Page 15 of Plus-Size Bratva Possession

“Yet here we are,” I said flatly.

Carlo was pacing now, looking like he might tear his hair out. “You have to let her go before this gets any worse.”

I shook my head.

“Gastone,” Dino tried again, “think about this. Think about Larissa. How is she going to feel when she finds out you've kidnapped her sister-in-law? She’s going to be furious.”

That struck a nerve just like it did every time someone mentioned her name around me, but I refused to show it. “Larissa made her choice. Now she can live with the consequences.”

“She's still our sister,” Carlo said quietly. “And she's going to be devastated.”

“Her husband took her from us,” I countered. “Now I've taken his sister. Seems fair to me.”

Elena now walked fully into the room. “This isn't about fairness. This is about your ego. You’re convinced you know what’s better for Larissa, when you don’t. If only you could see her. She’s so happy, Gastone. My brother literally worships the ground she walks on, and she knows it. How can you be mad that she’s exactly where she belongs?”

My hands curled into fists at my sides. “You don't get to talk about my sister.”

“Why not? She's my family now, too. And unlike you, I actually care about her happiness.”

“She is…happy,” Dino offered.

“More than you’d believe,” Carlo added.

That did it. The last thread of my patience snapped. “Get out,” I said, turning to my brothers. “Both of you. Now.”

Carlo stared at me in disbelief. “You can't be serious.”

“I'm dead serious. This is my decision. I don't need your approval or your permission.”

“You’re nuts,” Dino whispered.

“Maybe I am,” I said coldly. “But remember who's in charge here. I'm still the head of this family, and if you can't respect my decisions, then you can get the fuck out until you can.”

The room went silent. Carlo and Dino exchanged a look, and I knew I'd crossed a line. But I couldn't back down now.

After a long moment, Carlo grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair. “This is a mistake, Gastone. A big one.”

“Noted,” I said curtly.

Dino hesitated. “What do you want us to say if anyone asks about her?”

“Nothing,” I said. “You say nothing. As far as you know, she's not here.”

Elena made a sound of disbelief. “You expect them to lie for you?”

“I expect them to be loyal to their family,” I replied, eyes still fixed on my brothers. “Something you Lebedevs clearly struggle with.”

Carlo shook his head in disgust. “We'll go. But this isn't over.”

“I never said it was,” I answered.

They filed out, Carlo not even looking back, Dino giving me one last pleading glance that I ignored. I heard the front door slam a moment later.

Then it was just me and Elena.

I turned to face her slowly, my anger redistributing itself toward its new target. “Happy now? You've successfully turned my brothers against me.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “They were already against you. I just gave them the push they needed to say it out loud. Everyone thinks you’ve lost the plot, not coming to see your niece? Kidnapping me now?”