Chapter 14 - Roman

The day after our casino adventure, the night to meet with the Vultures finally arrived thick with tension and anticipation as I prepared to meet with the members of the Vultures.

I had spent the day mentally gearing up for this confrontation, ensuring every detail was in place. Our Bratva men in the state all arrived, armed and ready to go. Boris had easily hacked into the camera feeds nearby and had angles from different shopfronts and streetlights on his laptop to monitor. We went over the plans, the positions each of the men would take, and the angles to watch to ensure the perimeter was secured. With a final glance in the mirror, I adjusted my collar and stepped into the living room, where Gwen was waiting.

She looked stunning, the kind of beautiful that left me momentarily breathless. The deep red dress hugged her curves perfectly, and her makeup accentuated her striking features. Due to the nature of the meeting, everyone was instructed to dress formally. But now, looking at how breathtaking she looks in that dress and how badly I want to just rip it off and have a taste, I’m starting to regret it.

“You look incredible,” I said, stepping closer. My eyes track up and down her slender, toned frame, drinking in every inch of her killer body.

Gwen glanced down, a hint of a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Thanks,” she says, then peruses me as well. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

I smiled, but the gravity of the evening weighed on me. “Remember our plan. Stay close to me; whatever happens, I’ll keep you safe.” My voice was firm, a promise woven into the fabric of the night.

She nodded, her expression serious. I admired her strength, even in this vulnerable moment.

As we stepped out into the cool evening air, I couldn’t help but notice how brave she was, facing the unknown ahead of us with unwavering determination. I think about how difficult it must be in her position and how overwhelming everything is for her so far. To be ripped from a life of normalcy and forced into one of crime, I can’t imagine how one could possibly cope. Yet, here she was, powering through with ease.

The ride to Spectre, the luxurious VIP club downtown owned by the Vultures where the meeting would take place, felt electric. The city lights flickered outside the window, a blur of color and movement that matched the racing thoughts in my mind. I could feel Gwen’s unease as she sat in the back of the SUV next to me, but I knew she was trying to mask it. I reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“We’ll handle this,” I said, focusing on the road ahead. “Just follow my lead. Da? ”

She nods but keeps her head turned towards the window.

Arriving at the club, the atmosphere shifted. Neon blue and purple lights bounced around, reflecting against the mirrored ceiling and blinding us the second we stepped through the doors. The air reeked of a mixture of cheap fragrance and body odor as we navigated the crowd of rich fabrics and sweaty bodies. The exterior was imposing, but here, the interior was so normal that it was off-putting. None of these intoxicated guests knew the darkness that lay within these walls. This may have been considered neutral territory, but I was acutely aware of the danger lurking beneath the surface.

Victor met us at the entrance with Anton by his side. Boris and Anya were stationed in a nondescript vehicle outside, watching the camera feeds. He offered a curt nod before guiding us deeper into the club. We navigated through the sea of people. My instincts were on high alert, and I could feel the eyes of the Vultures on us, watching, waiting.

The atmosphere shifted again when we finally reached the private room reserved for our meeting. This room was a stark contrast to the craziness outside, with a more elegant interior of browns and grays and a fireplace crackling in the back corner. The air was thick with tension as we exchanged fake pleasantries with our enemies—Luther, Mark, and Dean—the three brothers from the casino all those weeks ago.

“Let’s get down to business,” I said. My group—Boris, Anton, Gwen, and two Bratva associates, Pieter and Vasily—take our seats on the sofa and armchair across from the gang. I cross one leg over the other, leaning back in my chair, exuding confidence. My gaze locked onto the representative from the Vultures, named Luther, a man who wore his arrogance like a badge. “You called this meeting. What did you need to discuss?”

Luther leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a predatory gleam in the dim light of the room. He ran a hand through his slicked-back hair, a gesture that seemed almost casual, but I could sense the calculated nature behind every move.

"Roman," Luther began his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the tension-filled air. "We've been thinking about your... generous offers." His lips curled into a smirk, the word 'generous' dripping with sarcasm. "And we've decided to reconsider our position."

I felt Gwen stiffen beside me, her fingers tightening imperceptibly on the arm of the sofa. I kept my face impassive, my eyes never leaving Luther's as I waited for him to continue.

Luther leaned back, spreading his arms across the back of the sofa in a display of casual dominance. "We're willing to discuss a potential partnership, but on our terms."

A partnership? It takes everything in me not to scoff out loud. Who did these men think they were? What possibly possessed them to believe for even a second that they were worthy of our time, let alone a partnership?

I kept my exterior cool, not at all reflecting my amused and annoyed interior. I raised an eyebrow, my voice cool and measured. "And what terms might those be?"

Mark, who seemed to be the middle brother, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "We’ll take your club on Fairmont. We also want the bar on Valley. As well…” He exchanges a look with his brothers and the other men. “We want a large cut of the Diamond's profits. Thirty percent, to be exact."

This time, I have no interest in hiding my true feelings. Anton laughs while Victor seems ready to rip out their throats. I couldn't help but let out a low, humorless chuckle. "Thirty percent? On top of two of our properties?? That's quite the ask for a group that's contributed nothing but trouble so far."

Dean, the youngest and most volatile of the brothers, bristled visibly. "We've contributed plenty. Our connections, our influence—"

Anton cuts him off with a sharp gesture. "Your 'influence' has been nothing but a thorn in our side.”

Victor leans forward, his body language and words becoming more hostile by the minute. “So far, you’ve done nothing but waste our time and stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. Really, I mean, I have to ask,” He laughs, but the sound is colder than it is amused. “Where the fuck do you get the idea that we would agree to any of those things? How stupid can you be?”

Mark's eyes flashed dangerously, his hand twitching towards his jacket. I tensed, ready for any sudden movements, but Luther placed a restraining hand on his brother's arm.

"Now, now," Luther said, his voice smooth as silk but laced with venom. "Let's not be hasty. We're all businessmen here. Surely we can come to an... arrangement."

I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees, fingers steepled. "An arrangement implies mutual benefit. So far, I'm not seeing any benefit for us."

Mark's lips curled into a sneer. "The benefit is that we don't turn this city into a war zone. Don’t underestimate us. You don’t know what we're capable of, Milov."

The threat hung heavy in the air. I felt Gwen shift beside me, her breath catching slightly. I placed a reassuring hand on her knee, a subtle gesture to remind her I was there, that she was safe.

"Is that so?" Victor replied, voice dangerously low. "Perhaps it's you who doesn't understand what you're dealing with here."

"Let me make something very clear," I said, each word precise and cutting. "The Bratva isn't some small-time operation you can intimidate or threaten. We've dealt with far worse than you, and we're still standing. Your so-called 'war zone' would be nothing more than a minor inconvenience to us."

Luther's smirk faltered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. Good. He was beginning to understand.

"But let me offer you a counter-proposal," I continued, my voice low and menacing. "You will cease all operations that interfere with our business. You won’t get your ransom. But I’ll give you the properties you want and throw in a couple of condos as well, but only in exchange for the girl. And you will pay us a 'protection fee' of 20% of your profits."

The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I could see the shock and outrage building in the Vultures' eyes.

Dean was the first to react, laughing out loud. "You can't be serious! We came here to negotiate, not to be insulted."

I remained perfectly still, my gaze never wavering. "We approached you in efforts to maintain peace while you repeatedly resorted to ransoms and threats.”

“We’re being generous, which is something you don’t deserve,” Anton added. “This is the negotiation. Take it or leave it. And you really need to remind your leader—yes, I’m aware you’re not the main man—who the Milovs are.” The finality in my tone makes the atmosphere even more tense.

Luther raised a hand, silencing his brother. His eyes narrowed as he studied me, clearly reassessing the situation. "And if we refuse?"

A cold smile played at the corners of my mouth. "Then we'll show you exactly what the Bratva is capable of," I said, my voice a low growl. "And trust me, it's far beyond anything you've imagined."

All of the men seemed so angry that it was almost as if smoke began to spew from their ears. While Mark and Dean were noticeably enraged, Luther was the only one who tried to maintain his composure, which was breaking more with each passing second.

“You’re making a mistake,” he warned, his voice low and menacing. “Frankly, we’re being more polite to you people than what is necessary. Hell, I’ll even go the extra mile and allow you this one final chance.” He crosses his arms. “You get the girl back for eighty thousand cash. The properties we discussed. And, sure, we’ll throw in that protection fee from our profits from them, but only 15 percent.”

I pause once more, then tilt my head, feigning deep thought. I glance at Victor, then Anton. Then, I let out a sigh.

“No,” I spat, firmer than before.

It’s almost as if I can see the smoke blowing from Dean’s ears. “You guys think you’re so big and mighty, eh?” He snorts. “Too important to take a good deal when it’s handed to you on a silver platter. Well, you dug your graves. You can lay in it. And you—”

He turns to Gwen, his fat lips curving into a sickly grin that displays yellowed teeth. “Dig an extra one for your friend as well. She’ll be needing it soon once we’re done with her.”

Anger seizes my chest, and I can feel it emanating from Gwen as well, but we both maintain our composure. That is, until Luther adds:

“On second thought, let’s make a trade. I’ll give you your friend back for that fine piece of ass you have there. I can only imagine the things I’d do to her.”

That was it for me. I surged forward, adrenaline igniting my senses. The punch connected with his jaw, and I relished the satisfying crack of bone against bone. The men at his side rose from the couch, prompting those behind me to stand alert as well. But just as quickly as it started, Victor and the guards intervened, pulling me back. Like Dean, Luther tried to lunge at me, but their brother and men held them back.

“Let’s go, Roman,” Victor said, urgency lacing his tone. Every part of me wants to stay, wants to feed Luther his fucking teeth for saying what he did about my wife, but I know better than to be so reckless—at least, more than I already have been.

“ Blyat ,” I curse under my breath, shrugging my shoulders as I turned to leave with my people.

“You fucker!” Mark yells at my back, and the anger in his voice is satisfying. Until he finishes his sentence. “Tell that bitch of yours to get ready to say her fucking goodbyes!”

Gwen hesitates in her step, but I have a firm hand on her back, pushing her forward. We leave the club in a rush, the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. We rejoin our group outside, and I avoid their glances and conversations as I make my way toward the SUV with Gwen, ignoring the stares I can feel burning into my back. I have no intention of explaining myself to them, and there is nothing to explain. I know what I did was painfully stupid, and as we drive back to our place in silence, as I feel Gwen force as much space between us as possible, I quickly regret my impulsivity. I could feel the heat radiating from her, an emotional storm brewing beneath the surface.

Once we arrived at the penthouse, Gwen stormed into the living room, her fists clenched at her sides. “What the hell was that?” she shouted, her voice shaking with fury. There are tears welling in her eyes, but I can tell she’s trying her hardest to push them back. “You just threw away my friend’s life!”

“I didn’t throw anything away,” I shot back, trying to remain calm despite the storm brewing inside me. “You need to trust me.”

“I thought I did!” she yelled, tears brimming in her eyes. “Why would you do that? You sold her out! God, I could fucking kill you!”

She pushes me as hard as she can, but it barely moves me. She tried again, but I stepped forward, grabbing her arms and pushing her against the wall, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Because while we entertained their ‘negotiations,’ Anya and our guards placed tracking devices on their vehicles. Now it’s just a matter of time before we find Riley and ruin those motherfuckers.”

She froze, her anger morphing into shock as the realization sank in.

The weight of my words hung between us, and I could see the conflict playing out in her eyes. For a moment, Gwen was speechless, processing the revelation. Then, without warning, she surged forward, her lips crashing against mine in a wild kiss.

I was taken aback for a heartbeat, but I quickly melted into the kiss, tasting the fury and fear that lingered on her tongue. She poured everything she felt into that moment—relief, frustration, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite grasp yet. My hands instinctively moved to her waist, pulling her closer as if to reassure her that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

As we broke apart, I could see the fire in her eyes, the heat radiating from her skin. “I-I’m… sorry. Why didn’t you tell me? God, I’m still angry at you,” she said, her voice a whisper now, filled with a mix of emotion.

“I get it,” I replied, my forehead resting against hers. “I didn’t want to tell you for your own safety.”

“Why does it always come down to that?” she breathed, frustration still evident in her tone. “Why does everything feel so complicated?”

“Because we’re in a complicated world, Gwen. And I promise to protect you, even if it means making decisions you disagree with.”

She searched my eyes, seeking something—reassurance, perhaps. “Just don’t let me down again,” she said, her voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability.

“I won’t,” I vowed, feeling the weight of her trust resting on my shoulders. “But right now, I need you to trust me enough to take a breath, and let’s move forward.”

After a beat, Gwen nodded, the tension in her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. “Okay, I’ll try.”

Just as I thought we had reached a fragile understanding, the air between us shifted again. The kiss had ignited a tension that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long. I leaned in closer, brushing my lips against hers once more, just a whisper of contact, but enough to reignite that spark.

“Come on,” I said, pulling back slightly, the thrill of the evening still coursing through my veins. “Let’s forget about everything for a moment. We’ll handle what’s next together.”

I led her to the bedroom, the space filled with shadows and the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the window. My heart raced, the adrenaline from the confrontation mixed with the electricity of being near her. I wanted to lose myself in her, to drown out the chaos of our lives for just a little while.

Once inside, I turned to her, my voice low and teasing. “How about a little distraction? Just for tonight?”

She raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “What do you have in mind?”

“Let’s start with what you wanted to see,” I said, stepping back and gesturing toward the bed. “And then we can take it from there.”

Gwen took a deep breath, her eyes glinting with curiosity and mischief. As she moved to the bed, I could see her confidence returning. The Gwen I know promptly returns. She was strong, resilient, and ready to face whatever came next.

I wanted to show her how much she meant to me, to let her know that she was not just a pawn in this dangerous game we were playing. She was my partner now, my confidante, and I was determined to protect her—no matter the cost.

And then I kissed her again, more deeply this time, feeling her body respond to mine as we lost ourselves in the moment. My hands swim across her back, making quick work of the zipper, then swiftly peel off the dress I’ve been dying to rip off her since the moment I saw her walk down the stairs in it.