Page 87 of Shadow Waltz

“I can handle it,” he said simply.

“I know you can.” I let my thumb brush against his pulse point, feeling the steady rhythm that proved he was alive, safe, mine. “The question is whether you want to.”

“I'm still here, aren't I?”

The simple statement carried more weight than any declaration of love could have. He was choosing this—choosing me—with full knowledge of what it meant.

“Yes,” I said, satisfaction coloring my voice. “You are.”

As the night deepened around us, I realized that what had started as a test had become something else entirely. Not just a demonstration of power, but a foundation for whatever we were building together. Something that would need to be strong enough to survive the war that was coming.

Because make no mistake—war was coming. And when it did, I would defend what was mine with every resource at my disposal.

Looking at Ash, I knew he understood that too. And that he was prepared to stand with me when the time came.

It was all I needed to know.

15

BREAKING POINT

ASH

Redirecting three shipments without Luka’s approval wasn’t a moment of madness. It was calculated, deliberate, and guaranteed to detonate whatever fragile peace we’d been pretending existed between us.

“You rerouted the Eastern European connections through the Philadelphia docks instead of Baltimore,” she repeated, fingers drumming against her tablet with mechanical persistence. “Without consulting Luka. Without running it through the usual channels.”

“Baltimore's compromised,” I said, keeping my voice level despite the adrenaline singing through my veins. “The federal surveillance increased forty percent in the last week. Mason's intercepts show they're building a case specifically around those shipment schedules.”

“And you know this how?”

“Because I've been paying attention. Because I've been running my own analysis of the data streams you've been sharing with me.” I leaned back in my chair, feeling the familiarweight of the collar against my throat. “Because someone had to make the call, and Luka's been too distracted with internal security to see the external threats building.”

Carina's expression shifted, and I caught a glimpse of the woman who'd survived her own version of hell to build something meaningful from the wreckage. “You realize what you've done, don't you? The political implications alone could destabilize half our European partnerships.”

“Or it could save them from federal interdiction,” I countered. “Which would you prefer? Temporary political complications or permanent prison sentences?”

The silence that followed was weighted with calculation as Carina processed the implications of what I'd revealed. She understood the strategic logic even as she recognized the personal catastrophe I'd probably just unleashed on myself.

“Luka's going to lose his fucking mind,” she said finally.

“Probably.” I touched the collar reflexively, feeling its familiar presence like an anchor in the storm I was about to create. “But he'll get over it when he realizes I was right.”

“And if you're wrong?”

I met her eyes directly, letting her see the resolve burning there. “Then I'll face the consequences. But I'm not wrong, Carina. The Philadelphia route is cleaner, the security is lighter, and the profit margins are actually better once you factor in reduced law enforcement interference.”

“That's not what I'm asking about,” she said quietly. “I'm asking if you're prepared for what happens when you challenge his authority publicly. Because that's what this is, Ash. Not a strategic disagreement, but a direct challenge to his control.”

“Maybe it's time for that conversation,” I said.

Before Carina could respond, the conference room door opened and Mason appeared, their usually composed expression tight with something that looked like controlled panic.

“Boss wants to see you,” they said, not bothering with pleasantries. “Now. In his office. And he specifically requested that I mention he's aware of the Philadelphia situation.”

I felt my pulse kick up another notch, but I kept my voice steady. “Tell him I'll be there in five minutes.”

“He said now, Ash. Not in five minutes, not when you're finished here. Now.”