Vengeance In Her Shadows

Henry Romanov's POV

I was in a fix as I held the phone to my ear, standing almost still, contemplating the best decision to make. I hadn't seen my wife and daughter in almost five years. We only spoke through phone calls and video chats.

I had hidden them away safely in America, far from the prying eyes of all the Bratvas in St. Petersburg. Nochnye Ten'i-the brotherhood

I controlled-had been thriving over the past three years. We had dominated many deals across Petersburg, earning us even more enemies. The other Pakhans were jealous of my Bratva's success.

I couldn't afford to let Loretta and Iriana come to Petersburg at a time like this. They were my only weakness, and aside from my right-hand man, Albert, and Sofia-my most trusted allies in the Bratva-no one else knew about my family. Not even my best friend, Ivanova, the lord of the Zmey Bratva. I didn't trust anybody.

The Zmey Bratva and I had run many successful deals together.

We had fought our enemies and managed joint operations. But that didn't mean I fully trusted Ivanova.

This business was a danger zone-you trusted at your own risk.

It was wiser to keep your weakness hidden. Once the other Pakhans discovered it, that was the end of you.

My family was my only weakness. I couldn't let them step into the danger zone-especially not when my Bratva was about to run a major deal jointly with the Zmey Bratva.

I knew it was going to be bloody. The deal had initially been meant for the Volk Bratva-another feared brotherhood ruled by James, a heartless Pakhan who wouldn't hesitate to kill his own wife for the sake of business.

James hated defeat, and he would definitely try to ruin the deal since he hadn't secured it for himself. Knowing all this, how could I let my wife and daughter come to Petersburg?

I heaved a sigh.

"Henry, say something," Loretta urged from the other end of the phone.

"Loretta, I can't let you come. It's too big a risk," I said pleadingly.

"Henry, your daughter has refused to eat. She insists on celebrating her fifth birthday with her dad. Can't you at least compromise for her sake?" she pressed.

"Loretta, I-"

"Please, Henry," she cut me off, her voice desperate. "Just a week, that's all. It will mean everything to me and Iriana. We won't go anywhere you don't want us to."

I sighed heavily. This was driving me crazy. I wanted to see them so badly.

"Please, Henry," Loretta pleaded again.

"Just a week, babe? And you'll return to America with her, right?"

"Yes, yes! I promise," she nearly screamed.

"Okay, you can come in two days," I said, not sure if I had made the right choice.

"Henry, I love, love, love you!" she said and hung up. I could hear the excitement in her voice.

I dropped the phone, a mix of emotions swirling inside me-excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. Had I made a terrible mistake?

I stood by the window, looking at the many mafiosi at my beck and call. They appeared loyal and trustworthy, but I trusted none of them.

We had been betrayed too many times by our own men, and I never hesitated to put a bullet in the heads of traitors to serve as a warning.

This business was a game of survival, where betrayal was inevitable-even from the closest allies.

"Boss," Albert's voice jolted me back to reality.

"There was a call from Zmey Bratva's representative. Their 'goods' are ready for the deal."

"What about our men?" I asked, still staring into space.

"We're set too, Boss."

I nodded slowly. "Have you been keeping an eye on the Volkvas as I instructed?"

"Yes, Boss. They're quiet, but it's suspicious. I assigned some of our men to spy on them."

I turned to look at him. Albert was an intelligent young man-he had been with me from the beginning. I never worried when he handled a deal; he knew what to do and did it right. I trusted him more than any other member.

"Where's Sofia?" I asked.

"She's inspecting the packaging of the goods."

"Okay. My wife and daughter will be here in two days. Prepare the vacation house in Pushkin. I want it done discreetly-just you and Sofia."

He looked at me, his strict gaze replaced with concern. "Boss, the deal is in five days. We don't know what the Volkvas are up to. Is it really okay to let them come?"

I looked away. "Hopefully."

There was a brief silence before he nodded and left.

TWO DAYS LATER

I stood in the sitting room of my vacation house in Pushkin, surveying my surroundings. Yes, everything was in perfect order.

The only attendants present were Sofia, the cook, and the cleaner.

Albert had gone to pick up my family from the airport, and I was excited. At that moment, I didn't care about the drug deal in three days or the Volkvas. I was just eager to see my family after four years.

"Sofia, have them set the dinner in thirty minutes," I instructed.

"Okay, Boss," she replied and moved toward the dining area.

Just then, a car drove into the compound.

I rushed out just in time to see my little girl jump out of the car.

"She's so pretty," I thought.

She was even prettier than in the pictures and video calls. I spread my arms, ready to take her in a warm embrace, but she stood there with a straight face.

"What's wrong, baby? Come to Papa," I urged, smiling broadly.

As if that was the encouragement she needed, she ran swiftly into my arms, wrapping her tiny hands around my neck. I immediately swept her off the ground and tightened my hold.

"Oh, Papa, I'm so happy to see you," she murmured in her tiny voice.

"Me too, baby," I whispered back, gently kissing her shoulder while still holding her tight.

"I think I also deserve a hug," Loretta said, smiling as she watched us.

I looked at her and smiled. Setting Iriana down gently, I walked up to my wife and pulled her into my arms.

"I missed you so much, baby," I whispered.

She gently pushed me back, her eyes searching mine. "Are you sure?"

In response, I took her lips in a deep kiss. She responded with equal passion.

"Welcome home, baby," I said when we finally broke apart. She smiled sweetly.

That night was the happiest I had experienced in years. Watching my little girl chatter over dinner filled me with a joy I hadn't felt in a long time. She had so much to tell me, and I was more than ready to listen.