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“Three days is what we have.” I turn to face my brothers. “Any objections to declaring war on two families for one woman?”

Dmitri shrugs. “Wouldn't be the first time an Ivanov started a war over love.”

“This isn't about love.”

“No?” Nikolai arches an eyebrow. “Then what's it about?”

I meet his gaze steadily. “It's about taking what's mine.”

The silence that follows my declaration stretches too long. My brothers exchange glances—the kind of wordless communication that comes from decades of shared violence and shared secrets.

“Right.” Dmitri's voice carries a note I don't like. “Taking what's yours.”

I turn back to the window, watching the city sprawl below us. The glass reflects my face, and I see something there that makes my chest tighten. Something that looks too much like the desperation I've watched consume other men.

“The Petrov alliance strengthens Igor's position significantly.” I maintain an analytical voice. “Removing Katarina from the equation destabilizes that.”

“Strategic thinking.” Alexi's tone is carefully neutral. “Very logical.”

“It is logical.” I spin around, facing them again. “Katarina's cybersecurity expertise makes her valuable. Her company's tech could be weaponized against us if it falls into Petrov's hands.”

Nikolai nods. “And her personal knowledge of our compound security.”

“Exactly.” The words come easier now, building momentum. “She's seen our defensive capabilities, our routines. That intelligence can't be allowed to transfer to hostile parties.”

“Of course not.” Dmitri stands, moving to pour himself a drink. “Professional concerns only.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing at all.” He takes a sip of whiskey. “Just admiring your commitment to family security.”

“My commitment has never been in question.”

“No, it hasn't.” Nikolai's voice cuts through the growing tension. “Which is why we'll support this operation.”

I study their faces, searching for signs of doubt or mockery. Instead, I find something worse—understanding. The same look Nikolai wore when he was hunting Sofia. The same desperate edge Dmitri carried during his pursuit of Natasha.

“Whatever you're thinking. This is tactical. Katarina represents a security risk and a strategic asset. Nothing more.”

“Right.” Dmitri sets down his glass. “That's why you haven't slept since she left.”

“I've slept.”

Alexi rolls his eyes. “That's why you've been checking her old room every night.”

“I check all secure areas.”

Dmitri clears his throat. “That's why you destroyed three punching bags in two weeks.”

My hands curl into fists. “Equipment maintenance.”

Nikolai stands, straightening his jacket. “Whatever your motivations, we have work to do. Three days to plan an extraction that doesn't start a war we can't win.”

The meeting dissolves around me, but I remain at the window. Below, the city pulses with life—people moving through their ordinary existences, unaware that somewhere, the womanI've fallen for is being prepared for a future that will destroy us both if I allow it.

29

ERIK