The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 268

Vivian

Nikolai nods approvingly, then turns his expectant gaze on me. My mind races through the impossible situation. Every option leads to more violence, more death, more pain for the people I care about. But if this deal could truly protect Aveline and Orion...

I look at Dmitri, who gives me the slightest nod of encouragement. We're in this together, whatever comes next.

"We'll join," I say finally. "But don't expect forgiveness. I'll never forget what you've done."

"Excellent!" Nikolai claps his hands together like a child receiving a long-awaited gift. "In that case, we depart for Europe tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" The word comes out strangled.

"Indeed. European operations are far more complex and demanding than these American amateur hour conflicts. The challenges you'll face there will forge you into true professionals."

"I need to know that leaving won't make things worse here," I insist. "I want confirmation that Aveline and Orion can return to normal lives."

"Easily arranged." Nikolai produces his phone and begins dialing. While he speaks in rapid Russian to whoever answers, he gestures for us to sit on the sofa.

To his men stationed by the door, he says, "Wait outside. All of you."

One of them, a hulking brute with suspicious eyes, hesitates. "Pakhan? Are you certain you want to be alone with them?"

Nikolai's smile is patient but firm. "We've reached an understanding. I don't believe they'll be foolish enough to jeopardize the most advantageous arrangement they're likely to receive."

After the guards file out, I immediately rush to Dmitri's side, examining his injuries with careful hands. The bruising looks worse than I'd initially thought—purple and black mottled across his cheekbones, his left eye swollen nearly shut.

"I'm fine," he murmurs, but winces when I probe a particularly tender spot near his temple.

Nikolai watches our interaction with obvious interest. "Please wait just a moment. I've summoned someone who can guarantee your friends' safety."

I frown in confusion, but before I can ask questions, there's a polite knock at the door.

"Enter," Nikolai calls.

The man who walks in looks like death wearing an expensive suit. His hair is silver-white, his frame small and wiry, but his eyes hold the sharp intelligence of a fox evaluating prey. When he sees Nikolai, he immediately bows with practiced deference.

"Pakhan," he says in accented English.

Dmitri leans close to my ear. "That's Alexei Kozlov. The patriarch of New York's most powerful crime family."

Fury reignites in my chest as I stare at the man who betrayed us. He must have been the one who revealed Grandma's location.

Nikolai notices my death glare and chuckles. "Alexei, it appears this young woman harbors considerable hostility toward you."

Alexei looks genuinely puzzled. "Pakhan, you've captured them. Do you require my assistance in... disposing of them?"

"Quite the opposite. I called you here to inform you that they'll be departing New York with me immediately."

"You're leaving so soon?" Alexei can't hide his surprise.

"Indeed. And after my departure, I need your absolute guarantee that order will be maintained. No more kidnappings, assassinations, or violence directed at Orion Blackwell and Aveline Sterling. None whatsoever."

Alexei's jaw drops. "Pakhan, you've... you've made peace with them?"

Nikolai's explanation is delivered with casual authority. "Dwayne's death has been adequately compensated. That butler—apparently he was like a father to Orion—his death balances the scales. One life for one life. I will no longer honor Devan's requests for continued vengeance." His voice becomes steel. "Therefore, I require your word that after my departure, their conflict will involve no illegal activities whatsoever."

Alexei starts to voice another question, but Nikolai's eyes narrow dangerously. The old man immediately bows again. "Understood, Pakhan. I won't ask unnecessary questions."

As Alexei turns to leave, I can't resist staring at his retreating figure with undisguised hatred. The sight of him walking away freely while we're trapped in this impossible situation makes my blood boil.

Nikolai notices my expression and laughs softly. "Hold onto that rage, my dear. If you become strong enough someday, perhaps you'll be in a position to challenge his authority."

The casual suggestion that I might one day wield enough power to threaten a crime family patriarch sends a chill down my spine. What exactly is Nikolai planning for our future?

As the door closes behind Alexei, I realize we've just committed ourselves to a path we can't see the end of. But if it means Aveline and Orion can live in peace...

Maybe some bargains with the devil are worth making.