Chapter 52
Dominic
The drumming of my heart roars in my ears, overpowering my senses. I don’t bother with Cecilia’s breathing exercises; those damn things don’t matter right now. All that matters is finding my wife.
She entered the mansion twenty minutes ago. It’s been too long. We should already be in there. But Pyotr’s been busy ensuring the team freeing the women at the port are under control. Roman and Bash are with them, so I’m not concerned. The Syndicate men will handle it. All I care about is Katerina.
Bloody images of her being overpowered by Viktor or caught after killing him flash through my mind. Each one darker than the previous.
Despite my confidence in my wife’s abilities, so much could go wrong. She’s alone in there. I need to be there. I need to be by her side, keeping her safe.
Pyotr gives me a nod then lets himself in. His men follow behind, walking casually as though they aren’t staging a coup to overthrow their Pakhan.
After an eternity, the melodic ring of a gunshot carries through the air, and I’m inside instantly. My men trail in. Their duty is to take out any men that fight back.
But not me.
My only goal is finding my wife.
I beeline to Viktor’s office. Any man standing between me and my wife goes down. I don’t think before pulling the trigger. Headshot after headshot. I couldn’t give less of a shit about them.
Finally at the wooden doors, I yank them open. Silence fills the room. The still air sends a shiver down my spine.
Looking around, I meet the blank stare of my sworn enemy. His lifeless eyes stare ahead. The horrific scene before me fills me with pride. My wife was able to complete her mission. She’s avenged her mother.
But where is she? If one of these fuckers has her… No mercy will be shown to anyone who touches a hair on her head. Breathing gets difficult as I stress. Where did they take her?
I storm to the door, ready to find my wife, when a soft whimper catches my attention. It comes from behind Viktor’s desk.
Gun in hand, I silently investigate. All thoughts leave my head at the heartbreaking sight before me.
My strong, fierce wife sits in a ball hunched against the wall, her knees to her chest. Her stained hands are wrapped around her legs, getting blood all over her hideous dress. But the part that makes my heart stop is the blank look in her eyes.
She’s staring into the void, not presently here. She hasn’t even registered my presence, and I’m crouched in front of her.
“Tiger, it’s me,” I try softly, but she doesn’t respond. “I’m going to hold you, okay?” Silence meets my words, and I try not to worry.
Wrapping my arms around her, I lift her from her spot and place her in my lap. She struggles against me, but when I whisper in her ear, telling her it’s her husband, she collapses into me.
I hold her tightly to my chest, stroking her back while cradling her head in the crook of my shoulder. When she starts shaking, I worry she’s gone into hysterics and is laughing. Then I realize she’s crying.
My heart cinches. I had my doubts about her killing Viktor. It’s been her life’s mission, I know this. But patricide, even if you despise him, can be destructive. Killing your abuser has to be distressing.
I whisper encouragements in her ear. I tell her how strong and brave she is. That she’s not alone, and I’m right here. That I’ll never leave her. I tell her how proud I am of her. And I assure her that the fight is over. She’s free.
Eventually, her sobs become less frequent. I don’t know if it’s acceptance or exhaustion that has her calming. Either way, I’m relieved.
“I’m not crying because I regret killing him,” her soft voice whispers. “I’m crying out of relief. It’s over. I avenged Мама. He’ll never hurt me, or any other woman, ever again.”
I rub soothing circles on her back, letting her know I’m here.
“I know, Katerina. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now. Your Мама would be very proud of you. Now she’s able to rest in peace.” She snuggles deeper into my chest and wraps her arms around my neck, burrowing into me.
Silently, we cling to each other, basking in each other’s comforting touches.
Eventually, the office door swings open. Pyotr walks in, looking for us. When his gaze lands on his father’s corpse, he staggers backwards. He didn’t know Viktor as the monster he was until recently. This has to be hard on him. I avert my gaze, giving him a moment to mourn.
After a few minutes, he catches my stare and rounds the desk.
“It is done. The women have been freed at the docks and will be taken back to Russia. Your brothers and the Syndicate are all to thank. The disloyal men have been rounded up, and Viktor…” He chokes. “I am now Pakhan, thanks to you.”
“It had to be done. I’m looking forward to working with you.” I don’t acknowledge that we’re now enemies. It doesn’t seem appropriate.
“I want to offer an alliance without any strings. I’d like the Bratva and the Syndicate to be allies instead of enemies. I won’t run it how my father did. We will gladly follow the rules.” Honesty bleeds into his words, and I realize this is a man I can trust.
“I look forward to peace. We will stick to the previous treaty,” I assure him.
“No. I’m absolving that one. We will have a new treaty, one that doesn’t require such sacrifice. I’m releasing you two from the arranged marriage. Get a divorce and be free to marry someone you love. We’ll have peace without it.” His generous smile is a dagger to my heart.
I look down at my wife, but she’s too dazed to process his words. There’s a pit in my stomach. Divorcing Katerina is the last thing I want. Without her, I am lost. Without her, there’s nothing pushing me forward. I can’t lose her.
But I can’t force her to be mine. So many choices have been taken from her. She’s never been truly free. I owe it to her to give her the opportunity.
No matter what she chooses, she’ll always be my wife. She’ll always claim my heart. Even if I have to watch her settle down with another man, she’ll always have my protection.
“I’ll talk to her later. She’s processing what happened,” I tell him.
He nods then leaves the room.
I follow not long after with my wife in my arms. Everything feels so wrong in our world, but everything feels right with her against me.
His offer echoes in my mind as we leave the Bratva house. I can’t even take a full breath.
How can I survive when she leaves me?