King's Ransom (Ruthless Doms 3)

Show him your loyalty.

I cannot forget what she said after that, the promise that spoke to a need in me so strong, I’m near desperate.

If you win his heart, he will devote himself to you…

It’s the stuff fantasy is made of, ethereal and whimsical, but hell, I’m not going to deny the fact that I want that. Even after what I witness, heaven help me.

I see the way Tomas looks at Caroline, with such tenderness and devotion I know she is his treasure. He would raze an army singlehandedly for her. Nicolai, too. There are no laws he will not break, no adversary he fears when it comes to protecting his Marissa. When in the presence of others, he never takes a hand off of her, resting one on the small of her back or her neck. He lost her once and will not lose her again. These are the men of the brotherhood, fiercely loyal, brutally protective, like modern-day Knights of the Round Table. United as one, devoted to both their brothers and women.

Betray them and earn a lifelong enemy. Earn their trust, and you become one of their own.

I’ve known this. I’ve seen this. I’ve longed for just this, and Caroline’s talk has led me to believe my hoping was not in vain.

But I am not one of their own. Not in their eyes. And it is up to me to change that.

Stefan ladles soup into a bowl and places it in front of me, then lifts a roll, still steaming hot, and breaks it open. I watch in rapt fascination, his large fingers spreading the roll open and slathering it with butter before placing it next to me. I blink in surprise. I thought he prepared his own food, but this is for me. “Eat,” he orders, and I realize I was staring. “You still may not speak unless given permission.”

I meet Caroline’s eyes, and she gives me a nearly imperceptible nod. She told me to prove my loyalty to him and obeying him is a good first step.

I lift my spoon and quickly begin eating the soup. It’s delicious, a traditional Russian soup made with thin, angel hair pasta, hearty chunks of potatoes, vibrant red peppers and carrots, all in a savory chicken broth that warms me through. I keep my head down, listening to the conversation as I eat. I don’t realize what they’re speaking of until I hear the word Afghani. I open my mouth to speak, when a sharp shake of Caroline’s head warns me just in time.

“That’s despicable,” Caroline says, shaking her head before ladling more soup into her bowl. “Is it really that complicated stopping such behavior?”

“Of course it is,” Tomas says to her shortly. “Those who rise in power often risk anything and everything to gain control. Without knowing how deeply the plot to overthrow us runs, we can only see the tip of the iceberg. If we don’t delve into deep waters, we run the risk of utter destruction.” He scoffs. “Cowards are those that only face superficial dangers.”

Cowardice is anathema to the men of the Bratva. They despise it.

“Yes, I know,” she says softly, and I don’t understand why her gaze suddenly becomes sympathetic before she looks away from me. She knows something I don’t.

“So, it seems the only option, then,” Stefan begins, “is to investigate ourselves.”

“I agree,” Nicolai says. He takes a long pull from a frothy beer stein. “And I’m ready and willing to go with you.”

Stefan shakes his head. “Absolutely not,” he says. “I will go alone. Me and Taara, of course.”

Caroline watches me and doesn’t say a word. I blink.

Wait, what?

Tomas nods. “We have a connection on the auction ship. You can find out what you need to know from him in your travels. If I tell him ahead of time you’re coming, you can meet discreetly aboard the ship, then report back after you get to Russia.”

Auction ship? Russia?

I want to ask so many questions I don’t even know where to begin, but I’m not allowed to speak. It’s probably just as well anyway, as I need to listen to every word they say.

“I think the first order of business is upon us,” Stefan says. “The next ship leaves this evening, yes?”

Tomas nods.

Stefan continues. “Then Taara and I will fly to Boston and board that ship. I will find out what I can in the short time we’ll be aboard and take my findings to Russia. With the aid of the Moscow contingent, we will find out what we can about who poses a threat to us.”

“It’s risky, brother,” Tomas says. “The Thieves will stop at nothing to get what they want.”

“I know,” Stefan says coldly, as if his dealing with them is somehow personal. I wonder if it is.

“Very risky,” Nicolai says. “You should let me go instead.”