Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 99413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
That is what started this—money, power, and respect. When it’s over, my family and I will have it all. The Alliance will be untouchable.
LaSalle
I stand next to Tasha with the bridal party, getting ready to walk in the processional. She looks gorgeous in the shimmering silver dress. For a fake wedding, it’s definitely glamorous.
All the bridesmaids are stunning. Not one looks as if she doesn’t belong. As I have that thought, I take a look around.
“Where’s Lovie?” I ask.
“She wasn’t feeling well. She’s sitting this one out. She’ll be underground with the guests when things start,” Sim informs me.
I’m surprised, but I nod as this isn’t the real thing. I doubt that one detail will harm our plans. I look at the altar and smile as Cole stands there looking as nervous as I know he will be for the real deal.
“I can hear you thinking. Relax,” Tasha says at my side.
I turn to look into her eyes. She had been the one worried this morning as we woke. I’m a little taken aback that she’s so calm now.
“We must begin.” Sammy’s voice comes through the comm.
“You heard him. Let’s move,” Onyx calls out.
The music starts and we all make our way down the aisle in turn. Tasha and I are bringing up the rear after Uri and Val. Ronan and Dean are in front of them.
Despite Ronan’s protest, Dean is five months pregnant and here. It’s a good thing she and the other women will be dropping out of the way. I don’t like the idea of her being here either, but knowing she and the others will be lowered to safety has put my mind at ease.
If only these women would do as we say. When the moment comes for the Bellas to drop away, none of them will and it’s not because the device is faulty. They pull their own guns and join the gunfight.
We have no choice but to cover them. I move to cover my wife as my blood boils. This was not the plan.
Tasha has the nerve to wink at me as I spare a glare her way. Wait until I get my hands on her. What in the world are they thinking?
“Abort, abort. Stop now, da. She’s getting away.” Misha’s voice comes through the comms.
“Ach, then go after her,” Brooklyn snarls.
“Net, Czar has been hit. Lovie, get his wife here, now,” Misha commands.
I grind my teeth. What the fuck is going on? Could this have been a mistake?
Czar isn’t just my friend; that’s my brother-in-law. Tasha’s brother and Misha’s cousin. I totally understand why Misha’s calling things off.
“Lovie, do you hear me?” Misha says.
“Keep calm. She has taken Lovie and Milanie. They will be okay.
“This has happened just as I wanted,” Sammy says robotically.
I growl. I was right all along. My son has been up to something. He manipulated this situation.
“What?” Misha roars. “Why would she take them?”
I can feel the vein throbbing in my forehead. Sammy never lies, so I’m taken aback by his behavior. What the fuck is going on?
Sammy replies to Misha as my mind spins. “Because that’s the only way she could be sure you and DJ would come. However, she didn’t know to account for me.”
I close my eyes and groan as I begin to see the bigger picture. I might put that boy on punishment after this one. However, knowing what I think I know, he’s right.
“This is done. I do my way.” Misha seethes.
Fuck, just what I need, to be at odds with Misha again. I had to knock him on his ass last time over my wife. I might have to kill him over my son.
“I know. Your way is the one needed. I’ll be with you, Uncle Misha. It’s time to take care of her. She’s in Mishutka Mishyenka’s way.”
I bite my fist as I know for a fact what Sammy has done and what he’s up to. My son is too smart for his own good. Misha is going to have to face his secrets once and for all.
CHAPTER 44
The Answer
LaSalle
Eight months later …
My gaze moves around the room, and a smile comes to my lips. This peace and happiness was hard won, but I wouldn’t change anything that has happened in the last eight months.
Everyone has found their normal and their happiness. Were there losses? Yes, that seems to be unavoidable.
However, we have been there for our family. Family … Logan, Uri, and Misha have become more like my brothers than my friends or business partners. What happened after that fake wedding could only happen with the support and understanding of family.
Tonight, we celebrate as a unit. Cole and Deja deserve this. In two days, they will be getting married for real. No enemies plotting and threatening their happiness and no more threats against our sons.