*Tatiana*Yakov has finally made a move.I was kind of expecting him to be a coward and just vanish from the world, start over somewhere where he isn’t known, or any shit like that.But he didn’t. I have to at least give him credit for not going down without a fight.As soon as I see Angelo’s text, I call him back.“Finally,” he blurts as soon as he picks up. “I’m on my way to get you. Tony has requested the merger meeting to happen as soon as possible,” he adds, not allowing me to say anything.I planned for it to be a bit more organized than this, so I could prepare the Rominas first, but I can’t refuse it. We need to come up with a plan to get to Yakov immediately. I’m quickly learning things don’t always happen the way I want, even as the boss, which leaves me frustrated.“Inform Guskov and tell them to bring everyone to the address I’m sending you now,” he instructs, hanging up on me right after. I didn’t even have a chance to speak.I text Guskov the address and ask him to prepa
*Tatiana*My heart is pounding so hard and fast that I can hear the blood pumping in my veins as I ride the elevator to my penthouse. Angelo offered to come with me, but I didn’t think it was a good idea. This is my first meeting with the men who chose to follow me as their leader. Having a chaperone wouldn’t give me the image of a leader they would be proud of—someone confident, strong, and reliable. And that’s the exact image I want to give them tonight.I know the reason why they voted for me has everything to do with who my father was rather than my skills, but I intend to make them proud of their decision. I want to be a leader they can rely on. I want to be someone they think it’s worth risking their lives to protect everyday.When the elevator door opens to the living room, I am speechless and shocked by the number of people I see inside my new apartment. The place is packed, from left to right, not to mention the stairs, the balcony, and the second floor, with men dressed in
*Tatiana*“So, what do you want to do now?” Angelo asks me as soon as we step out of the building. I’ve just returned the apartment key to the landlord, and even though I didn’t even spend a whole day inside this place, it still feels somewhat bittersweet to say goodbye to it, knowing Lev was the one who rented it in the first place.The suitcase he left with all the blueprints and documents regarding Oleg had been taken to the Saints' safehouse when we were preparing for our mission, so there wasn’t really anything left for me to take.I still feel like I’m leaving a part of Lev behind, and it makes my heart shrink in my chest as I stare at Angelo.“I’m not really sure,” I tell him honestly. “I need to call Guskov and set up a meeting with my men. It can’t wait any longer. Especially if we’re all going to meet with the Saints soon for the merger,” I explain, following him to his car.“Okay. What about now, though? Are you hungry?” he asks, raising his brows at me over the roof of the
*Tatiana*Angelo turns us and presses my back against the cold brick wall of the living room. His kisses slide down my neck to my collarbone, and I tilt my head backward, the delightful feeling of his lips on my skin threatening to burst me into flames.A soft moan escapes me as his fingers dig deeper into my ass. Heat pools at my core, and my fingers curl into his shirt as I hold onto him with all my might, anchoring myself to him. He presses his hips against mine, and I grind against him, wanting more, needing more.A groan comes from deep in his throat as his grip on me tightens, and he holds me against the wall with the weight of his body as his hands start roaming up my shirt and reaching my breasts.My back arches instantly as his fingers graze my nipples from under my bra. I suddenly feel overdressed.“Wait, I need to get rid of this blazer,” I murmur breathlessly.Struggling with myself, I try to focus on removing the blazer while Angelo’s hands explore my body. Needless to s
*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