Page 15

That might fuck me up in more ways than I care to admit.
By mid-morning, we’re back at Delgado’s estate.
No spectacle. No grand announcements. Just Viktor, Lev, and me, walking through the gates with one purpose in mind.
Mara isn’t here—and she doesn’t know we’ve come. This is my move now. She made hers yesterday, and I am making mine today.
We’re led down a quiet corridor to Thiago Delgado’s private study. It’s a room that reeks of control—dark woods, heavy silence, and a weight in the air that tells you exactly who’s in charge.
Delgado rises as we enter, eyes sharp, watchful. “Viktor. Lev.” His gaze settles on me last, lingering with quiet calculation. “Zasha.”
We shake hands. His grip is steady, testing, but I don’t flinch.
“To what do I owe the unexpected visit?” he asks smoothly, eyes narrowing just enough to make his point.
I meet his gaze, voice even. “We’re here to propose a formal alliance between our families.”
His brow lifts, head tilting slightly. “A formal alliance?”
“A marriage,” I say. “Between me and your daughter.”
For the first time, a flicker of something crosses his face—interest, edged with caution. He leans back slowly in his chair, fingers drumming once on the desk.
“After all these years,” he says, voice calm but probing, “you come forward now. Are you sure this arrangement will succeed? The last attempts didn’t exactly hold.”
I don’t hesitate. “It will hold. And if you accept our proposal, I’ll marry your daughter immediately.”
That earns a pause—a beat of quiet calculation as Delgado studies me. His fingers still on the polished wood, his eyes never leaving mine.
“And this decision,” he says slowly, “has nothing to do with your conversation with my daughter in the East Wing corridor yesterday?”
I hold his gaze, respectful but firm. “Your daughter greeted me in passing. I know where to channel a proposal of this nature—and it’s through you.”
A flicker of something—approval, maybe—crosses his face. He leans back a little, his gaze sharpening.
“Go on.”
“This alliance cements what’s already been working between us,” I say evenly. “You have unmatched reach in South America.We have dominance on the East Coast and deep European ties. Together, we’re stronger, untouchable. You get the formal link you’ve sought in the past. We gain secure access to your routes, and shared protection that no rival can breach.”
Delgado’s jaw tenses. “You understand that marrying my daughter makes you accountable to my family. If she’s hurt—”
“She won’t be,” I cut in smoothly but respectfully. “I understand the weight of what we’re proposing. I won’t dishonor her—or this alliance.”
His eyes pin me in place, searching for weakness, but I don’t blink.
“And you agree to this fully?” he asks.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t,” I answer. “I stand by every word.”
Silence stretches between us for a long moment before Delgado finally gives a slow, measured nod.
“I’ll consider it,” he says. “And I’ll speak to my daughter.”
We stand, shaking hands again—this time firmer, heavier, loaded with unspoken possibilities.
As we turn and leave, Viktor and Lev fall into step beside me. We don’t speak as we exit because we all know: the game has shifted.
And now, the clock is ticking.