Page 2 of Desperate Crimes (Mergers & Acquisitions #6)

E arly Spring—The Viper’s Den, Midnight

We’re sitting in my office at the Vipers’ Den—me and Sammy Ramirez.

It’s late, but neither of us is watching the clock. This deal we’re cooking?

It’s big.

Bigger than anything our fathers ever managed, and they were giants in their own right.

Sammy’s my best friend, has been for most of my life.

But tonight, he’s more than that. He’s a Volkov by blood and a prospective partner by choice.

Our families have built their own empires, forged them with blood, sweat, and deals in every currency there is.

But now it’s our turn.

Sure, we’ve had successes.

Done our thing side by side, but this?

This could finally bring our families together in a way that sticks.

“This is it, Sammy boy. My plan to bring our families together,” I say, leaning back in my chair as I glance toward the glowing map on the screen.

“A true Viper and Volkov union.”

He nods, his dark eyes sharp.

“I agree, Junior. It’s the best thing for both of us on this project. It could be big. Close the gap between us.”

I nod like we’re on the same page.

And we are—about the deal.

About the land.

About the opportunity.

About the politics.

But there’s something he doesn’t know. Something I keep locked behind steel.

I’m not just thinking about business.

I’m thinking about her .

Leanna Volkov.

Sammy’s first cousin.

I’ve been watching her for years.

Ever since she showed up at one of those charity galas in a clinging dress when she was barely legal.

The woman makes my world tilt off its axis.

But it’s more than obsession now.

It’s need. It’s inevitability. Destiny.

She’s mine.

And I don’t give a fuck if her family takes kindly to a snake in their midst.

I’ll wear the label.

I’ll hiss and bare fangs if I have to.

But no one— no one —is going to come between me and the woman who was born to be mine.

The secure line rings once before Gianni Caas picks up, and once more I am focused on this deal.

Smarmy bastard probably thinks he’s doing me a favor by answering this late.

“Fury,” he drawls. “And Ramirez. You boys don’t waste time, do you?”

“Time is currency,” I say. “Let’s talk status.”

“Everything is as it should be,” he replies, too smooth. Too calm. “My people have nearly wrapped it. Ministers are satisfied. The corridor’s cleared. We’re at ninety-nine percent.”

“Ninety-nine isn’t good enough,” I tell him flatly. “I want the signatures. I want the deeds. I want that land locked down by the time I touch foreign soil.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Then, “You’ll have them. Final pieces are falling into place. Just need a few more months. You know how politics works?—”

“No,” I interrupt. “I know how leverage works. You stall, and I yank yours.”

His silence stretches this time.

I let it.

I end the call.

Sammy lifts an eyebrow. “You trust him?”

“I trust that I’ve got my hand around his windpipe.” I rise from my chair and turn away, scanning the map again.

He thinks this deal is about power.

Wealth.

Legacy.

And it is.

But what he doesn’t know is that the true merger— the only one I care about —is already underway.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

But soon, Leanna Volkov will carry my name.

And when that happens?

There won’t be any more lines between Fury and Volkov.

Because I’m going to make her mine in every way that counts.

And God help anyone who tries to stop me.