Page 45 of The Bratva Sinner

“She is to me.” He picks up his coffee and takes a slow sip. "You want to know what's funny? I don't even want her for myself. She was meant for someone else. A gift to someone who makes me look like a street corner thug by comparison." He sets down his cup. "You have no idea what you've walked into, Sokolov."

The room narrows to one word.

A fuckinggift.

“Who?”

“That’s not your concern.” He sets down his cup. "What is your concern is that you've made an enemy you can't afford to have. Your money means nothing."

“Then take it as compensation for the distribution houses.”

He laughs again. “You owe me far more than that for what you destroyed. But tell you what, I’ll accept your money. Consider it a down payment on the debt you owe me.”

I transfer the money right there, watching as he checks his phone and nods.

“Good,” he says. “Now we understand each other. You owe me, Sokolov. And one day, I will collect.”

“Try to touch her again, and there won’t be enough of you left to collect anything.”

His expression hardens. “Threats? From you? Let me make something very clear. You might carry the Sokolov name, but you’re not pakhan. You’re the forgotten son, the one who plays with whores and pretends he’s not part of the bratva. Your brother Sergei has power. You? You’re nothing.”

I feel the rage building, but I keep my voice level. “Fucking with the Sokolov bratva will incite a war. I don’t mind throwing the weight of my name around when necessary. I don’t have to be pakhan. I’m a Sokolov, and I’m more dangerous than my brother. He has rules to follow to maintain peace. I don’t.”

“Start your war. See how long you last when we come with full force. See how quickly your brothers abandon you when they realize you’re risking everything for a girl you have no business wanting.”

I stand slowly. “Stay away from her. This is your only warning.”

“Or what? You’ll blow up more of my properties?” He waves a dismissive hand. “Go ahead. For every one you destroy, I’ll take two of yours. For every man you kill, I’ll kill three of your whores. This is a game you cannot win, Sokolov.”

I lean forward. “I’ll make sure that when you fall, you never get back up. You’d be a fucking fool if you think I can’t win. I’ve already won.”

His eyes flash with something dark. “You just declared war.”

“No,” I say quietly. “You declared war when you killed Mara. I’m just finishing it.”

I turn and walk out with Damien falling into step beside me. We’re halfway to the car when he finally speaks.

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Yes.”

“Marrying her kicks off a war. You understand that, right? The Albanians will see it as a direct challenge. They’ll come after you with everything they have.”

I open the car door. “I don’t care what it costs.”

Damien stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Have you fucked her?”

“Don’t talk about her like that,” I snarl.

“Maksim, what did you do?”

“I kissed her.”

“Jesus Christ, Maksim.” He runs a hand over his face. “What the fuck are you doing? Thousands of women would have you. Beautiful women who would never ask you to sacrifice everything.”

“I know!” I throw my arms up. “But I have. I did. And I will marry her.”

He’s quiet for several seconds.