THE GATEKEEPER

He doesn't. His fingers trace around my knee in the water.

"I'll be in the studio by noon if you want to meet me."

Now I look back at Maykl. Because the truth is, I can't go anywhere unless he lets me. There are still two guards standing behind the door to the rooftop to make sure I don't escape. "She'll be there," he says.

Ribbons of warmth slip and slide through me, weaving a pattern around my heart. Suddenly, the effort of keeping the walls of hate I erected against the bratva up takes more energy than just letting them crash and crumble. I don't want to stay on guard. I want to let go and trust. These people make me feel like that's possible.

Logically, I know they are very dangerous. That my life is in their hands. And yet, I also sense that if I would just trust them, everything will come out right.

These people seem happy. Their relationships appear healthy, loving, and full of respect. I guess I want what they have. Want to be a part of whatever it is that's going on in this organization.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I caused." I seek Maxim's gaze since he seems to be the leader here. "I hope...it's been contained."

Maxim studies me for a moment then gives a single nod. "It will be handled."

Maykl squeezes my hip.

I don't ask if I'm forgiven or what will happen to me.

I'm content to ride this thing out. With both Maykl and his brothers.

Maykl

I leave two brigadiers on the door to the pottery studio after dropping Kira there then go to an all-hands bratva meeting in the basement. That's where bratva business takes place. No one but the brotherhood has access to the floor beneath the parking garage. No one else even knows it exists.

We stand in a horseshoe around Ravil and Maxim for the briefing. Dima is here and so is Pavel, another brother who moved to Los Angeles to be with his girlfriend. They both must've been summoned back to Chicago for the show-down. Ravil addresses us. "Tonight, a branch of the Moscow bratva will attempt to infiltrate the building to kill us all and take Sasha alive. All civilians, including our women and children will all be evacuated from the building this afternoon for their safety and taken to an undisclosed location. We will take their phones and electronic devices to prevent inadvertent leaking of their whereabouts.

"I have requested assistance from the Italians-the Tacone family-to provide for their security at the location where they will be sequestered, and they have agreed.

"This group here, including myself, will remain stationed here to take down the Moscow cell when they arrive. Wear Kevlar. I want silencers on your guns and expect you to shoot to kill. Dima has breached all of their phones, so we are privy to their conversations and plans, but even so, expect surprises." Ravil surveys the group. "Any questions?"

The group is somber, but the men present square their shoulders and put their battle masks on.

"Maxim will give you each your positions. I want you in them by six p. m. Understood?" We all nod.

"Dismissed. Go and see Maxim. Maykl, a word."

I stay as the rest of the brigadiers file to the door where Maxim gives them their orders. Only Ravil's inner circle remains where they are: Oleg, Pavel, Dima, Nikolai, and Adrian. Ravil addresses me without preamble. "What does Kira know?"

I shake my head. "Nothing at all. She still believes she helped the FBI. Last night, she expressed remorse over her actions."

"I heard."

Ravil's expression is impossible to read. "Keep her here tonight. She stays at your side. She's a part of this."

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I tense, not liking it, but also not about to argue with my pakhan.

As if reading my mind, he says, "She's politsiya. She's accustomed to danger."

"What purpose does she serve in the fray?" I have to ask.

"I need to see where her loyalties truly lie. She cannot remain here beyond tonight if I'm not sure."

I feel as though Ravil has a hold of my windpipe and is choking the life out of me, but it's just the thought of Kira not remaining past tonight.

I'd give anything to make that not true. To ensure I keep her forever.

But this is her test. I understand it. I may fucking hate it, but I understand it.

"Yes, Pakhan."

He tips his head toward the door. "Get your position from Maxim."

Kira

Something's happening.

I had a perfect day, starting with mind-blowing sex, followed by a pottery lesson and then making an early steak dinner with Maykl in his kitchen. Over dinner, he told me that Mika and his family had arrived and were checking into the Waldorf Astoria.

Now, though, he keeps looking out the window at the street below like a soldier expecting trouble.

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"What's happening?" I ask. "Are the FBI coming tonight?"

He doesn't answer. But he strides to his closet and emerges with two bullet-proof vests. "Put this on." He hands me one.

"Maykl, what's happening?"

"They're coming." He pulls the vest on over his shirt and fastens it in place then pops a comms unit in his ear.

I stare at the vest he gave me, guilt ratcheting up into my throat. I caused this. There are many innocent people in the building who could be hurt.

I try to hand it back to him. "Someone else should wear this. Give it to one of the civilians here."

He shakes his head as he screws a silencer on his pistol and then tucks it in a holster at his hip. "They are protected. Put it on, Kira. I need to know you're safe."

My stomach drops down to my feet. I caused this whole thing, and all he's worried about is my safety. I throw my arms around him in a tight embrace.

He holds me fiercely then abruptly releases me. "Put it on. We have to go soon."

I slide my arms through the heavy vest and fasten it in place. "Where are we going?"

Maykl tucks his weapon and ammo in a holster then adjusts my vest, tightening it. "To the parking garage. That's where we expect the breach." "Breach?"