Page 9 of Plus-Size Bratva Possession (Vadim Bratva #12)

“Try it,” I challenged, my hand instinctively moving toward the gun holstered beneath my jacket. “See how far you get.”

The maid chose that precise moment to enter with a tray of coffee and tea, completely oblivious to the murderous tension in the room. She set the tray down and scurried away, clearly sensing something was off.

“If any of you take one step toward that door with Elena,” I continued once the maid was gone, “I'll have your entire operation shut down by the end of the week. I have enough dirt on the Lebedev family to bury all of you. One call, that's all it would take.”

“Don’t act like you’re the only one holding cards here, Ajello,” Giovanni snapped.

I didn’t flinch. “Then I guess we let it all burn,” I said, voice low. “Because I’m not handing her back. She’s mine now. And she stays shackled to me for as long as I decide.”

“You think this is some kind of game?” Giovanni's voice rose with fury. “This is my sister’s life you’re talking about.”

“Seriously? I don't remember you being so concerned about that when it came to other people's lives,” I shot back.

“Larissa is happy. Why don’t you get that?” Giovanni yelled. “She made her choice!”

“Enough about Larissa,” I shouted. “This is beyond her. You’ve done a hell of more wrong than take my sister, you conniving bastards. Elena stays here!”

The room exploded. All six brothers talking over each other—shouting threats, flinging blame, fists clenching, tempers ready to blow. My hand hovered near my weapon. Just in case someone got stupid.

“Enough!”

Elena's voice was loud, clear, surprising to hear. Everyone fell silent, turning to look at her.

She stood now, her chin raised, her eyes flashing with determination. “I've made my decision. I'm staying with Gastone.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I stared at her, certain I'd misheard.

“What?” Giovanni breathed.

“I said I'm staying,” Elena repeated, her voice steady. “As Gastone's wife.”

“Elena, you don't have to do this,” Caspian said gently. “Whatever he's threatening you with—”

“He's not threatening me,” she interrupted. “This is my choice.”

I couldn't hide my surprise. What game was she playing? This wasn't the reaction I'd expected at all.

“Have you lost your mind?” Achille demanded. “He kidnapped you!”

“I know what he did,” Elena said. “And I'm not saying I've forgiven him for it. But I've had time to think about this situation, and I believe staying married to Gastone is the best solution for everyone involved.”

“How could that possibly be true?” Dante asked.

“Think about it. This feud between our families has gone on long enough. Larissa and Gio are caught in the middle with their daughter. My niece is going to grow up in a world where half her family won't speak to the other half. Is that what any of us want?” Elena asked, but nobody said anything.

She kept going. “This marriage could finally bring our families together. It could give us a reason to work with each other instead of fighting all the time.”

“You make it sound like you’re okay being used,” Federico said, clearly upset.

“I’m not,” Elena replied. “I’m a grown woman. I’m doing this because I think it’s the right thing. Plus, there are benefits. The Ajellos have control of shipping routes through the Mediterranean, and we’ve got access in Eastern Europe. It’s a good business move. We wouldn’t be in each other’s way.”

I listened to her spin this tale with growing skepticism. It felt like she had rehearsed this speech. She knew exactly what to say to make it sound like a good idea. But why was she really doing this?

Giovanni looked at her. “And what about you? What do you actually get from all this?”

She glanced at me quickly, then said, “Peace. Stability. I get to fix things and make my contribution to our family, just like you all do every day in your own little ways.”

“Bullshit,” Luca said flatly.

“It's my decision,” Elena insisted. “I'm not asking for your permission. I'm asking for your support.”

“If this is really what you want, we’ll respect it. But come home with us. Just for a little while. We want to make sure you’re not being forced.”

“No,” I said right away. “She’s not going anywhere.”

Elena shook her head slowly. “I’m okay here,” she said. Her voice was quiet, but she didn’t sound unsure. “I promise. No one’s making me do this.”

I looked at her carefully, trying to figure out if that was true.

Was this all an elaborate escape plan? Get me to trust her, then disappear forever?

But if that was the case, why not just go with them now?

She knew just as well as I did that they could outfight me. Six to one, I didn’t stand a chance.

None of it made sense. And that made me extremely wary.

Giovanni looked like he might argue further, but Caspian placed a restraining hand on his arm.

“We should go,” the eldest Lebedev said.

I nodded and Elena hugged them goodbye, one by one. I watched from the sidelines, wondering what the hell Elena Lebedev was planning.