Chapter 21
Kirill
“How indulgent,” Vivian whispered as she nuzzled into my neck.
“Fucking in a hospital room or you climbing into bed with me?” I still had a grin on my face even if my thoughts had turned deadly.
She lifted her head to study my eyes. “Both.” As she lifted her arm to look at her watch, I noticed it was after three.
I rubbed her arm and pulled her even closer. “I assume your uncle is none too thrilled you’re caring for a Russian.”
“No, he’s not. But I don’t care.”
“He didn’t threaten me?” I laughed because there was a small part of me that hoped he would.
“I asked him to leave you alone.”
“Why?”
Vivian’s deep breath and faraway look was an indication of how difficult her life had been with her family. “Because I care about you.”
“You should care about your uncle and your father. I understand how difficult your life has been, but families are important. I want you happy.”
“Your family is the Bratva.”
She was right. “Yes, they are.”
“What about your mother and father?”
“They’re no longer alive.”
“Were they happy together?”
The question was difficult to answer. “Things in Russia are different than in America. But yes, they were happy with each other and with what they had.”
“So not an arranged marriage.”
“Why does it sound like you’re fishing?” She shrugged in response.
“No, not an arranged marriage, one that angered both sets of parents. My father didn’t come from the best family, considered a criminal to most. But he and Mother loved each other and risked angering her father by running away and getting married. ”
“Wow. Did she reconcile with her parents?” she asked while resting her chin on my chest.
“No, they did not. But I was told more than once they’d make the same decision again. That’s how much they loved each other.”
“But you don’t believe in love. You think it’s a weakness.”
I pressed a kiss on the top of her head. “It is. Even now when most crime syndicates form alliances instead of starting wars, weaknesses are the number one reason empires topple.”
“Maybe so, but for most people, love brings joy even through sadness and tragedies.”
“My little dreamer.” She had no idea how love could be used as a tool of revenge. Frustration chewed on my gut, a thick layer of acid forming. Not because of what she was insinuating, but also because of what had to be done.
Being with her was dangerous. And vice versa.
“Do you remember telling me we were to be married? You were about ready to pass out. You were adamant, seething from what you’d discovered about my family.”
“I remember.” At least I could laugh. “And I meant what I said at the time.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t hold you to it.” She offered a sweet smile, her mind already going a million miles an hour. Her giggle was adorable, but full of frustration.
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me. I meant what I said, Vivian. Although I will admit things are complicated.”
“They are, but they always will be.” She sat up, peering down at me, her expression full of contemplation.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think about what you said, the accusations made and at the same time to reflect on my life.
” When I started to interrupt, she placed her fingers on my lips. “Let me finish.”
Smiling, I managed to kiss her fingers, which prompted another eye roll.
“Someone brought us together for a reason and I think we both know I was meant to surface as your weakness and in no time, it worked. If this is about the Ghost and his vendetta on your found family, then he’s already winning.”
“How so?”
“He’s changing how you handle your business and what you think about your personal life. I will guess his attempt altered the Pakhan’s behavior both professionally and personally. Didn’t it?”
I thought about Kazimir leaving his own home. “It did. So what do you suggest?”
“That we fight fire with fire. An old American saying. I was almost engaged once. Four years ago. Gabriel Lorenzo. Does the name ring a bell?”
I lifted my head. Hearing the information was surprising. “Italian mafia. One of the five families.”
“Evidently, although I thought he’d left the family regime.
My uncle decided now would be the appropriate time to break the news.
This was years ago right after I graduated from medical school.
We had a whirlwind romance when I lived in North Carolina.
Anyway, we got very close and he wanted to celebrate with a vacation.
We arrived and everything was wonderful.
He had business to handle, or so he told me.
He was on his way back from some business engagement and I had feeling he was going to ask me to marry him.
He was involved in a horrific accident and never made it back.
The authorities tried to say he died in the crash, but he’d called me to say he was headed back.
While we were on the phone, I heard the shots.
He was murdered. The car went over a ravine and burst into flames.
There was nothing left to prove my suspicions.
My instinct told me he’d been murdered but no one would believe me. ”
“Christ.”
“My dear uncle just told me the truth, thinking I needed to know. The man I thought I’d loved had been using me.
My gut had told me something was off, but I refused to follow my instincts.
Is that what you’re going to do? Use me to hunt down the Ghost or to enhance your family’s wealth then toss me aside? ”
Her frankness was refreshing.
And damning.
This time as I took her hand into mine, she didn’t try to pull away, allowing me to fist our fingers together and pull hers to my mouth.
As I pressed kisses against her knuckles, she trembled visibly.
“No, Vivian. I won’t use you for anything nor will I force you into doing anything you don’t want. ”
“I’m glad to hear it. Because I think we should get married.
In fact, I think that will draw out the Ghost. We make a splash of the wedding.
If your instincts are right and he is Kazimir’s brother, then he wants you to be miserable.
The knife attack failed and in turn, I saved your life.
You know he’s already been made aware of the news. ”
She was right.
“Keep going.” Maybe I’d been all wrong about the stunning doctor, except that I could tell her wheels were churning. Going behind my back and talking with her uncle had been reckless.
And bold.
“In fact,” she pushed. “We get married and lure him in. Even better, we’ll have the wedding in New York.
Maybe at the hotel you mentioned. Just a few friends and family.
It will send a message to these Italians.
And to anyone who might be working with the Ghost. To my family.
To the Russians. How often have Russians and Irishmen been forced to form an alliance?
” She was far too excited about the possibilities.
“You tell my uncle an alliance is the only acceptable alternative to taking over his territory. Whether or not you plan on doing that is up to you.”
Her idea wasn’t a bad one. The Ghost had used a lure. Why not the other way around? “You do know what you’re suggesting is dangerous.”
“Of course I do, but think about everything that happened. Neither you nor Kazimir are supposed to be happy. The baby’s christening.
Me. If this is Kazimir’s brother, he won’t like what’s happened or what could happen.
If it’s not and this is all a power play, then maybe it’s time for the Russians to consider having an alliance in the United States.
I can tell you this. The Savoy Cosa Nostra isn’t thrilled about the Bratva. ”
“And how do you know this?”
She laughed. “I told you. I have keen observation skills and my ability to listen in on private conversations is pretty good too.”
Her smile was as coy as I’d seen.
“Your idea is worth considering. But only after I get the hell out of here. And you need to stop meddling.”
“Meddling? I don’t meddle.”
“Uh-huh. Yes, you do.” Her knowledge was worth its weight in gold.
Her huff was one I’d grown used to. She backed away, holding up her hands and shrugging.
“I tell you what. I’ll go finish the paperwork and email it to discharge.
When the morning team comes in, it’ll be waiting for them.
By nine, you’ll be out of here. That’s the best I can do, mister. Take it or leave it.”
“You drive a hard bargain, American girl.”
“Good to see your nicknames are getting more creative. I was beginning to wonder.” She moved to the door, throwing it open and instantly, her body froze.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. Neither one of your men are out here.”
That was it. I should have been paying attention to my gut. “Get away from the door.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
I threw back the covers, climbing out of bed. Fuck, I was woozier than I thought. “Just do it.”
“Jesus. You’re scaring me.” She rushed by my side, putting her arm around me.
“Where are my gun and clothes?”
“Why?”
Pulling away, I cupped her face. “Answer me. At least one man is supposed to be outside that door at all times. There is something wrong. Now, tell me.”
“In the closet. I have your weapon in my purse.” She pointed, obviously distressed. “Why don’t I call security?”
“Do you want anyone else hurt?” I yanked off my gown as I took two long strides toward the closet, keeping an eye on the door. Very quickly, I yanked on my trousers. “I also need a phone.”
I pulled on my shirt and shoes while she tried to wander closer to the door. When I pulled her away, she set her jaw. “I brought yours from the house. Maybe it’s nothing.”
“Maybe, but I’m going to check it out. Get my weapon.”
Nodding, she moved quickly, grabbing her purse from the closet. When he handed it to me, she was shaking.