Page 60 of Fixate

I needed that closeness, that comfort.

A talk with the Bratva always had me on edge. Going to war with them would be suicidal.

I didn't have the manpower. Nor did I want to take the time out to do such things.

“Let’s have dinner at the restaurant at seven on Sunday.” That was all he said before he cut the call.

With my screen black, I looked up to meet Ricardo's gaze.

“That could have gone better,” he joked.

I lifted one shoulder. “I knew he would want retribution for another Bratva life lost. I still understand what dinner is going to bring forth.”

Ricardo hummed. “Can we get details about this restaurant place? I feel like we need to ensure proper security.”

Shaking my head, I pulled him close to me, letting his body sink into mine. He relaxed instantly at my touch, and my heart warmed.

“Different organizations have met there for years. Anyone who attends anything there is considered hostile and is taken down instantly by in-house militia.”

"Well, that sounds like my dream place. I'm going with you," he said.

It was more of a demand than anything, and I smiled as I kissed his temple.

"Of course, mon chou. I would not imagine going without you."

His smile was radiant. My words clearly pleased him, and I only hoped that I would not come to regret having him at my side.

The more important they knew he was to me, the more danger he was in. But at the same time, I knew that Ricardo could handle himself, and what he and I couldn't handle, Pip could.

Henri too, if fully provoked, though he often stayed behind his computer screen. It was easier for him to deal with things that way.

I was surrounded by an amazing group of men that I considered family, and I would do anything to protect my family. Even walking into what could possibly be a trap had me ready to defend them before taking care of my own safety.

The Bratva wasn’t going to take us down that easily though. Their takeover wouldn’t be a walk in the park. I was going to do everything I could to stop them.

They needed to be severed from my life so that I could truly begin to live again. The longer they circled my world, the worse it would be in the end.

CHAPTER 22

Ricardo

When Pharrellblindly agreed to dinner with the Bratva, I wondered just what his plan was. To walk into enemy territory and give them full access to you was stupid.

Careless, even.

I couldn't stand by and let him complete such a suicidal mission. When he told me that the plan involved me going along with him, I felt a bit better. If I was there, I could help him should trouble arise.

I also suspected that he had Pip in his corner, no matter whether or not he told the other man what was going on, I spotted him more than a few times, popping in and out of places since my arrival.

He always seems to be shadowing Pharrell and though he had no gun in his hand, I was sure he had weapons on him.

Thinking about where we were headed, I wondered if we should have called in reinforcements. Maybe gotten Dante or Preacher on the line to see if they were willing to help.

I'd even take Yamamoto as backup. At least with him, he wouldn't betray us. He was loyal to his core. He wouldn't mind shedding a little blood to help an ally either.

I shook my head to clear the thoughts as the car Pharrell hired drove us to the restaurant.

He was quiet, more so than usual. I stayed silent too. At least I tried to.