Page 75 of The Enforcer's Vow

"Can you spare his life? When you find him, can you let him live?"

The question cuts through me. I see the hope in her face, the desperate need to believe there's another way. But I also see the resignation, the knowledge that she's asking for something I can't give.

"A threat doesn't just disappear," I say carefully. "As long as he's alive, he's dangerous. To you, to the baby, to everyone in our family."

"But if he ran? If he left Russia and never came back?"

"He'd come back. Or he'd send someone else. Or he'd find another way to hurt us." I cup her face in my hands. "I can't let that happen."

She nods slowly, and I see her accept the truth. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"Yes. You're protecting us. You're doing what you have to do." She leans into my touch. "I trust you to do what's right."

"Even if it means killing your brother?"

"Even then." Her voice is strong now, certain. "I chose you, Maksim. I chose our family. I meant it."

I kiss her forehead, tasting the salt of her tears. "I love you."

"I love you too." She pulls back and looks at me. "Promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me you'll come home. Whatever happens tonight, promise me you'll come back to us."

"I promise."

"And promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks. Don't try to capture him alive because you think it's what I want. Do whatever keeps you safe."

The words surprise me. I expected her to beg for mercy, to ask me to find another way. Instead, she's telling me to prioritize my own safety over her brother's life.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"I'm sure. I can't lose you." She places her hand over mine. "Our child can't lose their father."

I stand up and walk to the bedroom, where my tactical gear waits. Kevlar vest, shoulder holster, extra magazines—the tools of my trade.

On the nightstand, I notice the small silver locket Zoya wore when we first met. She must have left it there last night. I pick it up, feeling the weight of it in my palm.

"What's that?" she asks from the doorway.

"Your locket. From your mother."

"Keep it." She walks over and closes my fingers around it. "For luck."

I slip it into my jacket pocket, feeling it rest against my heart. "I'll bring it back to you."

"You'd better."

I finish suiting up in silence, checking my weapon and radio. The familiar ritual calms my nerves, focuses my mind on the task ahead. By the time I'm ready to leave, I've shifted into the cold, controlled enforcer the family needs.

"Maksim." Zoya catches my arm as I head for the door. "Whatever you have to do tonight, I won't hold it against you. I need you to know that."

"I know."

"And I need you to know that I'm proud of you. For protecting us, for being the man you are." She stands on her toes and kisses me, but her eyes are sad as I walk out the door and shut it behind me.