Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“Olivier had a change of heart.”
“I hear he’s missing.”
“I wouldn’t worry about him turning up.” Lev’s grin is huge, and Valentin laughs.
And now I understand what happened to our old friends.
It should bother me, knowing that Lev killed a guy. Except I didn’t really like Olivier, and I genuinely don’t give a damn.
Which probably makes me sick, but I think it’s more than that.
I understand how the world works. Sometimes, blood and violence are necessary to get things done. The old Carmie would’ve been squeamish about that, but I’m embracing the warrior-fencer hiding deep in my soul.
“Well done then.” Valentin raises a glass.
But Lev doesn’t return the toast. “You should know something. It was Oleg from the start. He was strong-arming the truckers into giving him better terms and pocketing the difference. I had to take care of some things to clean up his mess, but my father was the problem from the start.”
“I don’t like hearing that. I should have seen it sooner.”
“It’s the truth. My father always did know how to get a cut.”
Valentin’s glass lowers. He doesn’t speak for a moment, and it’s clear he’s not happy with this bit of information. I’d guess he would’ve been better off never knowing, but it’s clear Lev needs him to understand just how disruptive Oleg could be.
“A change of leadership in the Federov family isn’t such a bad thing,” Valentin says finally.
“That’s what I think too.”
There’s an edge to Valentin as his voice lowers. “When we go back to the States, that’s the story we’ll tell. Your father was disloyal from the start, and you came up here to prove it. Once I found out the truth, I forgave you.”
“Is that what you’re doing? Forgiving me?”
“I’m considering it. I liked your father. He might’ve been a snake, but he was my snake. He had his uses, and I’m not sure you’re the same as him.”
Lev nods slowly. I watch the two men. It feels like they’re about to start strangling each other.
“You’re right. I’m not like my father. I’m a different man, but I can promise you, I’ll be as loyal and as hard working. I solved one problem already, and I’ll solve more.”
“And you won’t try to fuck me behind my back.”
“I’ll more likely fuck you right to your face.”
Valentin laughs. The tension eases between them. I squeeze Lev’s knee. My heart’s racing in my throat. This is the moment I’ve been dreading, and I’m still not sure where the pakhan’s going to land.
If he goes back on his order and lets us rejoin the organization, that might make him look weak. But Lev did him a favor and saved one of his most important projects in years. That deserves a reward.
We finish dinner and walk out into the night together. Valentin’s men are waiting nearby in a black town car. Both are big and clearly hiding weapons under their dark leather jackets.
“Here’s what I’ve decided.” Valentin watches Lev carefully. “You will stay in Canada for a few more months. You will make sure the pipeline is functioning properly, and you’ll be on hand to solve any issues that may arise. Back home, I’ll tell everyone you’re cleaning up your father’s mess with my blessing and that you’re no longer dead in my eyes. Do you understand?”
I can tell Lev doesn’t like it. We were joking about staying in Canada forever—but this is his one chance. He opens his mouth to reply, but looks at me first.
“What do you think?” he asks softly.
I slip my hand into his. “I’m with you no matter what.” I’m too aware of Valentin studying us, but screw him. This is a big decision.
“You’ll miss fencing.”
“I’ll find a new teacher.”
“And the baby—”
“We’ll get healthcare, and it’s not like we’re far from home. We’ll make Toronto our home for a few months. It’ll be fun.”
He turns to Valentin. “You heard my wife. It sounds like we’re staying in Canada.”
“Good choice.” He looks at me with a sharp smile. “I’m glad you two decided this match works.”
“He forced the issue,” I say, which makes Valentin laugh again.
“We’ll need time to wrap things up back home,” Lev says.
“Take a couple of weeks, but I want you here for the foreseeable future.” Valentin’s smile is warm as he turns away. “Good luck, you two.”
When he’s gone, we’re alone on the sidewalk. I lean into Lev and he wraps his arms around me. “Looks like we’re Canadians now.”
Lev groans. “Don’t joke.” He leans down to kiss me. “And don’t feel like this is something you have to do.”
“Lev—”
He pulls back so he can look into my eyes. “I know it’s asking a lot, making you stay here with me. If you decide you don’t want to, I’ll understand.”
“I’m your wife. My place is by your side. And anyway, the poutine, right?”