Page 111 of Betrothed
He nodded, glancing at me. “You are lucky to be alive. Are you certain the Ghost was responsible?”
“I’m not certain of anything,” I admitted. “But if he was, then it proves he’s not working alone.”
“Any idea of the identities of the men involved?” Kazimir turned his attention to Dante.
“Cormac handled checking the body, but from what he told me, there was no wallet, the only distinguishing marks a couple meaningless tattoos. No true identifiers.” Dante stood, moving closer.
“The two men I shot initially could have been almost any nationality. One was blond. One had dark hair,” I added.
“And the ones who attacked you last night?”
Kazimir wasn’t a stupid man. He was well aware of what had gone down but he wanted me to share the news.
Only Vivian stepped in before I had a chance. “I believe my uncle, who is Sean McCarthy, reneged on a promise he made to me and tried to have Kirill killed. The Bratva are a direct threat to my uncle’s regime. He even mentioned it at my sister’s wedding in Rome over a week ago.”
“She enjoys prowling darkened halls obtaining information that could be considered dangerous to her health,” I threw in.
“I’m no fool, Kirill. I’m well aware of how dangerous discovery can be, but I refuse to live in a black box where I’m not allowed to make decisions for my life, which is why after much consideration, I’ve determined it’s in my best interest and that of both Kirill and the Bratva here and in Moscow to get married.”
Kazimir was thoroughly confused, even scratching his head. “I don’t think I understand. Who exactly are you getting married to?”
“Kirill. I asked him to marry me and while he’s still considering it, I’m fairly certain I can twist his arm.”
Stash stopped only a foot away, almost dropping the drinks.
Rafaela slapped her hand over her mouth, although the entire room could still hear her squeal.
Kazimir cocked his head, blinking several times as he stared at me.
And Dimitri, well, as expected, he was grinning.
But Dante’s reaction was the best of all. He pumped his fist. “I knew it. I just knew it. When I saw the two of you together, I had no doubt you were lovebirds.” He instantly paled. “I meant no disrespect, Doctor Hamilton. Please accept my apology.”
“In case no one has told you, Dante, I’m not like my uncle or my father. I do what I want, when I want.” Vivian turned toward me, lifting a single eyebrow. Questioning me as she always had and I suspected always would.
“Sounds like someone else we know,” Kazimir said and finally laughed. “If you wouldn’t mind, explain to me what you’re thinking.”
“My uncle is in an alliance with the Savoy Cosa Nostra, sealing it with the marriage of my sister Nikki to Enzo, the firstborn son rumored to be taking over for his father within the year. I overheard them discussing expansion plans, including using the Savoys’ Italian connections to handle the resale of illegal arms. No one is aware that my uncle began divesting his business over a year ago to include them. In truth, the Italians are going to bring wine and olive oil to the United States. Along with some high dollar party favors. Instead of utilizing the businesses they currently own to launder money, they’re going to do so by purchasing a major oil and gas company. No, I don’t know which one, but I’m certain I can find that out.”
The room was silent. So was I. She was extremely valuable as an asset. Imagine my lovely Vivian as the enemy.
“I can see why you want to marry her.” Stash whistled and handed off the drinks. “Other than just her extreme beauty.”
I gave him a harsh glare before pulling the glass to my lips. Stash was definitely coming out of his shell. “You’re certain of this,” I said to her.
“I am. If I’d had more time, I was going to check on which oil company, but that should be easy enough to find since there are regulatory implications with such a sale.” She stared into her wine, but only briefly.
“So what are you suggesting?” Kazimir asked, more amused than I’d seen him in a long time.
“An alliance bonded by marriage,” I stated for her.
“And what makes you think Sean McCarthy will go for it? They could simply talk to their Italian buddies and try and wipe out the New York Bratva,” Dimitri threw out, his concern notable.
“Because my uncle is many things including greedy. I will guess you have more clout, more power, more influence, and more money. Plus, I have a feeling the Savoys could be playing him as a fool.”
I did so adore hearing her act as if she was boss. Not of a household but of a regime. She’d learned much in her position as the niece of a powerful man.
“Playing him how?” Stash asked, completely enthralled by her.
