Chapter 21

RAFAIL

My first step is to make sure Anissa’s safe. She follows me with wide eyes, but she doesn’t look surprised or anxious. No. A sudden turn of events isn’t outside her experience at all. She’s ready for my command, which could range from anything to duck for cover under the table or catch the Glock 19 that I bought her midair and take a stance at the door.

She knows.

There’s more to Anissa than I’ve thought, and I aim to find out what.

The door to the small room we’re renting flies open, Rodion and Semyon in the lead. Behind them, Popov walks in alone. He stands tall with a lean, athletic build and an air of authority that makes most men cower. Most men. Not me.

He meets my gaze. “I need a word, Kopolov,” he snarls as if he’s barely holding onto his temper. He’s cold and merciless, a force to be reckoned with in the Russian underworld. Anissa’s eyes are comically wide as she stares, hidden behind me.

I grin at him and clap him on the back. “Jesus, it’s good to see you, brother.”

Popov grins back at me. “As it is you. I’ve heard you have someone to introduce me to.”

I pull Anissa out from behind me proudly, my hand on her lower back. “Anissa, meet Roman Popov, eldest of the Popov family just north of Moscow. He likes to make a dramatic entrance.”

“So it’s true,” he says as if to himself. “I needed to see it with my own eyes.” Popov is well schooled in the art of a poker face, but even he can’t help the brief look of shock he quickly hides. His lips brush Anissa’s knuckles so briefly, I almost keep my temper fully in check when his wicked eyes glint at me.

“Welcome, Anissa. It would take a strong woman to withstand the likes of this motherfucker.”

I grunt at him and pull out a chair. “Join us? We were about to have dessert.”

Rodion and Semyon stand guard by the door. “He didn’t come alone, brother,” Semyon says quietly.

“I didn’t,” Popov continues as he declines my invitation to sit. “I came directly to you with news that will impact all of us. May I speak with you in private? I’m sorry for the drama.” He blows out a breath. “It cannot wait.”

Everyone’s eyes are on me. “Of course,” I say, reluctant to leave Anissa, but before I can say a word, both Rodion and Semyon step to the table. I meet both of their eyes and know what they vow—protection for all, no matter the cost.

“We are safe for a little while,” Popov says. For a split second, I swear his eyes go to my sisters—but it’s Zoya who flushes pink and turns away. “You have my word; your family is safe, even your sisters… for now.”

I don’t miss the ominous tone as we step into a vacant hallway between the dining rooms and the restrooms.

“What is it?”

He doesn’t waste any time. "Manuel Soloto, head of a cartel organization in Colombia. He's after a woman by the name of Polina Romanova.” Popov’s eyes hold mine. “Does that name mean anything to you?”

Again, a feeling of dread builds in my stomach. I shake my head. “All I know is she’s the missing sister of the Romanov family.”

“Yes. And when I heard the news, I thought nothing of it. Not until I went to get a cup of coffee and met the Romanov brothers in person.” He shakes his head. “There are a few things you need to know. First, the Romanov brothers are a force of nature—six men, well-armed and ruthless, each one prepared to fight to the death.” I shake my head. What does this have to do with me?

Popov continues. “Second, they’re here because they sent their sister to Moscow in an effort to protect her from Soloto. Soloto has an axe to grind, and she’s on his radar.”

I listen, my heart beating faster before I even hear the rest of what he has to say. “Third…” He swallows hard. “Your new wife has an uncanny resemblance to the Romanov sister, Polina.”

I stare, disbelieving. It can’t be true… can it? How ?

“Show me.” My voice is hoarse as he pulls out his phone and shows me a picture.

I stare at the woman in front of me—pale, porcelain skin. Eyes as blue as a spring day. Blonde, nearly white hair that hangs to her waist, and a ready smile I know all too well because I carry it with me wherever I go.

“It can’t be,” I whisper, shaking my head. “That… how?”

He pushes his phone in his back pocket and shakes his head. “I have no idea, but we have questions that need answers. As soon as I saw her picture, I came to find you. There’s no question your wife will be mistaken for the Romanov princess. The question is, who will come first?” He pauses, the weight behind his gaze pinning me in place. “Soloto or the Romanovs?”

Jesus.

“Get her to safety, brother. Lock them all down. And find the answers that you need.”

My voice is low and guarded. “I will. Who else knows this?”

He glances around the room. “There’s no telling. If I were you, I would flee. You have people in Naples and Cape Town. Take your pick.”

I shake my head. “I don’t run, Popov, you know that. I never have and never will.”

He blows out a breath with a grimace. “I know it all too well. I was afraid you’d say that.” With a nod, he stands taller. “Which is why, in that case, I’ll offer you the strength of my brotherhood to aid you. Say the word, and I’ll help.”

Help from the Popovs will come at a cost—that much is true. But right now, to keep my bride safe, there’s no price too high to pay. It’s in his best interest to keep on my good side, and he knows, as well as any other leader of this city, that alliances in the underworld are more valuable than any riches.

I nod. “Thank you.”

He stands up straighter. “Retreat. Secure your family. And find answers, brother. My men will lead yours blindfolded. No one, not even you, will be able to see the location of our refuge.” He jerks his head to the table. “If I were you, brother, I’d skip that cake.”

I have to take a leap of faith. I know I could be leading my family into greater danger, but my gut instinct says I have to trust him. The weight of responsibility feels crushing, when I look over at Anissa and see her blue, blue eyes focused on mine. She smiles and nods, a silent vote of confidence.

I know what I have to do.