Page 4 of Bound in Possession

The text names her as Massimo Caruso's fourth daughter, tying her value to massive weapons financing, premium port access, and deep Italian-American influence.

Viktor notices my sudden interest, a greasy smile stretching across his face. "Ah, so the ice man finally has a pulse. Do you like this one, Maksim?"

I force my face to remain deadpan, cutting my eyes to him. "I don’t have an interest in marrying, Viktor. And even if I did, this is the last place I would ever pick a bride."

Viktor's smile only widens. He turns his gaze back to the stage, his eyes darkening. "Good. Because Camilla is the one I came here to claim."

A sudden rush of something tight and dark hits my chest, but I don't confront it. I keep my voice completely flat. "Why her?"

"The Carusos are a powerful Italian family. I want to be aligned with them," Viktor says, leaning forward as if sharing a secret. "Plus, everyone knows Massimo Caruso is incredibly strict with his daughters. I am certain the little bitch is a virgin, and I have a thing for violent sex with virgins. Their blood turns me the fuck on."

A wave of pure disgust hits me so hard I can feel it in my jaw. I am no saint, but this piece of shit is completely undisciplined. I slide out of my seat and rise.

"I have to leave now," I say, adjusting my suit jacket. "We can postpone the meeting."

Viktor looks up, startled, then lets out a heavy sigh. "Come on, Maksim. Bidding doesn't start for another hour. We can have our meeting right now."

I look down at him for a long, silent second. If I leave now, I lose the chance to see what he's planning. I give a short nod. "Fine."

I follow Viktor as he leads the way out of the auction room and down the hall into another private room to finally look at his damn numbers.

We sit across from each other at a polished mahogany table, and as Viktor lays out the specific logistics of his proposal, my disgust only deepens.

He wants full access to my Eastern European arms financing channels and smuggling pipelines, but his plan is a goddamn mess. His security protocols are practically nonexistent, and his cybercrime banking fronts are so sloppy they might as well be an open invitation for a federal raid. He is reckless, undisciplined, and a liability to anyone who does business with him.

"Your routing numbers go through three major banks that are already under watch," I say, closing the folder with a sharp snap. "And your pipelines intersect with turf that is heavily contested. The risk outweighs the reward, Viktor. I am out."

I refuse his proposed collaboration with calm finality.

Viktor freezes, the ugly scowl on his face flashing for a split second before he forces a greasy smile back into place. He leans back, waving a hand dismissively.

"Come on, Maksim. Don't be so rigid. Those banks are a temporary fix. We can route the first two quarters through Cyprus. The infrastructure is already there. You provide the muscle and the channels, and I guarantee you fifty percent of the net profit. That's higher than anyone else in the city will offer you."

"My decision is final," I say, my voice flat, unyielding. "I am not risking my networks on a sloppy operation."

Viktor’s forced smile strains at the edges, his eyes darkening. "Sixty percent, then. I will take the brunt of the logistics risk. Look at the bigger picture here. An alliance between our families cements our hold on the entire seaboard."

"I am no longer interested in doing business with you at all, Viktor. At any percentage."

I look at the desperation radiating off him, confirming the rumors floating around the underworld. Word on the street is that Viktor is bleeding funds and going broke. Seeing him scramble like this proves it.

Originally, I was willing to overlook his financial strain; despite his money issues, Viktor is still the commander of our rival Bratva, and a strategic alliance like that might have proven beneficial to keep the peace. But after seeing his disgusting, undisciplined reaction to the women on the stage, coupled with his reckless attitude right now? I am scraping this entire deal. I am leaving.

Viktor’s greasy mask instantly cracks. The fake smile vanishes, his face twisting into a dark, ugly scowl. He slams his glass down on the table, liquid splashing over the rim.

"You think you're untouchable, Maksim?" he snarls, leaning over the table, his breath foul. "If you don't open those channels for me, I will make sure your shipping lines start bleeding money. Your supply lines will burn. And don't think your family is safe in Brighton Beach either. I know exactly where your people sleep."

My blood runs cold, but I don't let a single flicker of emotion show on my face. Threatening my business is one thing. Threatening my family is a death sentence.

As he glares at me, I realize something without Viktor even having to say it. If this piece of shit wins Camilla Caruso tonight, that new alliance with her father will help him build a massive empire—one he will immediately use to launch an all-out attack against the Sokolovs. Letting Viktor have that girl would give him dangerous leverage that I cannot allow him to possess.

I rise slowly to my feet, making my decision silently. Camilla Caruso is no longer just a girl on a stage; she is the key to preventing a war on my own turf.

“Very well, then, Viktor.” I stay calm. “Then I guess the battle line has been drawn.”

CHAPTER THREE

MAKSIM