5. Katerina

When I was seven, I asked my dad to take me with him to a shooting range because I wanted to learn how to shoot. He was hesitant because I was so young, but I think he was also proud, because I took the initiative to go after something like that on my own. He did take me though and I continued practicing after that, every chance I got, until I was perfect.

That’s how things have been my entire life. Me going after the things I want. Or should I say the things guaranteed to make my father proud of me. My mother was still alive then. And she hated me learning to shoot. We tried to hide it from her but she found out eventually. She tried to make it stop but in the end realized I didn’t mind. I was happy shooting, comfortable with a gun or a pistol in my hands. I don’t think I was ever normal as a kid. My dad always says that I was born for this life.

I didn’t choose it, but it chose me and I’ve learned to accept that.

The shooting range is a dimly lit space, with the sound of gunshots echoing against the walls. The air is filled with the distinct smell of gunpowder. Rows of booths, line the range, each equipped with targets at various distances. My eyes are fixed on the target in front of me, my feet planted on the ground.

Beside me, Roman De Luca is just as laser focused. He’s wearing a tailored black suit with a hint of menace in his dark blue eyes that never seems to leave. Roman and I recently started coming out here, ever since we bonded over our shared responsibilities as the heads of our respective families. Owing to our similar positions, we have a lot in common. He’s also pretty cool. I’m pretty sure he’s a friend, although I wouldn’t say that out loud.

I adjust my grip on the sleek black handgun, my fingers wrapping around the textured grip.

“Ready, Mincetti?” Roman questions.

“Promise to pay up when I win.”

“I’m a man of my word, Katerina,” I hear the smile in his voice. “But you’re not going to win,” he says in Italian.

I take in a deep breath and align my sights before squeezing the trigger. With each shot fired, there’s a recoil pushing against my hand, but I maintain my stance, eyes fixed on the target. When we both reload the firearms, Roman speaks.

“I heard on the grapevine that you’re going after a few politicians for extortion.”

“It’s for charity,” I say dryly as I fire three shots in quick succession.

“Oh yeah?” Roman asks and even though I’m not looking at him, I can see the grin on his face. “What charity?”

“Half the money gotten is going into providing homes for the homeless. The other half is funding for some farms in Moscow.”

This time, Roman laughs. “What kind of farms?”

“Medicinal ones,” I reply. “You want in?”

“That depends. Who are you going after?”

“A couple dirty senators. They’re based in D.C but are always here in New York to do shady stuff. I dug into them and got proof of it. Now, they’ll do whatever I ask them to. It’ll be fun.”

“Careful, Katerina. Don’t poke bears that can bite.”

“Bears tend to maul people first before resorting to biting,” I say on a smirk.

“Just be careful, alright? Extortion’s alright but your father built his empire on staying low key. Doing this might bring in some unwanted trouble.”

“I have nothing to be scared of,” I state before shooting my last round.

Roman does as well. Once we’re both done, I tip my head at one of the men behind us who walks towards the targets, bringing them closer so we can get a good look. Most of my bullets were right on target or close to it. More than Roman’s. I look up at him with a smile and he rolls his eyes.

“Do you have to be so annoyingly good at everything?” he questions, gesturing for one of his guards to step forward.

“Of course.”

He’s handed a bag which he pulls some cash out of, giving it to me. I collect it happily, passing it off to one of my men.

“Good game. And one more thing. Have you ever heard about a Russian crime boss called Sokolov?”

At the sound of that name, every muscle in my body shuts down. I’m immediately thankful for all the lessons my dad gave me on having a good poker face and never letting your emotions show. My heart starts to thud but I manage a small smile.

“The name sounds familiar.”

“Well he’s apparently kicking up a storm over in Moscow, causing some trouble. He was thought to be dead up until a while ago but he’s resurfaced. I don’t think he should cause us any issues since we’re here and he’s all the way there but most of your family’s businesses are in based in Moscow. It’s better to be careful.”

“Thanks for the advice, Roman. I will be.”

He nods. “If you ever need anything just let me know. You’re part of the family.”

I’m about to say something else, maybe ask who his source is on Sokolov when Anthony walks into the rink. His eyes narrow onto my face. He’s wearing a gray shirt and black pants, with a black baseball cap that’s on backwards. Very douchey looking but he makes it work.

He looks like every other chill guy on the street but Tony can get a little unhinged. Not towards his family but to those who cross him. Two years ago, my family was one of those. Then he married my sister and we became family.

“I keep telling you both to stop coming here without me,” Tony says, brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

He swings an arm around Roman’s neck. The latter unceremoniously pushes it off.

“You’re not invited for a reason, cognato,” I say to my brother in law.

“Why? Because you know I’ll kick both your asses?” he winks.

I let out a soft sigh. I love my sister, I do but sometimes I wonder exactly what she saw in him. I mean sure, he’s hot but he’s also an idiot.

“In your dreams, Tony,” I state. “Anyway, I have an important meeting to get to. I’ll see you both later.”

“Don’t forget our monthly game night, cognata,” Tony calls after me.

I wave over my shoulder in acknowledgement. My men start to clear out of the room. Since I became Don, my security’s been greatly upgraded with me being unable to leave the house without at least four men accompanying me. I’ve tried to fight it, but my dad’s insisted and I decided to let it go.

Still it irks me that a male Don like Roman can leave the house at any time without any security. Today he was accompanied by two men but it doesn’t happen often. But that’s not a battle I can fight. Roman’s a man and I’m a woman. Our situations and experiences are vastly different.

Plus, my dad might not be Don anymore. But he still has some influence over our men.

My cousin walksinto my office about an hour after I arrive home. There’s an expression on his face that immediately has me arching an eyebrow.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

Instead of answering me, my cousin’s eyes go to the desk then back to my face.

“You know it’ll never not be weird seeing you in Eduardo’s chair.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter. “It feels uncomfortable. Like it’s wrong that I’m here at all.”

“It suits you,” he says sincerely.

Rico has always been steadfast about supporting my position. There are some people who believe he should be Don instead but he likes working in the shadows and on the sidelines. I’m beyond grateful to have a cousin who is so loyal.

“So, I have bad news, two potential issues, not sure if they’re problems or not,” he states.

“I’m listening,” I prompt.

“First off, intel getting to me from Moscow is that Sokolov might not be dead. It seems he’s actually still very much alive and running his empire.”

I arch an eyebrow. Hearing that twice in one day is definitely worrying. “And you know this how?”

His brown eyes narrow. “You’re not surprised, which means you already know.”

I sigh. Rico’s one of the only three people on earth who are capable of reading me well.

“Yes, Roman might have mentioned it while we were at the shooting range earlier.”

“Well, I got confirmation of a sighting from one of our sources in Moscow. He’s still alive. You worried?” Rico asks.

“Should I be?” I counter.

He holds me gaze for a couple of seconds before sighing. “There’s always been something you’re not telling me in relation to him. I’ll find out eventually.”

Hopefully not ever.

“What’s the second issue?” I ask, feigning disinterest.

“Steele industries.”

For the second time today, my muscles tense. This time, there’s no hiding the way I freeze or the shifting of my expression.

“What?” I ask quietly.

Rico studies me for a second. “Something else you’re keeping secret, cugina?” he asks.

“No,” I say, trying and failing to keep the bite from my voice. “What’s up with Steele industries?”

“Well I remembered you used to date that guy who’s a Steele, so I thought you’d be interested in knowing that they’re opening a branch of the company here in New York.”

The casual way he mentions my only real relationship to date, has my heart clenching.

“When?”

“In a few weeks or so. I don’t have all the info. I just know cause one of our business partners is their biggest rival in the country.”

“I know,” I manage to say. I look up at my cousin. “Thanks for letting me know, Rico. Anything else?”

He shakes his head and after a moment’s hesitation, he’s walking out of the office. As soon as he’s gone, I’m opening my laptop to hack into some servers and figure out anything and everything there is to know about the Steele’s opening in New York. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to find. They’re a tech company that specializes in cyber security. I’ve never been able to successfully hack in. Which is really pissing me off because I need information on this new development.

It takes a while but I slowly start to convince myself not to worry so much. There’s no way in hell Alexander Steele would come here to New York. He has avoided this place like a plague for years.

Still a part of me is worried. Rico just asked me about the secrets I’m keeping and the truth is there are too many to count. With me finding out about both Solokova and the Steeles on the same day is suspicious and doesn’t feel much like a coincidence.

It’s like there’s a noose around my neck and it’s closing with each passing day. And while I might be perfect when it comes to most things, my Achilles heel has always been the relationships in my life.

I’m terrified that when the truth does come out, the fallout will be irreparable and I’ll have lost everyone I love. The past ten years have been hell. And despite the fact that I act like I’m okay, I do so with the knowledge that I could crumble at any moment.