Under New Management

Under New Management
Tatiana

“I don’t want to rush you into making a decision,” Guskov breaks the silence. “But we can’t run without a leader for too long. It’s been a couple of days already, and we have urgent business to attend to.” 

I look at him, doing my best not to look overwhelmed.

“I understand,” I mutter. “Do you have any news on Yakov?” I change the topic slightly, needing more information before I make a life-changing decision.

He shakes his head at me, his lips a thin line. I can tell Yakov’s disappearance bothers him as much as it bothers me. Where the hell is he, and what is he planning? Did he simply escape so he wasn’t killed, or is he waiting for a chance to catch us off guard?

If I don’t accept the position, it will be open for Yakov to claim, which is something we definitely don’t need. He might not be fit to rule, but I would bet my life he is certainly capable of causing permanent damage.

“What about the ones who are faithful to Oleg?” I ask.

“We’re getting rid of them,” Guskov tells me simply. “Many were killed during the mission, some escaped, and the ones who stayed are being questioned so we can attest how loyal they are, or if they are simply scared to change sides.”

“Makes sense,” I agree with a nod. “Can I really trust you?” I don’t mean to sound doubtful or ungrateful after everything he did for me, but I need to be sure before I do something this big.

Guskov’s gaze never leaves mine as he rises from his seat and then kneels before me, bowing his head.

“I, Guskov Petrovich, swear to be loyal to you, Tatiana Romina, and to the Romina Empire, for as long as I’m alive,” he states, holding his hand against his chest. I’m sure this is a big deal in this world, even though I have never seen anyone do it before.

I glance sideways at Angelo, who is still by the door, in silence and with an unreadable expression. I try to read his face, try to interpret what he might be thinking, but he gives me nothing. I know he doesn’t want to influence my decision, but it’d be nice to know what he thinks about it.

Sighing, I turn to Guskov again.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to do that. I accept the position of leader at the Romina Empire,” I finally say, and it’s like an invisible weight sets on my shoulders with my acceptance. I’m sure this is what it really is—the weight of being responsible for so much and so many.

But I will have real friends and allies beside me, so that makes it all more bearable.

Guskov looks up at me, a genuine smile forming on his lips. 

“I’m pleased to hear it. And I mean it when I say, for all of us, that the Romina Empire capos are happy to have you lead us.”

I doubt he really knows what he is saying, but I appreciate it either way.

“I will be counting on you to help me through it, Guskov,” I tell him honestly, not afraid to show my vulnerability. It’s better that I show my humanity from the start instead of pretending I’m someone I’m not. “I can tell you hold a place in your heart for my father. I hope you can see me as an extension of who he was to you and the others.”

Emotion crosses his eyes as he returns to his seat across from me.  

“You can count on that, Boss,” he replies, his voice slightly cracking.

“Now, I know you’re all handling the mess at the mansion, and I honestly don’t want anything to do with that place, so please get rid of it,” I give my first order, feeling the bittersweet taste in my tongue. “As for Yakov, we need to find him and make sure he doesn’t come after us. Ever.”

I don’t mean I want him killed, but I trust he will know what to do.

Guskov nods firmly at me. “Consider it done. And I’ll keep you posted. I doubt he’s made it very far.”

“As for the ones remaining, please make sure only those who are truly faithful to my father and I are allowed to stay. Whoever wants to stick around is welcome, but I don’t want any traitors amongst us,” I continue, determination settling in my stomach, although fear remains in the back of my mind.

“Understood.” Guskov glances at Angelo and back at me, before asking, “What about you? Do you know where you’re going to live? The Rominas have some properties scattered around Manhattan, so I can get one of those ready for you to move into,” he offers kindly.

I consider his offer. I do need to find a place to live, but I don’t want to make any more decisions without talking to Angelo first. This involves him too, even if indirectly.

“I will think about it and let you know. Okay? You can send me the list of properties so I can take a look at them before I make a decision.”

“I will get that done as soon as possible.” Guskov stands to his feet again, bowing at me once more. “I’ll get to work and report back.” 

“Thanks, Guskov,” I say warmly. He exits the room, nodding to Angelo on his way out.

Without a single word, Angelo comes toward me and sits by my side, leaning in to place a kiss on my temple.

“Are you mad at me?” I ask after a moment. My eyes scan his face, looking for any sign of his displeasure. 

He frowns at me. “Why would you think that?” 

I shrug. “I just… I know we never discussed any of this, and I didn’t want to decide anything without talking to you first, but—”

“Hey,” he cuts me off, soothing my anxiety as he cups my face in his hands. His eyes are kind and warm, and his features soften as he stares at me. “You have nothing to worry about. It is your life, you don’t need me to tell you what to do.”

“I know, but still…we should be in this together, right? It doesn’t feel right for me to make a big decision like this without consulting you first,” I explain.

Angelo takes a deep breath, leaning his head against the couch. He closes his eyes for a moment, and I wait, anticipating the long, serious conversation I’m sure we’re about to have.

Well, it is long overdue.

I should have talked to him as soon as we were back from the Romina mansion. But I was too afraid. I didn’t want to address the big elephant in the room. I didn’t want to have to decide anything, too afraid of what it might mean to our future together.

“I’m not mad at you,” he finally says, looking at me. His dark eyes pierce through me, and my heart starts beating fast. It’s funny how he still has this effect on me. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the intensity with which he looks at me.

“Are you sure? Because you sort of seem to be mad at me,” I argue, my voice low and cautious.

“Do you really want to talk about that now?” It doesn’t sound like he wants to avoid it, but rather make sure I’m in the right state of mind to get into this topic in our relationship.

“I don’t know. Maybe. I think we should address it before it gets too late, don’t you? For how long are we going to remain in this house, hidden from the world?” I adjust myself on the couch, pulling one leg up and turning to face him completely. “You said you’d support my decision, but it doesn’t look like you are,” I add, frustration getting the best of me.

He runs his hand through his hair, clearly as frustrated as I am.

“I am. And I will. I just… Can we talk about this somewhere else?” His eyes dart to the door as if he is waiting for someone to show up at any time and interrupt us, or hear us.

“Fine,” I blurt, standing from the couch. “We can talk in my bedroom then.”

I don’t wait for him, striding across the room and leading the way to the stairs. I can hear his footsteps behind me, but I’m trying to control my feelings before we have this conversation. I don’t want to be unfair to him or say things I don’t mean, so I need to pull myself together if I don’t want to ruin our relationship because I can’t handle my emotions properly. 

I burst the door open, walking inside the bedroom and tossing myself on the bed. Angelo walks in calmly, his face stoic as usual, although I can see a hint of a crease between his brows as he heads for the window.

He doesn’t sit on the chair, though, remaining on his feet and leaning against the wooden desk, his skin glowing under the moonlight coming from outside. 

“Alright, here we are. Now, can you just tell me what’s going through your mind?” I plead.

This is it. 

Time for the truth.

Author's note: Check out my new book: Fangs and Fate!