Page 41 of Savage Little Secret

Sean narrows his eyes, not an ounce of belief in them. “You came to my territory to meet me alone? That’s not very smart.”

“It’s true. He’s alone,” Brendan says.

Sean turns to him. “I’m guessing you already squealed like a pig.”

“Forget about him. I have a deal for you,” I tell Sean.

Sean huffs and crosses his arms over his chest. “I don’t work with the Bratva.”

“And I don’t particularly enjoy the thought of working with the asshole who killed two good men. But it’s safe to say that a lot has changed over the course of a few months,” I reply, our eyes locking.

Sean smirks. “You could say that. An alliance was planned. An alliance died, along with an arranged marriage.”

“Did you kill Mikhail?” I ask. “Say it.”

That’s been one of my main holdups, offering to make peace with this bastard for Cara.

“Did I kill the Pakhan?” he replies. “You mean the one who up and canceled our meeting at the last minute to fly back to Russia?”

“What?”

“I heard rumors he was dead and that you all were keeping it quiet until you voted on a new Pakhan. Guess it’s true, yeah?”

“You never met with Mikhail?”

“He was a no show.”

“If you have nothing to hide, then I want the casino surveillance footage of that day. Uncut.”

“You don’t get to make demands here.”

I scoff. “I’m the one holding your man’s pulse in my hand.”

And fuck, we’re getting off topic. If Sean denies it, then I want to believe him, even if I have no clue who else could’ve killed Mikhail.

“I’ve heard rumors that the Bratva Council is very upset with you for fucking up the alliance with Suyunov, and that you’re no longer on the new Pakhan short list,” Sean remarks.

“I don’t give a shit about being Pakhan. And I don’t want an alliance with the Suyunovs,” I state, the tension in the air growing thicker. “I want an alliance with you.”

The words land like a dropped gun.

Sean laughs once, short and humorless. “You want us as allies? What have you been smoking?”

“Did you take some oxy?” Brendan whispers to me.

I shoot him a warning glare, making him fall silent. Turning back to Sean I say, “I know it’s unorthodox for our families, but I think this could work out for both of us, if what you claim about Mikhail is true.”

Sean narrows his eyes in thought. “It’s fecking ridiculous, but I’ll let you amuse me. What are you offering besides returning what belongs to me?”

It’s a little odd how he phrases that last part regarding Brendan, but my heart is racing so fast that I don’t have time to dissect it.

“You know I initially came here because the Bratva wants to establish a firm foothold in Vegas. I’ll split territory with you. Real numbers. Real protection. And I only want one thing in return.” Only when I’m sure I have his full attention, do I say it. “I want Cara. I’m marrying her.”

Sean’s face turns stony. “You want what now?”

“I want to marry your daughter. Yes, your daughter, whether you want to claim her or not. She’s your flesh and blood, not your property,” I tell him. “We’ll align our families, and we can share territories and resources. We’ll figure out something that works for business, but I’m going to marry Cara.”

Sean’s fingers flex like he’s ready to grab my gun and put a bullet in my head. He can’t be a dick to Cara and act like a father now. “Why are you doing this?”