Page 73 of Dark Desires

“Domenico won’t back down,” I say. “He’s too proud. And he has a sense of honor—something you don’t see too often these days. But that doesn’t mean he won’t hesitate if it means protecting his family.”

Lev raises an eyebrow. “And you think that hesitation won’t cost us? Alexei is still the better option for Stephania to marry as opposed to Omar, under these particular circumstances. Our brother has the advantage,” Luk cuts in.

I don’t answer. I can’t. Because all I can think about is Isabella—her and the kiss we shared. My grip tightens around the glass, the memory fresh in my mind.

“Alexei,” Elena says, “you’re distracted again.”

“Not distracted,” I lie. “Just… considering all the angles.”

She narrows her eyes, but doesn’t push further. She’s sharp, and nothing gets by her. But she’s not a blabbermouth.

And not only that, but my sister also has a little experience of her own falling for someone she shouldn’t—her husband, Grigori, was her bodyguard before he became more than that. Maybe there’s a certain aura that one who’s dancing with the forbidden puts out, one that others doing the same can relate to.

Still, the last thing I want is any of my family finding out about Isabella and me.Or confirming any suspicions they might have about Isabella and me.

My brothers continue to discuss strategy, but their words blur into background noise.

All I can think about is how much I want Isabella and our child.

The idea terrifies me.

For the first time in my life, I want something more than power or control.

I wantthem.

But what does that mean for the Bratva? For this alliance? For the war brewing on the horizon?

“Alexei,” Lev says, dragging me back. “Your thoughts?”

I lean forward, setting my glass down with care. “We need to keep Christian under a microscope. Every move he makes, every conversation he has—we track it. The Mancinis are our allies for now. But we can’t rely on their loyalty alone.”

Luk nods. “And the wedding?”

“It’ll happen. For now.”

“For now?” Elena echoes, her eyes narrowing again.

I don’t elaborate. I can’t.

I can’t ignore my duty, my loyalty to my family.

But I also can’t ignore the fierce, unrelenting pull toward Isabella—and the life growing inside her.

God help me.

The silence is shattered when all our phones buzz on the table. Luk is the first to grab his, his brows knitting together as he reads his message.

“Shit.”

“What?” I ask, reaching for mine.

“It’s Barnes,” he says. “He says the Feds raided a bunch of Colombian cartel offices... and Omar’s law firm. They took the kid into custody.”

Lev curses under his breath, grabbing his phone and reading the message on his own screen. “Bet you anything, they’re hiding him from his old man.”

I clench my jaw, reading Barnes’ words.Thought you’d all want to know. Feds snatched Omar. De la Rosa probably steaming right now.

Grigori leans forward. “That’s not going to go over well with Christian.”