Page 31 of Savage Truce

Atanas’ eyebrow lifts, his expression turning serious. “That’s going to shake things up even more in the Bratva.”

Miss Zoya comes in and asks, “Can I serve the usual drinks?”

I glance at Atanas. “Are you okay with vodka?”

“Yes.”

We wait for my housekeeper to pour the drinks, and before she leaves, she mentions, “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

“Thank you.”

Once she’s gone, Atanas asks, “Do you need backup?”

We stare at each other for a moment, then I shake my head. “I have an ace up my sleeve that will make Yegor’s associates calm the fuck down.”

A curious expression settles on his face. “What?”

The alliance between us means a lot to me, but the protective streak Anastasia awakens in me makes me hesitate to talk about her.

Looking more intrigued by the second, Atanas chuckles. “It must be one hell of an ace if you’re reluctant to share it.” He picks up the tumbler and takes a sip before adding, “I’m not about to fuck with our relationship, Rodian. Friends are rare in our world, and your success will be my success.”

Atanas Petkov isn’t known to say things like that lightly. He’s worked his ass off to get where he is today and was one of the first to successfully ward off a war with the Cosa Nostra by forming an alliance with them.

Picking up my vodka, I hold it between us, and once we’ve clinked glasses and each had a sip, I say, “I have Yegor’s granddaughter.”

Surprise flickers over his face. “Christ, I wasn’t aware he had a granddaughter. I assume she’s Yelena’s kid?”

I nod. “But she’s not a kid. Anastasia’s twenty-five…” I take a deep breath, then drop the most important part, “and unmarried.”

Grinning, he lets out a chuckle. “A marriage between you and her would be one hell of a power move.” Agreeing, I incline my head, then he adds, “I better be invited to the wedding.”

“Of course.”

He leans his elbows on the table. “Can I ask a favor?”

“Sure.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “I don’t care who else is invited from the Cosa Nostra, but make sure Raya Torrisi is on the guest list. I know she’s not a capo, but she won’t be able to refuse a direct invite from you.”

My eyebrows lift, and it’s my turn to chuckle as I ask, “Are you interested in her?”

He nods. “But she’s stubborn, so I have to manipulate things to get my way.”

“Then I’ll be more than happy to help.”

Miss Zoya brings in the food and serves fresh black rye bread with butter, beef stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes, sans mushrooms, and pelmeni with a generous dollop of sour cream.

“Enjoy,” she murmurs before coming to me. Leaning down, she whispers near my ear, “Our other guest is awake, and I got her to eat a small bowl of soup.”

“Stay with her,” I order softly, giving my housekeeper a thankful look.

After she leaves, Atanas smiles at the food. “No vegetables. Thank you.”

“You’re going to die of a heart attack,” I mutter. “That’s what my mother would say if she were here right now.”

Laughing, he helps himself to a slice of bread and smears butter over it. “Fuck that shit. I’m strong as an ox.”

“Famous last words.”