flavour of alcohol and make it our lifeline. The irony once again was in his name. The cursed eight letters that encompass all of my shame.

Then we were asked to consider why we’re trying to break the habit. The single force driving us, whether it be health, a person, ourselves, or something else in life.

Anastasia. She’s what filled my mind.

We were instructed to consider the two together, and how they intersect. And it dawned on me. There was nothing worth retribution for Capo Giovanni’s death when my relationship with Anastasia was threatened. The moment we got close, making her my every waking thought, was when I should have given the game up.

Fucking group therapy.

“It’s fine,” I grind out, finally answering Zeno. Fine doesn’t define the kick in my stomach when she stared back. Fine doesn’t describe the skip of my heart, and how everything else in the world disappeared. For a moment, life made sense. I had purpose. Reason.

All pointed to her.

“She texted me,” I admit on the way to the exit. “She asked why I was in Moscow, so I told her the truth.”

“And?”

“Nothing. Said I’d see her at the wedding. Anyway, the shipment is locked up with Russian authorities, which is annoying but at least they’re located, so that’ll be the end.” I step around him for my car. “I’ll text you the names of the girls’ guard detail when I’m finished.”

I’m half tempted to join them because if harm comes to any of them, I’ll fucking rampage.

Vanessa because she’s Zeno’s future.

Katya because she lived through hell already.

Serafina because she’s my sister, my mini-Mancini.

Anastasia because she’ll always be mine, no matter what. Whether she wants to be or not, I’ll look out for her, protect her, and support her endeavours.

If something happens to Vanessa, Katya, or Serafina, I’ll tear the city apart.

But if Anastasia is harmed, I’ll light the world on fire and dance on the ashes of the people who tried to take her from me.

Then I’d hand her a torch and let her finish the job.

57

ANASTASIA

Vanessa will be the first Pakhan in history to not have their wedding in Moscow. It was a decision she came to early in the planning. For one, Gabriella took charge since Vanessa didn’t want to, and it felt cruel to drag the woman to Moscow where her nightmares could return as memories. Then, with the Five Families and Commission all in attendance, it was easier for the handful of us to travel to Italy than to allow them onto our territory.

When the Bratva jet lands in Rome, I’m last out of my seat, my legs not holding me steady until a few steps down the aisle. The trip began stupidly early, and no nap during the trip was restful. Sluggish, I trail behind the others who are being greeted by the sun through the door the flight crew lowers.

More staff unload our suitcases, as well as the boxes and bags that make up Vanessa’s wedding apparatus, and start packing them into one of two waiting SUVs.

Beside the second one, Zeno’s Captain, Elio, props open the passenger door. “Signora Volkov and guests. Zeno requested I take you to his home.”

“Elio, please, it’s Vanessa. Is he there?” She glows brighter than the sun with her question. I find myself paying attention because if Zeno is at the villa, there’s a good chance Nero will be too.

Elio shakes his head. “He’s at Nero’s house. Speaking of which…” He shifts his attention towards Lev and Dimitri—the former who scowls. “I’m to drive you both there later.”

“Why?” my brother grumbles as he helps Serafina into the back seat.

“Gabriella is old-fashioned,” Elio replies, offering his hand to assist Vanessa into the front. “She sees value in the couple being apart the night before.”

Vanessa glances at me over her shoulder and rolls her eyes. “He mentioned as much, but I hoped he’d stay home until we got there. He said after their malchishnik—bachelor party,” she adds for Serafina, “he’ll be spending the night at Nero’s papa’s place. We’ll have the villa alone.”

Elio takes the driver’s seat once we’re all settled and buckled up. Lev and Serafina sit in the far back, while I’m in the middle row with Dimitri and Katya.