Cruel Vows

I walk out, the blood thrumming through my veins as I head into the parking lot.

Arturo notices me and starts up the engine of the SUV.

My phone rings and I see it’s Imalia calling. “Hey, Imalia—”

“Massimo, what bullshit are you spewing now?” Spartak asks.

The sound of his voice raises the hair on the back of my neck. “Good to hear from you. There’s a plot that concerns us all that I need to discuss with you in person.”

“How do I know this isn’t another trap, so you shoot me again? I mean, you guys are very trigger happy. First my son and then me.”

“You have my word. This is a peaceful sit down.”

“Your word doesn’t really mean shit.”

I clench my jaw, as he’s the one to talk. “Just hear me out. It will just be me and my father at the meeting.”

“And who do you propose I bring to the meeting?”

“Whoever you want, except for your brother or nephews.”

There’s a few moments of silence. “Very well. Where and when?”

“Is right now too soon and you pick the place?”

He chuckles. “Rather eager, little Morrone.” There’s a few moments silence. “Podolka, half an hour.”

“Fine,” I say, despite knowing how dangerous it is going in there as an Italian. It’s crawling with Bratva members. “See you then.”

“Don’t be late.” He cancels the call and I call my father.

“Massimo, is everything okay?”

“Yes, can you get to Podolka in half an hour?” I ask.

“I can, but why the fuck would I go near that place?”

I sigh. “Because it’s where Spartak wants to meet. He’s agreed.”

“Fine. I’ll meet you there and I’ll bring the evidence.” He cancels the call.

I slide into the back of the SUV, meeting Arturo’s gaze in the mirror. “Take me to Podolka.”

“Sir?” His brow furrows.

“You heard me. Take me there now.”

Arturo bows his head and pulls away from Axel’s bar and toward our enemy’s lair. This may be crazy, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

* * *

Podolka isn’t toobusy yet, as it’s early in the evening.

Father’s SUV pulls up next to mine out the front and I get out, walking over to greet him.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, Massimo?”

I shrug as a sense of unease settles in the pit of my stomach. “We don’t have any other options. He doesn’t trust us.” Rightly so after we shot his son and him.

“I don’t trust him.” Father’s shoulders are more tense than I’ve ever seen them.

I shake my head. “Neither do I.” I clap my father on the shoulder. “But we don’t have a choice.”

He nods. “Okay, let’s get this over with.”

We walk together side by side to the entrance of the club.

I notice the man on the door reach for his gun and hold my hands up. “We’re here for a meeting with your boss. Check with him.”

The bouncer’s eyes narrow, but then Spartak appears next to him. “It’s okay, Ivor. They’re here by invitation.” He gives us a callous smirk. “Come on in, gentlemen.”

My father and I exchange glances as the moment we walk in there, we’re at our enemy’s mercy. We have to get Spartak on our side if we’re going to stop Adrik’s plan. Father follows him first and I stay close behind, entering the empty club.

Maxim sits at a table near the back in shadow, sipping a drink.