Alright guys here we go. Final count down time! Hope all have enjoyed the ride so far but let me warn you; It's only going to get more insane as the chapters come to a close.

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Kate stared at her reflection as her hair was parted into sections, combed out, and then curled into the large rollers the hairstylist was using. She thought she had a lot of hair, but seeing it divided, sectioned, curled, straightened- she realized she had a ton of hair. Light music had her tapping her fingers over her knees as she had been scolded to hold still too many times to count.

Mallorie and Roman broke out into another fit of laughter and it caused the edges of her mouth to lift in a peaceful expression. Things were okay. She could sit there, have her hair and make-up done, and then play mannequin. Bernie's Cheshire smirk caught her attention in the mirror, and she lifted her eyebrow at the look.

"Bernie. You've been staring at me for the past twenty minutes now without blinking I swear!" She winced when the hairstylist pulled a little harder on her hair to remove a tangle.

"It's just nice seeing you relax and get pampered. Soothes the demons!" He outright laughed when she swatted at him from her perch upon the cushioned make over chair.

"What demons?! You and Georgi both are going to have me pulling my hair out before the day is done." Kate grumbled and glared up at the person who twirled her hair into another roller.

"I have my demons. No different than you. But this suits you." He enthused waving at her regally positioned upon the chair, people working tirelessly to make sure she looked her absolute best.

"I was joking when I put that crown on my head and declared myself royalty." She rolled her eyes and went back to watching Mallorie try on another poofy dress that had a giant bow over her baby bump. Roman muttering something about her being his present to unwrap later. Which only caused Mal to giggle and suggestively shrug her shoulders when Clara adjusted the fabric one more time.

"My dear. You are. Even without all this nonsense, you honestly expect Niks to never think of you as his Princess or Queen?" Bernie laughed as she grew thoughtful, "And here I am giving the man brownie points when I have my own score to keep up with!"

"Bernie, don't fret. Your score is plenty high within. I am just trying to snap out of it and believe this is actually happening and isn't just another fever dream back at the compound. I mean honestly. Look at me!" She jerked forward to get the person to stop fretting over her curls for a second. Using the solid counter before her, she pulled herself up and turned toward her best friend, "I am starting to feel like this isn't right."

"It is just an adjustment period. This jumbled mass of feelings will settle once you see yourself all done up." Georgi spoke as he walked by, plate of food in his hand, and munching on a sandwich, "Besides you still haven't landed on a color."

"That's my department and decision! Thank you very much!" Clara exclaimed loudly shaking her head no to the bow dress on Mallorie, "And your friend could use some help deciding too."

"I'll go help Mal for a second. You get yourself ready to try on dresses. My inner self can't wait much longer to see you as a fashion icon." Bernie gripped her hands within his and kissed her cheek, "Calm. Breathe and find your center. If that's my voice or the sound of the love songs playing- follow it and relax."

"Thank you, Bernie. She tried on a maroon dress earlier that had rhinestones along the flat collar, I liked that one a ton." Kate took a deep breath and smiled to let Bernie know she was doing her best to stave off the panic attacks.

"Those are diamonds or crystals. Not rhinestones. Major difference." Bernie returned the smile and cheerfully walked off to the discard rack of dresses to find the one Kate liked on Mallorie.

"Why would there be diamonds on a dress?" Kate muttered to herself and sank down into the chair once more to have the attending team get back to work on her hair and airbrushing.

"Высочество (Vysochestvo) has chosen this one for a second look!" Bernie found the dress and draped it over his arm as he approached Mallorie and Roman at the raised platform. The dress was a deep maroon with a wide, flat collar embellished with tiny, crushed crystals illuminating the opening. It bunched along the sides to either grow or shrink to Mallorie's baby bump size. And what had caught Kate's attention was the floor length of it. Everything else had been knee length.

"I loved that one but wasn't sure how it would hold up to dinner and dancing." Mallorie turned to look at the garment using Roman's shoulder for balance as she hopped down to take the dress from her friend.

"I can have it hemmed. It was a touch long on you, but these things can be fixed." Clara ushered Mallorie back into the changing room to put it back on.

Kate relaxed again and felt goosebumps raise with the brushing of her hair. It really did feel nice to have someone mess with her hair, even if they did complain about the split ends and length of it. It had been a long time since she had gone for a haircut. Now that she thought about it, this was probably the longest she had ever let it get. When a section was straightened out with the comb it stretched to her midback.

"Last roller. Your turn for airbrushing." The hairstylist whispered to the female patiently waiting her turn to rid Kate of her bruises for a time.

"I must say it looks painful Высочество (Vysochestvo)." The female dared to speak up as she lightly touched Kate's chin to inspect the damage done.

"It looks worse than it feels. Just wish it was gone. I don't like it when people see the marks and think ill of how they came to be there. Niko would never harm a hair on my head, but there are those out there that wanted me dead." Kate sighed heavily and looked up into kind eyes. There was zero judgement from her on the bruises.

"Understandable. I wouldn't want people thinking my husband did something wrong to me. Now I'm going to have to lower the robe down closer to your chest to be able to blend this correctly and it not look like I caked on foundation or something. Are you okay with being that exposed around everyone?" The shy lady motioned with her fingers how she would draw the robe down around her shoulders and expose her chest some to make sure the airbrushing went on perfect.

"If it removes these marks, I don't care how low you have to take it." Kate shimmed the robe down her shoulders and clutched it around her breasts, "This work?"

"Perfect Ma'am. I'll start there and work my way up…" She trailed off and turned on her machine and started mixing colors and matching Kate's skin tone.

Kate simply sat still and let this tiny female do her magic. That was till she heard Mallorie gasp loudly within the room. She lifted her hand to pause the airbrushing and turned to see her friend in the red dress. The crystals sparkled and shimmered in the lights of the fashion studio loft. The baby bump was accentuated, but not in a negative or obtrusive way. It looked so beautifully natural resting on Mallorie's frame. Kate stood and excitedly walked over to Roman's side to get a better look.

"Oh Kate. This is absolutely perfect…" Mal whispered turning slightly to see her back in the three-way mirrors. She looked like something out of a magazine. Not the plain receptionist that answered phones for Roman's taxi business.

"It really does look like it was made for you." Kate leaned into Roman's side and looked up at him to gauge his reaction. He was awestruck and completely speechless. His eyes were rounded, and she could nearly see little hearts forming between the air pockets around them.

"Just a couple of inches off the bottom… Maybe. Heels?" Clara knelt down and folded some of the fabric over itself to see how much of a hem would be needed.

"Small ones. My feet have been killing me lately." Mal smiled at Kate through the mirror and once more darted her eyes to the shiny, sparkly part of the dress. Her fingers itched to run over the millions of crystals to ensure it was all real. Never had she had the means or reason to find something this nice to wear. Her wedding wasn't something she wanted to stress over too much, but this was making her wish she had gone dress shopping.

Another person rushed up with several options of shoes with a low heel or a wedge. Clara took one of the wedged heeled shoes and placed it down for Mallorie to step in to, "Now these were made for one of the other shorter dresses you liked, but I think they would look absolutely perfect with this long one instead. Plus, it has the matching crystal band along the ankle."

"Guys this is just so surreal." Mallorie stepped into one of the shoes before the other was placed down in front of her to wear.

"Might want to get used to this level of care." Kate hugged Roman's side as he continued to just openly stare at his beautiful wife and mother of their unborn child.

"Высочество (Vysochestvo) is correct. This will be how things are from here on out." Georgi stuffed the rest of his sandwich in his mouth then placed his hand to his earpiece, "One moment."

"I'll cover. Go see what the problem is." Rami spoke in Russian from his spot in the corner of the room. He had taken up a position to watch the only entrance and exit and keep an eye out on everyone within the space. Georgi nodded to him and simply took off for the exit in an unhurried manner. He didn't want to freak out Kate… Especially with who was down in the lobby demanding to see Clara.

"So serious." Mal laughed as Clara did up the small buckle on the wedge heels. She did her best to hide her panic and fear with the departure of Georgi. She was getting used to his presence being around them all the time. He was a safety net that she didn't realize was missing in her life. And he was a great companion when she got up to her schemes and plans.

"Don't judge. He might be working on another surprise for us. I tend to just let the guys do what they need now. I used to try and keep them from just disappearing, but this is just part of it. If anything, I bet Aleksei has been watching the entire time through a scope." Kate patted Roman's shoulder and moved to come stand at her friend's side, turning her to admire the way the dress clung to Mallorie's beautiful body.

"He said the color looks good against your skin tone and hair color." Rami spoke up from his watchful position and nodded when Kate lifted her eyebrow at him. Yes they were all listening in and making sure things went smoothly. But now he wasn't sure how smooth things were going to get with their unexpected guest waiting down in the lobby.

"Then it is settled." Kate sighed softly and tried to ignore the pit in her stomach at the look Rami was giving her. It never bode well when the guys got touchy and uptight. Her initial request to leave the apartment that fateful morning had been a wrench in their plans and had honestly been a near miss. Mallorie should know better than to wander around the park alone and unprotected.

"It really is a stunning gown." Mal smiled in the mirror to her friend then laughed when Bernie held out a couple of necklaces from his deft fingers. The diamonds glittered brightly in the spotlights and had everyone's attention drawing to them in awe.

"Hey! I recognize some of those!" Roman exclaimed as he took a closer look at the intricate design on the pendant and chain of a diamond encrusted heart. He had seen it in the storage room under the Bank of Liberty. Along with several other necklaces and bracelets.

"From where Roman? These look like something out of a fancy jeweler than a fashion store." Mal forced herself to look away from the most expensive piece of jewelry she had ever seen to stare at her husband. Since when did he pay attention to such things?

"NB and I had an errand to run, and we stumbled upon some of the necklaces in Bernie's hand." Roman explained and tried his best to lie and keep his time in the vault a secret. Mal had some understanding of that outing, but otherwise was kept in the dark of the true meaning for them making a couple of stops.

"Must have been when I was out of it." Kate said walking over to Bernie to inspect the necklaces and pick one she liked best.

"These are from Kenny's personal collection." Rami nodded his head toward Bernie indicating the pieces of jewelry, "Most if not all of the pieces in his collection have never been worn or seen the light of day."

"Oh! Even better!" Mal bounced slightly in the low wedge heels and excitedly motioned for Bernie to put one on her. She had never been so dressed up in her life and was slowly building up to the idea of wearing something priceless.

Bernie handed the other ones off to Roman and worked the clasp free from the heart pendant to be able to put it around her neck. Silently he instructed her to turn and lift her hair up. Quickly Bernie fastened the clasp together for the heart necklace around her slender neck and adjusted it to lay flat, showcasing the diamonds on the chain and pendant perfectly.

"Well? Do you like it?" Kate smiled seeing the full outfit come to life on her friend. Mallorie looked stunning and downright sexy in the dress. There was no mistaking the sheer weight that fell over them as they looked at the final product.

"Kate, of course I do. But this thing could probably pay off the debt for the cab business in one go. Am I even allowed to wear such a thing out in public?!" Mal stressed slightly knowing how expensive her dress, shoes, and necklace were. With how solid and heavy the necklace felt, she knew none of the precious stones were knockoffs.

"Don't draw any unneeded attention and people will leave well enough alone. You have reservations where again?" Rami took the other pieces from Roman and started to place them back in their drawers within the metal cases.

"Jerkov's again. Dinner, dancing, romance! The works! Only the best for my Mallorie." Roman exclaimed happily knowing he had pulled out all the stops to give his wife the best Valentine's Day he could give her. The added bonus of the dress and outfit had been a shock. He wasn't expecting anything like that when Kate had texted him to tag along on her dress up day.

"That place will be jammed with other rich people and therefor you won't stick out in the crowd. You will look like you belong amongst the rich and famous." Rami returned to his post and watched as they all exchanged weird looks, "Am I missing something?"

"Well, we want her to stand out some. This dress is one of a kind. I do not have another in the showroom floor." Clara Krow knelt back down to sketch out the hem on the dress her client was wearing. It needed just a few alterations in order to fit perfectly.

"Really? The only one?!" Mal whispered excitedly. This was beyond anything she had been expecting.

"Of course! I wouldn't stock these racks with just any 'ol thing. When Georgi called with this appointment request, I pulled all my fall fashion dresses from the runway to have them readily available. This party at the mayor's place is meant to be upscale and over the top. He made it a masquerade ball for crying out loud." Clara spoke around a couple of pins in her mouth as she folded and clipped the fabric under itself to form the perfect length hem.

"Thank you for going the extra mile for us." Kate genuinely appreciated the effort placed into the dress appointment. And she had to do her best from fangirling over Clara being a couple of feet from her. This was the lady that made dresses from her dreams and had full catalogs of stunning pieces.

"I wouldn't want you outfitted with anyone else. I'm the best there is in this town." Clara pulled the last pin free and stuck if through the thick fabric, "Alright. Time to change back so I can get this off to my alterations department."

"That means you get back in the chair to finish getting done up!" Bernie tucked his arm around Kate's and escorted her back to where the makeup team was standing by to finish their work.

aaaaaa

Niko stalked down the halls in an unhurried pace. He had a couple of places in mind to go to and was simply letting the halls take him where they willed. Then the sign to the gym came into view and he immediately pushed the doors open to see what laid on the other side. The giant room surprised him- even when it probably shouldn't by now. Kenny liked his things to be grandiose and over the top.

" Pakhan is present!" One of the instructors yelled out and had the commotion of the room coming to a halt.

" No need. Get back to it." Niko waved them off and felt uncomfortable having his title announced like that and had all those eyes on him. It made him slightly self-conscious. And in a way to sooth those frayed nerves, he gently brushed his hand down the front of his jacket to smooth it out. It caused him to smile knowing Kate had worn it several times and kept it close by.

" You heard him- back to work!" A teacher clapped his hands to get the attention of his class and motioned them to get back to working through a cadence.

Niko glanced over the numerous groups with varying levels of fighting going on. It blew his mind how much training Kenny gave to his soldiers. They were being taught hand to hand as well as random object fighting. They would have to grab whatever was nearby and use it as a weapon to protect themselves or go on the offensive.

He walked the perimeter and nodded every time an instructor glanced his way. He had no business stepping into their lesson and disrupting the order of things. Though he did feel a slight itch at missing out on the action. A good nonlethal fight sounded good to him, even with the protesting of his body. It would warm his muscles and relax some of the turbulent emotions still surfacing in him. Karen had definitely done a number on him mentally.

She had destroyed his defenses and went right to the kill shot. He was somewhat thankful for being able to stop when he did. Even if that meant he had wronged Kate in the long run. He could at least say he had stopped it from going all the way. His thoughts wanted to betray him. He had started it up again instead of brushing her off after the first mistake.

"Greetings Pakhan." A younger male spoke up from his watching perch on top of a block foam square. It was large enough to have to use effort to climb up, but not so much that it took all the energy in the world to pull oneself up. The young man hopped down and bowed to him.

Recognition hit him as he looked strikingly similar to Vanya, "Hello. What lesson are you working on?" He would make small talk till his brain caught up to him and could put a name to the face. It was beyond uncanny how even the man's facial movements were similar to the late Vanya.

"I moved up a class since the fight with Ziad and Georgi. Didn't quite get away unscathed." He lifted his bandaged hand and turned it to show he had the entire thing wrapped tightly in a clean cloth, "And right now we are working on evading and escaping. We take turns breaking out of a fight and making a run for it. Not all fights need to be fought to the end."

"True. Sometimes its best just to get out of there. Never know when more enemies will show or the cops." Niko had a couple of things click into place. This young man had fought against Ziad and came away with a hand injury, "What happened if you don't mind me asking?"

"I stood up to Ziad when he started beating up the younger kids. He wasn't the nicest instructor. He had a mean streak to him. And my name is Abram. Ziad stabbed my hand as I went to keep him from making a killing blow to Anatoly. Georgi had also jumped to intercept the knife." Abram bowed again and kept his bowed position waiting on Niko to pass judgement on him.

"Good to meet you, Abram. I'm guessing you were around when Kate showed up?" Niko was curious now. Georgi had given him a rather direct report on what happened and left out details on who all was hurt or not. Granted he had been more concerned about knowing what Kate had done and if Ziad succumbed to his gunshot wound.

"Да (Da). She was brilliant in her approach. I didn't see her till she had the gun lifted and pointed in Ziad's direction. I think she put the fear of God into some of us. We did not know she was capable of dishing out orders and following through. Now we know." Abram scratched through his hair and looked down at the ground. He was partially terrified to be talking to Pakhan about his own woman.

"She is many things. That's for sure. Did she fire the gun before or after she was attacked?" Niko crossed his arms and waited the kid out for the answer.

"Ziad launched himself at her. Next thing I know the gun goes off several times. I think I counted five shots before Georgi snapped to attention. We were all in shock." Abram forced himself to look up to meet the eyes of his boss. Kate had been downright spooky in her approach and her words had sliced through him. She didn't need to defend them. That was their job to do for her.

"Understandable. But in the future, please try to keep her from firing a gun. I'll let you in on a secret- that was her first kill, and she is torn up about it." Niko patted the closest shoulder to him and instantly the kid's head snapped up to meet his eyes. Confusion and fear met his own exhausted stare.

"Да (Da) Pakhan." Abram lifted his closed fist to his heart and bowed his head. He knew an order when he heard one.

"Thank you. Now why don't you show me what you've learned. I'm curious about something." Niko waved him over toward the springboard floor and took off when all the kid did was stare at him dumbfounded. Abram followed behind like a puppy with its tail between its legs.

"Forgive me for any injustice I have caused." He figured he would start with a verbal apology and go from there. He felt his stomach pitch uncomfortably when his anxiety and stress shot through the roof. What did he possibly do to deserve a beatdown?

"No need to apologize. I'm just wanting to know if you left an opening to be attacked or simply you lunged with the intention of saving your fellow solider." He was also wanting to know if the kid had learned the wrong form and that was why he was open to attack. He caught the wince before it flash across his face as he lowered into a ready position. His body was fighting him with everything it had.

"I am working on closing my openings. But I only reacted to seeing the blade. I did not want him to kill someone." Abram moved to stand in front of Niko and lowered into a matching fighting position.

"Vanya held the same moral code from my understanding." Niko threw it out there and watched as the kid's eyes widened and his mouth opened and closed rapidly.

"My father liked to believe he could see the good in anyone…" He didn't know a ton about his father as he had left his mother at a young age. And when he connected the dots that his dad was a captain in Kenny's rank, he didn't hesitate to be instated into the ranks. With the hope of one day meeting his father and having the long overdue talk.

"He had too much good in him. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save my wife. I plan to give him a good sendoff." Niko started to circle Abram and kept his eyes trained on his movements as he mirrored Niko's stance. His feet shook beneath him and left him feeling unsteady.

"I would be honored to help…" It was a long shot. But he would try to get in on the plans and maybe uncover more truth about his own dad. So much was unknown to him, and he regretted not confronting him sooner. Now he was long gone, and he had nothing to show for it.

"Good. Someone needs to talk at his funeral." Niko smirked when Abram balked at the notion of speaking at his own father's funeral.

"Not that I would know what to say." Abram dodged back when Niko swung at him. He grew serious as he did his best to read Niko's moves.

"The words will come with time." Niko swatted Abram's attack to the side and stepped into his open side, gently brushing his knuckles over his exposed ribcage, "Not every swing should be full force. An even jab to the throat or a kick to the knee would keep you center and not shifting to the sides with the follow through. Face your attacker and don't turn away from them. Keep your focus here." Niko pointed to himself and mimicked a throat jab, followed by a light kick to his knee.

"Understood." Abram readjusted his feet to have him more centered and less exposed on his sides.

"Now show me what you've learned, and we will go from there, Да (Da)?" Niko lifted his hands and curled his knuckles to keep his palms open, letting him either grab or punch easily. The itch from earlier lit up his spine and he bobbed some on his feet to keep him at the ready to dodge or go on the offensive.

aaaaaa

Kate faced another dilemma. Her hair and makeup was immaculate. But she frowned down at her body as she stood in front of the floor length mirror in the dressing room. She had been tasked with putting on a slip that could easily slide under any dress of her choosing. But her hands landed on the tiniest of pooches over her stomach. The robe had hidden it well, but this slip?

It left nothing to the imagination.

Every curve, lack thereof, or weird skin mark- it was all on display. And the white of the slip had her skin looking exceptionally pale. More worry lines framed her face as she turned slightly to see her side and rounding of her backside. Her eyebrow lifted some with the way it looked in the flimsy satin cloth. ' Niko would be on me between one breath and the next…'

Images of his hands sliding up her legs to disappear underneath the thin lace lining, had her hand landing on her chest to calm her suddenly racing heart. That was till a cramp the likes she had never experienced before had her dropping to a knee in pain. The silent scream screwed up her face as both her hands grasped at her navel. Something was seriously wrong! She needed hel-

And just like that it was gone.

' Huh…'

She stood on shaky legs and felt her saying the name before it crossed her lips, "Roman!" If she wanted an honest opinion on the slip and maybe ask him to ask Georgi to schedule a doc visit? No. Just the honest reaction to her. ' Yeah. No big deal. Just a cramp. Plus I can talk to Georgi about these things. Right?!'

"You called?-"

Roman stopped just inside the cloth changing room and had his arms drop to his sides. Her hair was intricately braided, curled, and pinned back in a soft updo. Tiny, wispy curls lined her face and neck. Her eyes were outlined in eyeliner and caused the green to really standout in her eyes. Everywhere he looked he saw perfection and awe. A small tendril of jealousy for his cousin wanted to sour the mood, but he couldn't help it! She was the thing of dreams.

"You promise it doesn't look too; you know? Not Niko approved?" Kate twiddled her thumbs together and brought them up to her chest to try and cover herself up some. Roman's face had gone blank, and she couldn't determine if that was good or bad.

"Well I highly doubt he'd want you in public in just that!" Roman chuckled lightly and grew serious, "Yeah NB would kill anyone who looked at you wearing only that." He tilted his head to the side as he studied her nonreaction to his answer. It was like she was unfazed by his joke and was looking for him to say something else or more. Then it hit him.

"Kate you look amazing. You have nothing to worry about. Stand proudly as you get dressed. You are going to be on my cousin's arm. You should be proud to show off some and tell the world you are hot but not available! Yes! And if I have any say in it, he will be overly protective and will be constant with the p.d.a. to tell the world you are his and his alone." Roman gently smiled to Kate and held his hand out to her, "Now do me the honor of being on my arm as I escort you to the raised platform to have people fuss over you!"

"You are more like Niko than you know." She returned the kind smile and grasped his hand, "Just be honest about the dresses please." She had liked how Roman reminded her of her earlier happier thoughts. She had even said something to the effect of being happy to show off on Niko's arm.

"You have my word. Now hurry along. If you are anything like my Mallorie, you will be indecisive and over complicate this.!" He laughed loudly when she slapped his shoulder several times in a row. He caught her hand and pulled her free from the dressing room, tucking said hand down into the crook of his arm, smiling down at where her fingers lightly curled into the soft muscles of his arm.

"I will show you indecisive and complicated!" Kate seethed between her clenched teeth as she brightly smiled for everyone else in the room. Clara had the racks changed out to carry higher-end couture. As well as fabrics and samples of things she was currently working on. All the metal cases had been dragged over as she hemmed and hawed over the way she looked in the mirror. Their lids and drawers were completely open, displaying all kinds of trinkets and designer pieces. Crowns, tiaras, hair pieces galore filled over two of the chests, while the others held everything from rings to necklaces and earrings, to embossed precious metals.

Clara stood before her best work and bowed her head in respect when Kate emerged from the dressing room on Roman's arm. She had heard Kate's comment about being unable to choose or decide. But that's where her thinking was incorrect. Clara knew what needed to be done to make Kate look like a knockout. And it was not hanging on any rack within her domain. This idea lived in her head and grew with every passing second.

Mallorie dropped down to rest on the comfy couch back in her jeans and long-sleeved hoodie. Legs tucked up and under her as her hands rested on her growing baby bump. Bernie to her right turned to look over the couch to see Kate, and instantly rose to his feet and bowed his head. His mind went haywire and couldn't produce a reason as to why he felt such a strong need to stand when she entered the room. Despite it causing him massive waves of pain for moving so quickly.

Georgi shoved open the door, hand up to his earpiece, a serious expression covering his face- Until his eyes landed on Kate and he scooted inside the room enough to let the door shut, and dropped down to his knee, "Высочество (Vysochestvo). I apologize for interrupting, but I need to speak with Clara. It's important. Forgive me." He kept his head bowed as he spoke and internally swore for having to delay her special moment. She had been downright stunning to look at and his body just reacted at his respect and knowledge that she out ranked him.

Rami was also bowed at the waist and was waiting for her dismissal to return to figuring out how to handle the current situation. It was not one he ever thought he would be in. Aleksei on the comms kept whispering positioning for a target below them and it was making him sweat the longer it took for Kate to speak up.

"That's okay. Gives me a chance to over-complicate this for Roman's sake. Take your time, Clara. I will be up here looking through your amazing pieces of art and will await your return." She awkwardly waved her hand to get Georgi up off the floor, Rami from bowing, and to get Bernie from gawking like he was. It was making her uncomfortable.

"I really am sorry to do this…" Georgi trailed off as he rose to his feet and frowned from the direction their target was moving. It was moving to the alley and the back door that led up to the loft they all currently stood in.

"I don't know if to shoot or not. Please clarify. Verification please. Now please! Before my window closes. Ivo what are you seeing from your position? Sergei? Over." Aleksei's voice spoke loudly from Rami's and Georgi's earpiece having the two men snap their attention to one another. Do they give the green light? Wasn't that treason? Millions of questions stormed their minds as Aleksei continued to call out for verification and target location.

"Are you kidding me?! How am I supposed to know the answer to that?!" Georgi barked out completely forgetting who all was present and listening to him.

"Answer what?" Kate crossed her arms defensively and felt dread slide down her spine, making her stand rigidly.

"Uh-!"

"Target hidden. Repeat target is off sight. Ivo, Sergei respond!"

"Hello and good morning Mrs. Petrovic. Need I remind you that you have to go through the proper channels to get an appointment with Clara. She is currently in session." Ivo's overly sweet-sounding voice caused Georgi to spin around to the door and slide the large locking bar closed.

"Should I move to Bravo point? Over."

"Stay where you are and explain to me what's going on?" Kate marched up to Georgi and removed his earbud to place it into her own knowing something had Georgi spooked enough to lock the damn door to the studio.

"Mrs. Petrovic! Do not force me to remove you from this alley." Sergei sounded winded like he was moving back and forth a lot.

"Wait. Kenny's wife is here?!" Kate's mouth dropped and she look at Georgi expectantly, "Let her up here. I'd like to meet her. Aleksei return to the studio. I'd prefer to have all of you supporting me through this. Ivo and Sergei, you as well. That's an order." She removed the earpiece from her own ear knowing that they would do as told, and handed it back to Georgi, "Give me your jacket Bernie. We have a guest."

"I will stash away the jewels-"

"No. Leave them there. I want to see something." Kate stepped back from Georgi and turned to walk over to Bernie to get the outstretched jacket hanging from his hand. She hurriedly shoved her arms in the sleeves and did up the one button suit coat. Next she snatched the crown up and placed it on her head and silently moved to the mirrors to see if she needed to adjust it.

"It's about damn time you listened to me young man! I will have you replaced permanently. I swear it!" Heavily Russian accented shrill voice called out from behind the door before an impatient knock came from the metal door, "Let me in Georgi! I know you are in there simpering away over someone you think took my spot. MY SPOT! MY TITLE! Once Kenny wakes I swear to God I am going to get myself involved intimately!" Russian was near squealed through the door sounding furious than all get out.

"Roman, Bernie sit down next to Mallorie. Clara you may respond to the Mrs., or you can focus on me and my dresses. Rami take your position. Georgi she sounds completely mad but let her in and let me see if I can get this whole thing figured out." Kate's eyes never left her reflection as she lifted the crown just a touch to reposition it on her head, "Georgi. Door please."

"Remember. You are in charge and have our allegiance." Georgi reminded her before heaving the heavy lock bar to the open position. He was scared out of his mind letting Kenny's wife and Kate meet. This was never supposed to happen. But as his thoughts quieted with Kate's expression on her face, he grew curious as to what Kate was going to do. He took in a deep breath and opened the door to let Mrs. Petrovic enter the studio loft.

"It is blasphemous what you have done!" She struck Georgi across the face as she stormed into the loft. Her livid bright blue eyes scanned the room, landing on Rami in the far corner. Her sneer deepened the longer they just stared at each other.

"You dare to touch another hair on his head, and I will not hesitate to let them shoot you." Kate's voice held a sharp edge to it. She meant business. Her anger surged through her at the sound of her hand connecting to Georgi's face. He didn't look fazed in the least bit, but still! She had struck one of her men. That was not allowed.

"Quiet you poofy misshapen thing you. You dare to step where you are not permitted!" Mrs. Petrovic hummed as she turned her attention to the female that dared tread on her territory. Kenny had built this empire for his family to enjoy the sweeter things in life. Now she was being denied entry to Clara's to get her galla gown for the Mayor's soiree. And finally she was getting to face her imposter.

"You do not get to speak to her that way!" Georgi removed his pistol and aimed it at Kenny's wife alarmed at what she had said… And what it meant to Kate. He was learning Kate's weak spots, and the Mrs. had certainly struck a nerve within his Высочество (Vysochestvo). He did, however, notice that Rami had not gone for his gun. Footsteps thundered up the staircase as Ivo, Sergei, and Aleksei moved into the studio. Aleksei didn't hesitate to draw his sidearm and target the perceived threat that Georgi was aiming at. Ivo sidestepped to the side and tried to stay out of Georgi's view, and Sergei drew his weapon but refused to lift it toward Kenny's wife.

'Why are Rami, Sergei, and Ivo not aiming their weapons?!'

"Hush second place. I believe I have found who I need to speak to." Mrs. Petrovic ignored the guns and took the few steps to stand before Kate who was on the raised platform, "So you are to replace me?" Her thick accent hung in the air and did wonders to trigger every single thought of Natalya in Kate's mind.

"I believe I already have." Kate kept her head level as the weight of the crown grew tiresome upon her head. How anyone wore one for an extended period of time was beyond her. She shook herself internally to brush off the echoes of Natalya's taunting and uncomfortable headwear to focus on the one person she held true fear of. She didn't ever believe she would actually meet Kenny's wife. His ex-girlfriend was in the hospital due to protecting her brother. And she was still timid in her approach to handling the new rise in power she grasped.

"Tsk. No child. You cannot simply take over. You have to have Kenny's men recognize you as their leader as much as my husband. You have to know how to work a room to help sway people in Kenny's good graces. You have to know etiquette and style. You have so much left to learn and I highly doubt you can even rise to the occasion." Her taunting voice was so eerily similar to Natalya that it caused the hair on Kate's arms to stand on end.

She had faced bullies in the past in school. Granted she had the backing of her brothers… So why weren't the men snapping to attention? Genuine fear started to soak into her bones. Georgi was standing to the side of Mrs. Petrovic, gun to her head. Aleksei was to her back, weapon trained on the Mrs. But as her eyes scanned over the scene before her she realized that Bernie, Roman, Rami, Sergei, and Ivo had yet to do much more than stare at what was developing before them. Was she really on her own?

"Rami. Sergei. Ivo. Am I to question your loyalty to the ring?" Kate felt herself grow cold and shifted just enough to be able to stare at him from the corner of her eyes before going over to where Ivo nearly coward at her chilling voice. Sergei lifted his gun instantly and took aim. Rami seemed to snap to it once her voice broke through to him. If there was one way to get Niko's men to pay attention, it was to question their loyalty.

She went to speak once more and paused when Ivo finally trained his weapon on the Mrs. She now had all the men on her side… Whether they would shoot was another thing. But at least it gave off the impression that she was in charge and not Kenny's wife.

"Hm. They are bound to whoever holds the ring. Kenny never made one for me since I didn't want to get involved. Only wanted the perks. I know of his many girlfriends. It comes with power territory. So do not be surprised or shocked when Kenny's replacement ends up fucking a whore. They are all just meaningless things. If he can have his fun so can I. And the mayor's ball is considered fun to me. So I am here to get my dress. I suspect you will be the prude amongst the wall flowers Saturday evening?" Her perfectly lined lips curled into a sinister smile then broke when her eyes landed on Clara.

"Ah there she is. I simply cannot go without my dress. You have it ready yes?" Her demeanor changed instantly, and she sounded almost joyful in her approach to the dress shop owner.

Clara looked white as a sheet and completely at a loss for what was transpiring in her workshop. With a huff she turned to Kate and spoke up, "I am currently assisting Pakhan's chosen. I can have one of my trusted associates grab it from the safe." She knew better than to let her loyalty be called into question. She had been beyond excited to deal with a new 'Mrs. Petrovic' and was no longer under the whip of Kenny's wife. So she steeled her spine and threw her alliance to Kate.

"They call you his wife and yet you have no ring. Shame. Truly a pity. Anyway yes Clara. That would do just fine. I will be down in my car waiting for it." She gave Kate one last lingering sneer before twirling around to the still open metal door and fluffed her jacket. She then marched out of the room, shoving Georgi to the side on her way out.

The door slammed shut and put them all into a weary hushed silence.

"She is a pleasant one, isn't she?" Bernie asked sarcastically, lowering his hidden pistol from its aimed position. He was mere seconds away from blowing that woman's head off but thought better of it. Kate and Mal both would freak out at the carnage, and he didn't need them on the line of okay and not okay. 'Not today anyway…'

"Yeah. A real ray of sunshine. That one." Kate shook her head and sighed in relief when she removed the crown from her head. She was just glad the encounter was done and over with. She only had to fear running into her now at the party. Where both of them would be wearing a custom piece from Clara. The comparisons ran wild in her mind, and it was starting to freak her out.

"Like I said earlier. I am glad to have this appointment. Shall I make sure I upstage the Mrs. just a touch with your handmade custom dress? She has the highest sought out runway dress that I've been refusing to make duplicates of. So in a way it is custom- but not made with her in mind. I have such a beautiful new figure to work with and create my magic on. Come. Take this suit coat off and let me do my thing. You will not be disappointed. Promise." Clara stepped up to the platform and gently turned Kate toward the mirrors undoing the one button on the coat. Carefully she glided it down Kate's arms and handed it off to one of the guys as they approached.

"Kate?" Georgi called her name from his frozen position. His heart was racing, and his blood pressure was elevated. Three of his men had hesitated to protect Высочество (Vysochestvo). It was disgraceful. It only spurred on the idea that there was a mutiny on their hands. And then for Kate to speak up on his behalf? He was livid and worried all at once. The things she had said to Kate would not be tolerated, yet he didn't pull his trigger when the line was crossed. So what did that say about him?

"Georgi, Aleksei a word please." Kate patted Clara's hand and placed the crown down in its rightful place. Using the outstretched hand from Aleksei she stepped down from the raised platform and started to head over to the far end of the large industrial styled room.

They trailed behind her and shared a look as if to ask the other what was going on.

"Two. No Three things. One. I do not wish to be close to her ever again. Two. I need one of you to book a doctor's visit for me- without telling Niko. And thirdly, yes I am okay but want to be checked out to ensure nothing is wrong. Understood?" She crossed her arms over her chest and held her arms tightly. If there was one thing she could avoid, it would be in close proximity to Kenny's wife. If the guys truly knew how to manage every situation, then this one they should be able to go about without any trouble.

"Yes, Высочество (Vysochestvo). Do you want the doc who has been taking care of you this whole time? She would be at City Hall Hospital." Georgi nodded his head at her requests and couldn't agree more. He could make sure she doesn't get face to face with the Mrs. again. And he could call the female doc that helped Kate before. She had been helpful and nice.

"Yes so long as they are discrete. I get the feeling that I am under a larger microscope now." Kate sighed and dropped her head to Aleksei's shoulder, "This will also give me the chance to see Avia." Her moods were all over the place and where she had been excited only a few moments ago, it was hard to ignore the words that came from Mrs. Petrovic. All her self-consciousness wanted to bombard her and ruin the day for her.

"One we can shield you from. You are our leader as much as Niko is. Now let Clara do her thing and enjoy the moment best you can. Okay?" Aleksei gave her a small side hug, unsure if he was even allowed to, but felt the need to reach out. It was one eighty from his normal way of interacting with Pakhan's wife. When Kate returned the hug and tightened her arms around him, he knew she was scared and terrified of what had taken place.

"Aleksei is right. Happier thoughts, yes?" Georgi placed his hand to her open shoulder and squeezed it. Feeling it the second his fingers firmed in her skin. Her heartrate was through the roof and was not coming down anytime soon. He shared a hidden glance with Aleksei seeing he knew what he did. Things were not as okay as they seemed.

"Katie, my love. Come sit down as Clara prepares her tools for making a dress. Share a plate of cheese and crackers. Before Mal eats everything." Bernie's smile only grew when Mal shouted out a rather heated 'hey!'. He could read her body language and knew she needed to sit down and calm her thoughts.

"Yes please. I need to sketch out my thoughts and can show you what it will look like." Clara waved to the spot next to Mallorie and encouraged her client to relax and enjoy having her work in front of her.

"Okay. Okay. I can do that. But can I wear the robe?" Kate asked her question toward Clara from her spot between two people she trusted to have her back and protect her. She was gaining confidence and strength from them. Two immobile men who were deadly at their craft. Killers and fearful people to everyone else. But not to her. These were her friends and family. Her empathy and sympathy for Niko's men grew each and every day. They ran dangerous jobs, and any day could be their last.

"Yes. Of course. I have seen your frame well enough to sketch it out. Once we agree on a design, I will take measurements and get working on it immediately on the fabric we choose. Everything is done to your liking. So do not hesitate to say you don't like something. You are not hurting my feelings none." Clara fluffed one of the soft fuzzy pillows and dropped it down next to Mallorie. Her silent invitation to come join them.

"So long as it doesn't look anything like Mrs. Petrovic's I'm pretty much good with anything." Kate released the held in breath and nodded to both Aleksei and Georgi. She could happily sit down on the couch and enjoy some food…-

I suspect you will be the prude amongst the wall flowers Saturday evening?

"And when I say I'm good with anything, I mean flashy, exciting, daring- just whatever you call it when you knock it out of the park."

"As you have asked it, so it will be done."

aaaaaa

"Pakhan?" Anatoly dropped the bag of equipment he was dragging in from the outside door and hobbled as fast as he could without pulling a stich toward his boss and Abram fighting. And a good fight by the looks of it as everyone had gathered around to learn from the best of them.

"Teaching." Niko grunted when Abrahm snuck past his defenses and lightly jabbed at his injured ribs. He was still a wreck of bruising and pain. His back hurt like hell. His knees felt like they were ninety instead of thirty. And he was struggling to keep pace with someone younger than him. It stirred his thoughts as part of his drunken romp through Los Santos crossed his mind.

Look, you wake up one day and, and your legs, they just give, and you just can't run anymore.

The words the wise looking middle-aged man had given him at the bar rang true in his brain. He was getting tired of running. But it was going to be a long, long time before he could sit down and rest. He had a Bratva to lead, a wife to provide for, and a family to protect. Where was the rest in any of that?

Niko snatched the hand that was going back to his weak spot and twisted it some to get the kid to retreat. He yelped in pain and shuffled back a few paces.

He frowned with his thoughts and held up his hands in the timeout signal, causing the crowed to whine with the loss of a good learning moment. Reluctantly the group disbanded back to their previous activities before a loud buzzer went off overhead and they all ran toward the locker rooms.

"It is time for the younger kids to have time to play. It is too cold outside for them to play, so we give them some time here to burn off steam." Anatoly offered as Niko just silently watched everyone retreat.

"You are a good sparring partner. You have learned from mistakes and openings. That's good. Keep up the good work. You're dismissed." Niko nodded at the bow of Abram's head, watching as the kid ran off toward the locker rooms to change clothes and get ready for lunch.

"Pakhan I think you should check in with your injured men. May we walk and talk on our way to the medical wing?" Anatoly gestured to the double doors that led back to the main hallway hoping Niko picked up on his hints. After their chat in the living room all he could do was think about Vasil and if he was secretly working with Boris. The doors suddenly swung open, and a bunch of school-aged children came running through them, shouting with excitement. They ran past them without a care in the world to jump into the foam pits.

Marta hurried up to them and bowed her head in apology for her son's careless bolt to the landing pits from the trampoline. She didn't want to show the man any disrespect and bowed further when he said nothing nor moved to dismiss her. Had Anton done something to gain Pakhan's ire?

"Marta it's okay. They are just kids. Have you been by to see your husband?" Niko placed a hand to the woman's shoulder and helped lift her upright. He then noticed her arms were free from the baby, "Where is the sister?"

"Still. Manners are manners. I have not been by yet. I just dropped Nina off at the daycare, so I could focus on keeping Lova in line today." She fought the tremble that wanted to shake her like a leaf. This boss was different than Kenny. She did not need to fear to meet his eyes. And she managed the courage to look up to the kind hazel eyes of Pakhan.

"Then you should be resting. Lova is supervised in here. Go take this hour or two to visit your husband. Actually Anatoly and I were about to head that way, can I escort you to Anton?" Niko held his arm out to her and waited to see if she was brave enough to take his arm or not. It was good cover as to why he would randomly show up in the hospital wing.

"Pakhan. I am unworthy of such a gesture.-"

"Nonsense. Take my arm and let me walk you to the medical wing. I need to check in on them anyway." He held his arm out further, widening the space between his body and elbow, "And if that isn't enough, I could always order you to take my arm." He laughed when she sent him an indignant glare.

"As Pakhan has demanded it of me, fine. But I will refuse to enjoy it." Marta smiled with his laughter and couldn't help but tease back. Kate had been a wonder to be around for the short period of time she had with her. And then she remembered she practically made out with her husband in front of Kate. The mortification bloomed across her face.

"I bet Anton will be so jealous." Niko laughed again as she took his arm and defiantly refused to look at him, "Or maybe my wife will spot us when she comes back from shopping?"

Marta huffed and glanced over her shoulder to Anatoly who simply followed them out the door and into the main hallway, "How is your wife? Did she enjoy the gift baskets? We were unsure of her likes or dislikes. Or allergies." She looked up to Niko's face to see his response to her words. ' Wait… Wife?!'

"Thank you. To you and anyone who made a basket. It has lifted Kate's spirits." It had also been beneficial to him as Kate had rubbed his skin in lotions and oils to help with the bruising and soreness.

"Oh I am so glad to hear that. We wanted to make her feel welcomed into our community. Her, your loss, apologies, is our loss too. We mourn with you two. And when Anton didn't call me when you landed, I knew something was wrong. So I must thank you for saving him and bringing him back. I speak out of turn, but Kenny would've left him to die. I am in debt to you and your wife." She started to feel frantic and scared. The words just kept falling out of her mouth and she held no control over it.

"Slow down there. I have vowed to myself to never leave someone behind. And I thought of you and the kids. Even if he had passed I would've brought back his body. I swear to you he is as important to me as he is to you." Niko came to a stop just outside the hospital wing doors and turned to face her, leaving Anatoly to stand behind her.

"Thank you. We are here to serve." Marta whispered out.

"Do you mind if I check on him first and speak to him and hopefully Vasil to about some business? I won't be more than five minutes if they are both awake." Niko rested his hands on her shoulders and looked for permission to get business out of the way and then let her spend however long she had kid free with him.

"Not at all Pakhan." Marta bowed her head slightly and backed away to give him space to enter the hospital room.

" Be careful and listen closely in there boss." Anatoly quickly whispered in Russian to Niko hoping Marta wasn't listening in too much. She should know her place in all this. Even with the favoritism shown to her by Pakhan.

Niko glared at Anatoly from the corner of his eye before opening the doors to see if his men were awake or not. He had yet to check back in on Anton since they landed, and he felt ashamed for that. But Anatoly had a point. Vasil was on his watchlist, and he was bound and determined to see for himself if he was a liar or not. He shifted the thoughts to the side as he neared the foot of Anton's bed. He breathed peacefully and evenly. It was a weight lifted off his shoulders to see him bandaged up and sleeping restfully.

' That just leaves…'

"He fell asleep about fifteen minutes ago Pakhan." Vasil coughed after his words and lifted his bed up to see his boss more directly. It was a shock to see him in the hospital wing. Kenny would never have come to check in on his men. He would've moved on to the next task and filled roles as needed till one was better.

"That's okay. I will ask him when he wakes. How are you feeling?" Niko leaned into the side of Anton's bed and felt fingertips tap his hip that was hidden behind the guardrail. Anton was awake and listening. So something had to be off with Vasil for such stealth to be taken. It seemed everyone thought something was off with Vasil.

"I've been better. Would be nice to get up out of the bed and try walking. My legs grow restless." Vasil winced as he stretched his arms over his head. He dropped them back down to his waist and cracked his neck both ways. It woke him up some and had him becoming more alert.

"I'm sure we can arrange that with the doctor. I can relate to the feeling." Niko crossed his arms and studied the numerous bandages over Vasil's chest, neck, and arms. He looked so banged up and defenseless. So what was with all the missing bullet holes where Vasil would have been standing? He was clearly shot and beaten pretty good. No, he was missing something that would connect the dots boldly. His eyes landed on his and held his stare till Vasil broke contact and looked downward and to the right. Yeah something was missing from what he was seeing, hearing, and being told.

"To being shot in the chest and neck in defense of someone?" Vasil snapped with the pain that came in waves through his body. He was tired of whatever act Niko was putting up to get at him. He was no different than Kenny. He had let the IAA into their house and had her doubting his kill. Kenny may not have let the IAA in, but he had let rats in in the past. And Niko was too open with who he brought around.

"Stomach and hip area. Then again to the chest trying to kill Natalya and keep her from killing Kate. But I had failed to anticipate Natalya's moves, and it cost me dearly. I know the pain of waking up and feeling restless. You just want to go back and do things differently. To right the wrongs. Or to escape a problem. It is a humbling experience to be tied to a hospital bed for an extended period of time." Niko felt the tap to his hip grow stronger with his last sentence. It held to him before breaking away. ' So it is something to do with getting a problem solved? Or wanting to hide for the mistake of letting Boris and the female to escape…? Just what is going on here?'

"Forgive me. I know of your struggle to get your cousin and woman back from Natalya." Vasil sniffed heavily and shook his head. The pain med fog that lived rent free in his brain was trying to tell him to be quiet and hear Niko out. Maybe there was a difference? Still… Boris was on the fast track to death- and for what?

"I'd do it again for any one of you." Niko was going for the direct hit. Enough of these silly games. If he wanted truth, he was going to get it.

"Then why is Vanya dead? And why would Boris betray us like that? He was my friend. But after his attempt to kill me with Alexi's help- I feel a little different about my old friend." Vasil seethed the words through the pain in his chest. His eye had thankfully swollen down to where he could see out of both of his eyes. He stared Niko down wanting to hear what he had to say about his questions.

' Okay so Boris did attack him. Noted.'

"Vanya made a hard call. He saved my wife. I did not ask that of him. He did so willingly. And I don't know why Boris would betray me or Kenny. I've only been here a short time; I still do not know everyone well enough to make character descriptions." Niko shifted on the bed and lowered his hand to rest over Anton's. He was with his line of thinking and would keep hedging on topics that would prove him innocent or not.

"No. Only long enough to have people doubting their loyalty. I don't think Boris exit was planned. He hesitated to hit me at first. Fired off warning shots. Alexi fired at me first. I fired back and wounded the female and Alexi. I was confused as to what Boris was doing with the two Albanians. My hesitation nearly cost me my life. That won't happen again Pakhan. I won't hesitate again." Vasil narrowed his eyes at Niko trying to get his point home.

Something in the way he said he wouldn't hesitate again sent a chill down Niko's spine. Vasil's voice had been firm and low. It left no breathing room. It suffocated the air from his lungs. There were too many similarities to Natalya and Dimitri to ignore. Carefully he squeezed down on Anton's wrist silently communicating to keep his ears and eyes open.

"See to it that you don't. I can't have people second guessing orders." Niko leaned up from the bed and approach Vasil in a menacing manner, "Kenny warned me of a rat before he handed over the title. I hope it's not your old friend- that would mean I can't hesitate to kill on sight." Niko folded his cards so to speak and left the challenge in Vasil's court. It was enough bait to dangle in front of Vasil to send to Boris. That was if Kate's movie had a plausible plot.

"He knows of the consequences. I-I will not hesitate to shoot on sight has you have instructed." Vasil bowed his head and sneered down to his lap. Partly in pain, but mostly out of having to let go of his friend for good. Pakhan had already made the hit green lit. There was no turning back from that. They would all receive the order to kill Boris when they next came across him.

He would grin and bear it.

For just a little bit longer.

aaaaaa

Phew! These last few chapters are going to be running on all cylinders. Be on the lookout for plot points and conclusions!

Again my posting schedule is going to be off. It's football season in the states and I am so stoked! I think my extended family is now accepting of my odd behavior over a sports team. I think. Court still out on that one.

Till next time-

One Love.