Page 62 of Wreaking Havoc
“Mission accomplished…,” Sascha mumbled.
“Yes,” Ivan agreed, voice like ice. “And here we all are. Still alive.”
For some reason beyond Kai’s understanding, that seemed to be enough for Sascha, and his gaze softened, his hand reaching out toward his brother. “Vanya…”
Ivan turned away before the hand could reach him. “But I may have a solution to your problem. That’s why I’m here. The Caruso family wants a trade.”
Sascha’s arm dropped. “A…trade?”
“They’d like the use of our docks for a new venture. One I’ve refused in the past.”
Sascha seemed to take a moment to translate his brother’s words, then his eyes widened. “Ivan, no. Not—notpeople.”
“It would put an end to the price on your head,” Ivan told him, peering out the small attic window, as if he didn’t care one way or another.
Sascha was trembling, the soul piece in Kai’s chest roiling with confusion and sadness and anger. “You said we’d never do that. You saidnever.”
“And we wouldn’t, would we? We’d be looking the other way while someone else did.”
Sascha’s hands clenched into fists. “No.”
“And what would you have me do instead?” Ivan straightened from the window, cocking his head at Sascha. “Start a war between our families? You and Alexei have no idea the cost of business,” he hissed. “You never have.”
“That’s not fair.”
Ivan’s voice grew cutting. “I’m not interested infair. You have a new protector now, don’t you?” he asked, cold eyes moving to Kai. “Fix the problem yourself, then, Sascha. I’ll be going now. This was a waste of time, and I have business to attend to.”
He made his way out of the attic, ignoring Sascha’s protests.
Kai did nothing to stop him. He wanted the eldest out of the house. Preferably permanently, or at least until he could learn to stop distressing Kai’s human.
Sascha was staring around the attic, looking dazed. “He’s talking about human trafficking. He’s never— He said he’dnever…”
Kai tugged Sascha to him, running a soothing hand down his back. “And he isn’t now, zaychik,” he reassured.
“What?”
“He’s using us,” Kai told him. “You have a weapon at your disposal now.” Kai placed a hand on his own chest. “One he wishes he possessed. He’s manipulating you so you use it.”
Sascha might not have been used to having power to wield, and the complications that arose from it, but Kai was. He’d marked Ivan’s game from the beginning: hit Sascha where it hurt—innocents being harmed—then guilt him until he acted himself.
Some of the tension in Sascha’s frame relaxed. “You think so?”
It was like a dagger to the chest, the hope in Sascha’s voice. Like he would rather be ruthlessly manipulated by someone he loved than believe his brother capable of evil.
Sascha pulled back, peering up into Kai’s eyes. “You think he’s lying about the Caruso family completely?”
Kai thought it over. “I think it’s highly possible the proposal is real. The question is whether Ivan actually intends to take it.”
Sascha’s brow furrowed as he considered. “He wantsusto act. So he doesn’t have to.”
“Perhaps it’s time, pup.” Kai cupped Sascha’s cheek, keeping his voice low and soothing. He didn’t want to alarm him, but they had realities to face. “They know where you are now.”
But Sascha surprised him. He didn’t panic, didn’t lose himself to strangled breaths. “So…we need to bond now?” he asked, looking at Kai with clear eyes. “Before we deal with it and end the bargain?”
Kai tried to tamp down the rush of greed that arose with Sascha’s words. He should by all accounts say something measured.If you’re ready, or,Take your time.
But what came out was a fervent “Yes.Yes, Sascha.Now.”
