Mikhail
Under the table, I grip Maria’s hand, and she closes her mouth. She was on the verge of speaking. And I know what she wants, but she has to let me handle this.
“Zakhar has made it clear that he would rather kill me than speak to me.” I relent a little for Maria’s sake. “But now that you’ve seen Maria, you can tell him that she wants to be with me, something that he isn’t convinced of.”
Vito nods. “I can extend the olive branch, that’s all. We don’t need any more chaos than we already have between us. Despite Zakhar’s antics, we aren’t willing to enter a full-blown war.” Vito’s gaze shifts from me to Maria, and his eyes narrow. “I had hoped my daughter would be with you.”
Maria speaks up quickly. “She’s safe, Uncle Vito. The Bratvas won’t dare touch her while she’s under Mikhail’s protection. We were concerned the guests might take their revenge on her after what happened …” her voice catches, “at our wedding.”
Vito sternly watches Maria and smiles, but the warmth is missing. “My daughter would’ve also been safe under my protection. You should know that, my niece.” Vito addresses me. “And do you think keeping her away from her father will help the situation?”
“Mercy is insurance,” I speak firmly and honestly. “I need to make sure everyone stays calm until Zakhar is subdued.”
Vito scoffs loudly. “Interesting strategy,” He grins at Maria. “Are you okay with your father being subdued?”
Maria pauses, and I squeeze her hand under the table. If Vito finds out that Maria took a bullet meant for me from her father’s gun, hell will be the only place Zakhar can hide. She knows how it will end for her father if the Lanzzare also turn against him. Maria says nothing. Not even about our child.
“I want to marry Mikhail.” Her voice is solid as she speaks with conviction to her uncle. “I’m not being forced.”
Vito nods as he takes a bite of pasta. “I heard about the baby.”
The blood drains from her face. “Does my father know?”
Vito and Bianchi laugh loudly. “I won’t be the one to tell him.” Vito points his fork at me. “That is your problem, and no one’s going to help you out of it.”
“I am not giving up my child,” I respond hotly.
“The father-in-law, on the other hand …” Bianchi mutters under his breath.
Vito ignores the comment and continues to speak to Maria. “All I meant is that your father may not be pleased. You’re his little girl, Marie. No matter how old you are.” Vito places his fork down and stares at Maria. Quietly, she returns his gaze. “Marie.” His voice is laced with both pride and warning. “You’re becoming quite adept at playing this game. But remember, there’s always a price to pay. You’re about to lose your innocence. And you’ll never get it back.”
Maria frowns, refusing to let his words shake her. “I made my choice, Uncle,” she replies. “If losing my innocence is the cost of protecting my baby, then that is what it will be.”
Vito sighs, admiration mixed with disappointment crossing his pleasant features. “Just promise me you won’t lose your soul to win, Maria. Don’t make me bury another Genovesi again.”
Maria meets his gaze unflinchingly. “I’m well aware of what’s at stake. I have no intention of becoming a pawn.”
“Good,” Vito replies. “Because in this world, pawns are the first to be sacrificed.” He looks down at his plate, quickly losing his appetite, then focuses on me. “There’s a property in Jersey City we’re willing to let go.”
“Is that right?” I laugh. “Are we playing Monopoly?”
Shrugging, he tosses his napkin on the table. “You’ll marry my niece someday, and we may have to mend our fences. If I bring Zakhar to you, he will only talk. I promise. And since you’ll be my nephew-in-law someday, I suggest you listen. Not because he’s family, but because he has information that a pakhan needs to hear.”
“You said my parents had a house in Long Island?” asks Maria.
“Yes, it was a gift from Gennady to Zakhar when he became his Avtoritet.”
“Is it still there?” she asks breathlessly.
He nods, taking an interest in her question. “Yes, but no one lives there. I hired a caretaker to keep it from falling down.” He shrugs his shoulders. “One day, someone might move in.”
Maria lowers her head and bites her lip, and we give her the moment alone with her thoughts. The conversation slows down until the only noise at the table is the sound of silverware against the plates. We sit quietly, thinking about other things, and itamazes me that I can share a meal with a Lanzzare without drawing my gun.
If I hadn’t taken Maria, would Zakhar have targeted the brigadiers instead?
The result would’ve been the same. I would have gone after the traitor Zakhar and sought leverage against him.
One way or another, I would have found Maria.
She gently touches my shoulder, pulling me out of my doubts. “I would like to leave,” she says. “The baby needs a break.”
Vito smiles at Maria. “You really do look like her,” he says. “Beautiful, strong-willed, and fearless.” He turns to me, holds out his hand, and we shake in full view of the bar.
“I hope Emilio Lanzzare is also on our side,” I tell Vito.
Vito places his other hand over mine and gives it a meaningful squeeze. “Christian is running the big show now, and his concern is also for his niece’s welfare. Maria is important to all of us.”