Page 75 of The Enemy Protector
“What the fuck is this?” Yuri demands, gesturing between Sofia and me.
“A wedding reception,” I reply. “Would you like some champagne?”
His face darkens. “You married her.”
“Observant.”
“My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail,” Yuri says.
“It didn’t,” Sofia replies.
Yuri chuckles. “I suppose congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
No one moves. This isn’t over.
“When I heard the news, I had to come see for myself.” He looks at Sofia, and I see the calculation in his eyes. “I’m happy for you, cousin. Marriage is a big step. I imagine you’ll be quite busy now—settling into your new life, supporting your husband’s operations.”
I feel Sofia stiffen beside me.
“I’ll work with Mikhail to ensure there is a smooth transition,” Yuri says. “We should get together sometime next week to go over some of those contracts. I was told you had changed the passwords. We’ll take care of that. Are you taking a honeymoon?”
“No,” Sofia answers.
“Oh, come on, Sokolov, you can spare a week to take your new bride on a honeymoon.”
“No, you will not go over contracts,” Sofia says. “I’m still running the Baranov bratva. I’m still my father’s heir. The only difference is now I have an ally. A very powerful ally.”
Yuri looks like he’s been slapped. “No.”
“I don’t know what would make you think you have a claim to my throne.”
That’s my wife.
Something dark and satisfied moves through me.
“You’re a child playing dress-up,” Yuri sneers.
“And you’re a man who flew across the world to steal something that was never yours,” Sofia shoots back.
I see the rage flash across Yuri’s face. He takes a step toward her, and I move without thinking. My hand is on his chest before he can get closer.
“Careful,” I say quietly. The word carries enough menace to stop him cold.
He looks at my hand, then at my face. “You’re making a mistake, Sokolov.”
"No. You're about to make one." I lean in slightly, dropping my voice so only he can hear. "Let me be very clear. Any further attempts on Sofia's life are a direct insult to me. Touch her again and you'll spend whatever time you have left wondering when. Not if. When."
“You can’t protect her forever.”
“Forever is longer than you have.”
Yuri jerks away from my hand. He’s breathing hard, trying to regain some control. Some dignity.
“The deal is off,” he announces loudly enough for everyone to hear. “The partnership. All of it. Off.”
I smile. Can’t help it. “We never had a deal, Yuri. I never agreed to your proposal. You assumed. That’s your problem, not mine.”
