Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Dimitry
A few weeks later
S ilence fell as I stepped into the room. I nodded a greeting to the men gathered, but my focus remained fixed on Chernov. The clown wore a stupid grin, radiating so much arrogance it made me want to vomit.
How the fuck had this pathetic excuse for a man ended up as Katherine’s husband? Worse, he had no idea how to appreciate her. I had to admit, knowing I’d just fucked her mere minutes ago while he sat here, oblivious, gave me a certain satisfaction.
I’d invited all the bratva leaders to this meeting, except for Katya's father. I knew the kitten didn’t want him involved.
I took my seat at the head of the table. The other leaders lined either side, with Chernov positioned right next to me.
He smirked, still unaware of the tension simmering in the room, or the fact that his wife was just in the next room, watching us. I couldn’t see Katya through the one-way glass, but knowing she was there added a special thrill.
“So, you finally decided to make amends,” Chernov said, puffing out his chest. “How much of Romanov’s territory did he offer you in exchange for Katherine?”
Hearing her name in his mouth made my blood boil. It sounded vulgar coming from him, and the way he spoke of her, as if she were a possession rather than his wife, disgusted me. This was the woman he had vowed to love, protect, and cherish, and he had failed in every way.
“I’m not interested in making amends,” I said calmly, leaning back in my chair. “I had Katherine lie to you because I knew you’d be too much of a coward to show up otherwise.”
The color drained from his face, and a spark of satisfaction flickered in me. Chernov shot to his feet, darting glances around the room like a cornered animal. For the first time, he seemed to notice my men stationed along the walls, ready to carry out my orders.
The other pachans shifted uneasily in their chairs, exchanging glances. I could see their discomfort.
I’d bent the truth with them, too, telling them this meeting was a final peace talk. But they knew me well enough to trust that I’d keep my word. I’d guaranteed their safety on my territory, and they knew I wasn’t Chernov. If I wanted someone dead, I didn’t rely on cowardly explosions from afar. I’d do the job myself.
“Boris! Igor! Oleg!” Chernov barked, desperation seeping into his voice.
I smiled. He still thought his men were waiting outside, ready to protect him.
“They’re already dead,” I said.
The room grew deathly quiet as the truth sank in. Chernov froze, his face turning ghostly pale. For a moment, I let the silence stretch, enjoying the way he squirmed and trembled, making an even bigger fool of himself in front of everyone.
“Sit,” I ordered coolly, nodding at his chair.
His apple bobbed as he reluctantly obeyed. I scanned the other pachans. Tension rippled through them, but I caught glimpses of amusement in their eyes, especially Maxim’s.
Katya had told me he loathed Chernov, and knowing I had an ally before walking into this room had only bolstered my confidence.
“Look, you can keep my wife and the territory,” Chernov stammered. “I’ll stay out of your business, I swear.”
Spineless idiot.
His sudden change in tone and pathetic attempt at negotiation only deepened my contempt.
“Katherine isn’t an object you can hand over,” I said.
Chernov flinched at the coldness in my tone, his visible panic intensifying. Even so, he had the audacity to roll his eyes.
“Whatever. The point is, I don’t want to escalate this. If keeping her is what you want, fine. I won’t set foot in your territory again.”
“I’m sure you won’t,” I said, a smirk curling my lips. “But as for Katherine, that’s neither your decision nor mine. It’s hers. Why don’t we let her decide?”
I knew the risk in putting this choice in her hands, especially here and now, in front of everyone. One of us, either Chernov or me, would end up completely humiliated.
She could still betray me, still choose him. But I trusted her. I loved her. And I believed her when she had told me she felt the same.
“Katherine,” I called, my gaze fixed on the window, “come here, please.”