King's Ransom (Ruthless Doms 3)

“We thought the same,” I explain. “But we were wrong. Unfortunately, this man decided to attack Marissa, and he spoke of his loyalty to her father. Fortunately, Nicolai was nearby, and prevented any further injury to his wife.”

To my daughter-in-law. I’m fucking glad the man who attacked her lies in a grave.

“Tell me you killed him,” someone from the back says, and the whole room murmurs its approval of this sentiment.

“We did,” Nicolai says. “Last night, he was executed in the interrogation room. Rafael and I disposed of his body.”

“To which brotherhood did he belong?” My men are rightfully angry at this breach, and it pleases me they are as eager to out those who pose a threat against Marissa and Nicolai as I am.

Tomas raises a hand. “I am sorry to say, I’ve looked at footage. He was a member of my group. We had no idea whatsoever that he was still loyal to Myron and posed a threat in any way to Marissa or Nicolai. We thought, as did all of you, that those involved with Marissa’s abduction had already been rid of.”

Nicolai nods. He knows Tomas well, and believes that if Tomas knew of this brother’s betrayal, he would have pulled the trigger himself.

I inhale. And now I need to tell them the other part of the story, why Taara is now in my possession. I’m not looking forward to their response.

“But there’s a complication, and I want full disclosure with all of you,” I say to the group. “A woman who works for me, Taara Khan, witnessed the execution.”

Several around us curse. “And she, too, has paid the ultimate price?” I don’t see who asked the question. Someone at the back.

“She’s been taken prisoner by me for surveillance,” I say. “I am not convinced Taara is a threat to any of us.”

No one responds. The silence in the room is nearly deafening. Even Nicolai doesn’t meet my eyes.

“Sir, she can pose a threat to your son,” Simon, one of my brodyaga says. “Are you sure that’s the best way to handle it?”

“No,” I say. “I’m not sure. I’m keeping an eye on her for now. She’s been loyal to me her entire life.” I don’t tell them that she’s young, and I’ve known her since she was a child. I’m not sure why I feel such a strong need to protect her. My concern should be for my son above all. “And if it comes down to ending her life for the good of the Bratva, I will not hesitate.”

“But what if it’s too late?” Brogdan, one of the most dedicated members of my brotherhood, asks. He’s tall and formidable, one of our strike force.

“I will not allow it to come to that.”

Again, silence. I can feel their judgment, though. They do not believe I’ve made the correct choice, and their judgment rankles.

“I did what I thought best,” I say, my temper rising. “I will not kill an innocent girl who’s been loyal to me for so long so easily.”

Nicolai uncrosses his arm and steps in front of me, glaring at everyone in front of us. “And need I remind you that my father is pakhan. He does not ask for anyone’s permission to make his choices. My father has led us unselfishly, and all of you owe him not only your allegiance but your obedience.” Silence descends on the room at his stern lecture. “And if anyone has the right to question his judgment, it would be me. But I do not. I have nothing but complicit faith in the decisions he makes.”

“As do I,” Rafael says, coming to stand next to Nicolai.

“And I.” Tomas gets to his feet.

“And I.” One by one, my brothers stand before me, the only sounds in the room one man after another getting to his feet. I swallow hard. Though I’m honored by Nicolai’s steadfast defense of me, the weight of responsibility to make the right decision weighs heavily.

“I will not fail you, brothers. You have my word. I will keep Taara under my care and ensure she threatens none of us. And now that we’ve brought you up to date, it’s imperative we discuss the next order of business.” Tomas looks to me, and I nod, giving him permission to tell them what he needs to. He warned me before we began that he had more information that would impact me, and we decided it best he save time and tell me in front of all of us. I have nothing to hide from my brothers.

“As I said earlier, the man who betrayed Stefan and Nicolai belonged to the Boston Bratva. But it’s come to my attention that his betrayal went a lot deeper than his connections with Myron.”

We all listen in silence.

“He has heavy ties in Russia. Not with the sister group some of you know well, the group led by Demyan Federov, but with the rival group.”