Chapter 25: Seduction: Chapter 25

The Ivanovs keep me in a holding cell. It’s not the most comfortable situation I’ve been in, but I expected worse after my confession. I wake to find the Ivanov captain sitting across from me.

“Even though you’re on trial for treason, we have our reasons for what we’ve done. You’ve only suffered superficial wounds, and I will instruct them to give you pain relievers. It’s time to go to your trial.”

My head is pounding as I rise, but I’m alive.

I’m alive.

“Is Vera alright?” is all I ask.

He nods. “She spent the night safe in a hotel room, protected by my best men. Her mother is arriving today.”

I exhale.

I’m led to what looks like a large study. It’s an intimate setting for a trial, but it seems fitting. When I arrive, I see Vera and her mother. I hold her gaze. I want to tell her I love her. I want to ask her if she’s okay. I want to tell her I’m proud of her and how well she handled everything.

“Nikko Romanov, you stand trial for treason against the Ivanov family. Your case is a complicated one, and we will give you an opportunity to speak,” the Ivanov captain begins. “First, the crimes against you.”

They read everything in Russian. When I look over to Vera, I expect to see a look of betrayal in her eyes, but she looks terrified. Frozen in place. I want to tell her that everything will be okay.

But when they ask her to speak, she’s nothing but intelligent and graceful, the woman that I have fallen head over heels in love with.

She stands. “As one of the heirs to the Ivanov throne, I am grateful for an opportunity to speak. I will speak in English. Do you need a translator?”

The captain shakes his head.

“Excellent. Then from here on out, we will proceed in English.”

My heart swells with pride..

“I appreciate that you’re giving Nikko Romanov a trial. Before I give my side of the story, I want him to tell us all what his intentions were.” She holds my gaze across the study, her voice never wavering. “I want to hear the truth straight from him.”

I nod and push past any discomfort I feel in my body and heart. I love this woman, and I want to save her more than I want to save my own life.

“As you know, my name is Nikko Romanov. I pretended to be Vera Ivanova’s bodyguard. I never hurt her. Not once.” I look her in her eyes. Something flickers. It may be the only thing I say today that isn’t the complete truth. I know my lies hurt her and made her feel betrayed, even if I kept her physically safe.

“I kept her safe during several tense situations. We likely know that the attacks were orchestrated by Irina herself, who wanted Vera out of the picture. I did not know about Irina. I did not know that she was the one who called the hits on my family. All I knew was that I would keep my promise to my family.”

I stare across the room at her. She holds my gaze unblinking. “During my time with Vera, I fell in love. I love Vera Ivanova with all my heart, and I know that that may be a crime to you, but in my defense, I would absolutely lay down my life for her.”

Her mother’s jaw drops, and she stares at me. Vera’s eyes water.

“That is all I have to say. Nothing but the truth.”

Vera doesn’t speak as the men talk amongst themselves until she finally interrupts. “I said English.”

They sit up straighter, and one of them nods. “We were only saying that what he told us corroborates what we’ve found out about him.”

Vera clears her throat. “My mother arrived here an hour ago, and we’ve only been able to speak briefly with one another. She reminded me of something that I will bring to your attention. Here’s a clearer version:

‘Our family believes that honoring the wishes of a dying leader is a sacred duty, bringing good fortune. Though superstitions aren’t everything, fulfilling this duty remains paramount.’The leader nods, listening to her. I hold my breath.

“My father’s death creates a void in the leadership of Ivanov Bratva that will only be filled by a solid connection to another powerful group. With your leader gone and potential instability looming, the Romanov skills and connections may be too valuable a resource to lose. It is my opinion that our family’s best interest is to ally with them.” She swallows. “Through my marriage to Nikko Romanov.”

They could take me away now and execute me, and I’d die a happy man. In the short time I got to know her, my world was made brighter. More vivid. She is my everything.

Zofia Ivanov stands. “And on that note, I have something to say.” All eyes go to Vera’s mother. She stands with grace and holds her head high, much like my own mother back at home.

My heart aches to go home. To be reunited with my family.

Zofia clears her throat. “This family is ruled by hierarchy—it always has and it always will be. Killing Nikko Romanov will ensure war with our family and theirs. Instead of further bloodshed, I urge you to make the decision that will ensure our family is strengthened.” She bows her head. “That is all I have to say.”

She sits back down. Vera leans over and hugs her.

I sit stoically as the high-ranking members of the Ivanov Bratva discuss my future. I prepare myself mentally for the possibility of execution and remind myself of the words of Marcus Aurelius that Kolya, my family mentor, drilled into us at a young age. “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

Kolya told us we should wake every day knowing it could be our last.

I draw in a breath and ask myself. . . could I live with the choices that I’ve made if this were my last day on earth?

Yes. Yes, I could. I did all that I’ve done out of love and loyalty to my family, and in the course of doing so, I fell in love with a woman I’m prepared to die for. I will not plead for my life. I will not beg for mercy. I will not apologize for who I am.

After a few minutes of discussion, the Ivanov leadership reconvenes.

“We will consider sparing your life, Romanov, but our mercy comes at a steep price. You will personally oversee the negotiations for this alliance between our families. Fail to secure a treaty that benefits both the Ivanov and Romanov families, and it won’t just be your life at stake. We will retaliate against everyone you hold dear.”

I hold my breath, the gravity of the threat weighing heavily. I’ve been granted an opportunity I won’t take lightly. I clench my fists. “I accept,” I reply. “I will not fail you.”

He nods. “I will not speak poorly of my deceased leader, but I will say this. You have the potential to lead our family to much greater strength here in Moscow. We would never defy the wishes of a dying leader. Doing so would bring curses upon our family. We acquit you of all charges with the knowledge that you will bring our family the strength and solidification of allies and resources that will make joining you worthwhile. Are we in agreement?”

We shake hands.

“Agreed.”

The leader nods to Vera. “With your permission, we would like to expedite this as soon as possible.”