Page 42 of Twisted Pact

“That’s what I just said.”

I glare at him. “What’s your point?”

“My point is that you’ve deployed six men to watch this property, and another eight gathering intelligence on the Andreev situation. Now you want to commit five more to a rescue operation that puts our people at risk for a family that isn’t ours. All to protect one woman who you claim means nothing to you.”

“She’s a potential alliance asset. Keeping her safe makes strategic sense.”

“Does it? It looks more like obsession than strategy. You’re acting like I did with Katya. Same patterns. Same excuses. Same refusal to admit what’s happening.”

I stand and stalk to the window to stare out at the forest stretching into darkness. “This situation is different from you and Katya.”

“How, because you haven’t kidnapped her from a hospital? Because you haven’t lied about being married? Those are just details, Alexei. The fundamentals are the same. You’ve claimed a woman. You’re protecting her, and you’re making decisions based on keeping her safe rather than what’s best for the organization.”

“I’m protecting an alliance opportunity.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” he scoffs, “maybe eventually you’ll believe it.”

“Is there a point to this conversation, or are you just here to question my judgment?”

“I’m here to make sure your judgment isn’t compromised. I nearly destroyed our organization. I’d rather not watch you repeat my mistakes.”

“Mila isn’t Katya. I’m not you. This situation is under control.”

“You’re spiraling. When’s the last time you slept? When’s the last time you ate something?”

I let out a huff and reply, “I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. You’re obsessing over a woman who hates you, and instead of dealing with that, you’re planning a rescue operation that could get our people killed.”

“No one’s getting killed tonight. I’ve planned every detail, triple-checked the intelligence, and coordinated with our best operators. This is a clean extraction.”

“There’s no such thing as a clean extraction when you’re violating another family’s territory. The Novikovs will see this as an act of war. They’ll retaliate. And when they do, it won’t just be you they target, it’ll be all of us.”

“I’m aware of the risks.”

“Are you? I’m not sure you’re thinking clearly about any of this.” Dmitri stands and walks closer. “I know you, little brother. Something’s eating at you, and it’s more than just planning a rescue operation.”

I consider admitting that I took Mila’s virginity without knowing it and then treated her like garbage today because I assumed she was experienced enough to handle my cruelty.

But the words stick in my throat. Admitting it out loud would make it real, forcing me to confront how badly I’ve fucked this up.

“I’m fine,” I say instead. “Just focused on getting Irina back safely.”

Dmitri doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push, either. He picks up the compound schematics from my desk and eyes them. “When are we moving?”

“Tonight. Two a.m., when the guard rotation changes.”

“Who’s leading the team?”

“I am.”

He shakes his head. “Absolutely not.”

“It’s my operation,” I remind him. “I’m leading it.”

“You’re emotionally compromised. Send Boris or one of the others. Let someone with a clear head handle this.”

“No. I told Mila I’d get her sister back. I’m going to keep that promise.”