Page 48 of Savage Truce

“Five years ago. We met at a theater where she worked as a costume designer. It was love at first sight for me, but I lost her.”

“Oh, my God. Who would’ve thought you’d have such an epic love story? What happened? How did you lose her?”

After spending over a month with Rosie, keeping her as safe as I could from Yegor’s loyal dogs, I find it easy to talk to her.

“I didn’t know who she was related to when we met, and her family swiped her from under my nose. We only exchanged first names, and I didn’t have you back then, so I couldn’t find her. Just over a week ago, I visited a factory that made the prison you were kept in look like a five-star resort. She was starved and…” The sight of Anastasia in that fucking pen shudders through me, and I suck in a deep breath. “Anyway, I have her back, and she’s healing.”

“Rodian,” Rosie gasps softly. “I’m so sorry that happened to her.”

I exhale through my nose and glance out the window at where Dad is pulling weeds from one of the flower beds.

“Dammit,” Rosie suddenly sighs. “Tim is at it again. He thinks I have time to play hacking games with him.”

“Talking about Tim. Will you speak to the kid? I don’t want him mixed up in the Bratva at such a young age.”

Rosie lets out a snort. “Good luck with that. He’s not going to listen. I suggest you give him small things to keep him busy.”

“I don’t have time to entertain the little shit,” I mutter.

“Just give him some attention, Rodian. He thinks you hung the moon after you saved him.”

“No, you have that all wrong. The kid idolizes you.”

“Just throw him a bone is all I’m saying,” she sighs. “Anyway, why did you call?”

“Are you back up and running?”

“Kinda. Still have a few things to do, but the system is up. What do you need?”

“Oleg Sokolov. Yegor was his best friend. Can you find out everything possible about him, his family, his most loyal men, and who he has been seen with recently?”

“On it. I’ll get back to you with the info.”

“Thanks, Rosie.” My tone softens as I add, “I’m glad we can work together. This alliance means a lot to me.”

“Aww, is that your way of saying you care and miss me? Don’t worry, big guy, Enzo and I will be at your wedding. Too-de-loo.”

When she ends the call, laughter shakes my shoulders.

Yeah, I actually do miss her. Rosie just has a way of lighting up whatever room she’s in, and she’s one of the few people who doesn’t annoy me at all.

I send Enzo Falco a quick text.

Rodian: Congrats on the engagement. BTW, manufacturing is up and running, and we’re ready for orders.

I’m surprised when he reads it and replies within seconds.

Enzo: I’m with Rosie and overheard the conversation. Just let us know if you need backup to take on Sokolov. Will send over the first order after talking with the other capos.

Rodian: Don’t worry about backup. Thanks, though.

Needing to get ready for our date, I climb to my feet and leave the study. Deciding to let Anastasia have my bedroom to herself, I grab everything I’ll need and head to one of the guest rooms.

Anastasia

Heading down the staircase, I smooth my palms over my hips, trying to breathe through the nerves spinning wildly in my stomach.

It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to go out and do something normal, and even though I’m excited about it, I’m struggling not to have an anxiety attack. My hands are trembling uncontrollably, so I start doing the calming technique Artem showed me earlier today.