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I retrieved my gun from the seat beside me, slamming the clip into place as Red’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror.

“What are you planning to do?” The worry in his voice was clear.

“I’m not going to kill her.” I sighed, relaxing in my seat as he sped after Ana’s car. “Inform the men that there will be a meeting when I get home. This won’t be happening again. I want to know who fucked up and let her leave.”

“I’ll make the call.”

I watched as we tailed her closely. She knew we were there. Her weaving in and out of traffic confirmed that.

“Meeting confirmed. They’ll all be available for whenever you need them.”

“Good. She’s getting off. Don’t lose her,” I ordered as she signalled off the freeway.

I didn’t take my eyes off her car as she turned into the parking lot of a prestigious restaurant in the heart of town. We pulled into the space opposite her as she shut off her engine.

Watching her practically jump out of her car was somewhat amusing, but not enough to dim the fire that was burning inside. I pulled out my phone and dialled her number. The phone illuminated her face, but as she soon realised it was my number, she rejected the call before shoving it back in her clutch bag.

“Wait here,” I told Red, who remained silent.

I exited the car before she had the chance to lock hers.

“Is that how you treat your husband?” I asked.

She paused for a second before glancing up to look at me. “What was the point in me answering? I knew you followed me here.” She scoffed with an eye roll.

“What are you doing here, Ana?” I stepped closer to her. She didn’t move. “I already told you about leaving the house alone.”

“As I already told Emmet, it’s something I do annually, and it’s none of your business.” She challenged me, edging closer.“Now, do me a favour and go back home like a good little boy, and I’ll see you later when you’ve calmed down.”

“Excuse me?”Good little boy, was she taking the piss?

“Tonight isn’t about you. It never will be.” She turned on her heel and headed for the entrance.

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her body flush to mine as her hair whipped across the side of my face. The warmth of her minty breath mingled with my own. I had to stop myself from devouring her right there, right then.

“Get in the car. I’m taking you home.”

“No, stop being overbearing and demanding. It’s getting tiring and, quite honestly, I’m over it.” She glared at me. “Tonight is important to me, like things are to you, so stop trying to get in the way.”

“Are you on a date?” I asked, already hoping it was the answer I wanted.

“As I said, I’ll see you at home.” She shoved me away and quickened her pace.

I caught up to her in a heartbeat, her two strides matching my one. I was ready to see what was so important to the demanding little princess.

I stormed off in front of her, confused as to why she so easily let me head inside. I caught her smiling as I glanced over my shoulder, the kind that would leave anyone unsettled.

As I stepped through the door, I noticed the restaurant was pretty much deserted. Only one table was occupied by an elderly woman, who looked like a much older version of my wife.

Ana entered behind me as the woman stood to greet her. She brushed past me, not waiting for my reaction.

“Moya devochka.” She smiled, holding out her arms to embrace my wife in what looked like the warmest hug possible. Something I had never truly felt from anyone. “You never saidwe’d have an extra guest tonight.” The woman looked me over, her deep blue eyes trying to read me.

“He just invited himself, I guess.” Ana laughed. It was so pure it stirred something within me. Something unexpected. “Victor didn’t want to join tonight?”

“No. He knows exactly how I feel about him and his decisions right now. He’s not welcome tonight.” Her voice was cold as she spoke about Victor. “My son has done many things but what he did to you is unforgivable to me, as it would have been with yourdedushka.”

So, this was Victor’s mother—Evelina Fedorov. The only woman brave enough to tame Aleksander Fedorov.