Dante
“You’re fucking with me, right?” I run a hand through my still sleep-rumpled hair and stare at the foreman of this section of the warehouse.
“N-no, sir.” His wide face turns red with the effort of either not yelling at me or not pissing himself.
“Fine. Go away,” I spit.
As soon as the foreman disappears, I slam my foot into the nearest crate of goods.
“Goddammit!”
Tony snorts. “I’m glad you’re taking the news that we haven't been robbed well.”
“Am I supposed to be thrilled someone snuck into one of my most secure warehouses just to knock over a couple boxes of shit and leave?” I demand. “He’s fucking taunting me, Tone.”
“No shit, Sherlock.” My caporegime crosses his arms and leans against a high, metal shelf. “But getting pissed like this just gives him exactly what he wants.”
*Tatiana*An hour later, Tony arrives at the apartment Lev rented. I decided to set up the meeting here since it’s private, safer, and away from curious eyes. I also need to get my stuff from the apartment before I contact the landlord, so it’d be easier for me.Tony shows up at the door, wearing a black, tailored suit, his dark hair styled backward with gel, and his blue eyes set on me. He’s a fine man, but also intimidating. Or maybe I am just nervous about the conversation we’re about to have. I wasn’t afraid when I asked him to participate in the mission to Oleg’s mansion, but now I suddenly feel unsure of myself. “Miss Romina, it’s good to see you,” he greets, offering me his hand.I grab it, hoping he doesn’t notice how nervous I am. At least I’m not shaking.“Angelo,” he adds with a nod, noticing his capo leaning against the window with his arms crossed.“Good afternoon, Mr. Bellini,” I reply, closing the door behind us once he steps inside the apartment.“Let’s drop the forma
*Tatiana*The next morning, I wake up and Angelo is no longer in bed. I get up, take a shower, put on my most business appropriate suit, beige and tailored, and head downstairs, not sure what I’m going to find.For the past few days, things have been a bit uneventful for the Saints, who are still at the mansion.Angelo told me they were waiting for everything to be handled after Oleg’s death before they can return to wherever it is they live, but I know he’s been keeping everyone here just in case Yakov pulls something and tries to get at me.I appreciate the gesture, but now that I have accepted my role as head of the Romina Empire, I need to start moving and getting the hang of it all. I can’t be babysat forever. What kind of leader would I be if I were? As soon as I get to the kitchen, I find Angelo leaning against the island, sipping a cup of coffee while talking to Dice, Sal, and Max who are seated at the table. “Morning, guys,” I greet, walking inside and heading for the count
*Tatiana*I rest my head on Angelo’s chest as I try to steady my breath—and myself—after he just sent me to the moon with the most amazing sex. It’s the first time we’ve been together without me having Oleg consuming my thoughts. It’s also the first time I’m feeling the weight of being responsible for a mafia empire on my shoulders.I’m trying very hard not to think about everything that it entails, so I don’t freak out.I know I can do it. I know I can find the courage to follow in my father’s footsteps. I just need to get into the right mindset first.I appreciate Angelo wanting to distract me, getting me to relax and feel good for a change, but I can tell this is also eating away at him. He doesn’t agree with me taking over the Romina Empire. But he is too respectful and understanding to say that to me.He said he’ll support me, and I believe he will. But I can’t blame him for having the concerns he’s having. I also don’t know how to handle them yet.I only had that one single ide
*Angelo*Tatiana looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to say something about her new role as the boss of the Romina Empire.I didn’t want to influence her decision while she was talking to Guskov, since this is, after all, her life. But the truth is that I am not sure how I feel. No matter how hard I think about it, I can’t see an outcome that would make us both happy and together.“Angelo, can you please say something?” she whispers, her pleading, beautiful eyes on me. “I didn’t lie when I said I’d support you," I repeat, hoping she at least understood that part. I’d hate myself if I made her feel anything but supported. “No matter what you want to do with your life, you’ll have my support.”“But I don’t want only your support. I want you,” she states firmly.I run my fingers through my hair once again, holding her gaze. “I’m a Saint, Tatiana,” I remind her simply, doing my best to sound calm and understanding. She nods, but remains silent, waiting for me to continue. “We belong
*Tatiana*“I don’t want to rush you into making a decision,” Guskov breaks the silence. “But we can’t run without a leader for too long. It’s been a couple of days already, and we have urgent business to attend to.” I look at him, doing my best not to look overwhelmed.“I understand,” I mutter. “Do you have any news on Yakov?” I change the topic slightly, needing more information before I make a life-changing decision.He shakes his head at me, his lips a thin line. I can tell Yakov’s disappearance bothers him as much as it bothers me. Where the hell is he, and what is he planning? Did he simply escape so he wasn’t killed, or is he waiting for a chance to catch us off guard?If I don’t accept the position, it will be open for Yakov to claim, which is something we definitely don’t need. He might not be fit to rule, but I would bet my life he is certainly capable of causing permanent damage.“What about the ones who are faithful to Oleg?” I ask.“We’re getting rid of them,” Guskov tell
*Tatiana*I needed a couple of days to get my mind out of a fog after I killed Oleg.Angelo and the others don’t think it’s safe for me to leave yet while Yakov is still out there, so we stay at the Saints’ safehouse. I was hoping to reclaim my life, but maybe taking these days to rest first is what I actually need.I don’t think I’m in the right frame of mind to make important decisions; especially important decisions that can affect the rest of my life.I feel so indecisive. Moving back to Russia would mean leaving Angelo behind, and that is out of the question for me.But up until a couple of months ago, Russia was the only place I ever called home. If I stay in the United States, what will I do here? Do I really want to be part of the mafia world? I don’t think Angelo will ever give up on that part of himself, and I wouldn’t dare ask him to for me. But do I want to be involved? Would I be ready to let go of him to leave it all behind? Or am I willing to accept the mafia life as p