Dangerous Liaisons (Crimson Legion MC #1)

21. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

F rom where she sat at her desk, the soft hum of the office comforting her, but the weight of her decision lingered in the air. Kira leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

“You wished to talk?”

She glanced up to meet her friend’s gaze. “Yes, I do. It’s important.”

Kira took a few steps closer, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong?”

“I’ve decided to let Sergei take over my duties as head of this family.”

The expression on the woman’s face would have been comical had the situation not been so serious. “Why?”

“I want to prioritize Mikhail’s safety and happiness. This life, it’s not what I want for us anymore.”

“So, what happens next?”

“I want you to have choices. It is the least I can do for all you have given to this family throughout the years. You can either continue your role under Sergei if you want to stay involved, or… you could take a chance on a different life here in California.”

“You’re offering me the choice?”

“You’ve been my right hand through everything, Kira. Before that, you were loyal beyond measure to Nikolai, a kindness I can never repay. You deserve to decide what’s best for you. If you want to step away from this world, I support it.”

Kira’s expression softened; the concern etched on her features. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“I have to believe it is,” Isabella replied, vulnerability creeping into her voice. “I want to be a mother without worrying about threats. I want a life where Mikhail can grow up happy and safe.”

“You’ve always put Mikhail first. I’ll stand by you.”

“I’ve thought about it for a long time. It feels right, but I need you to be on board with whatever path you choose. It is no one’s decision but your own. ”

“I wish to stay with you," Kira responded without hesitation, "in whatever capacity that means."

Isabella paced the living room, her heart racing as she waited for Xavier to return from his ride. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting warm hues across the walls, but the weight of her decision was heavy on her shoulders.

When he walked in, he removed his helmet, shaking out his hair, and flashed her a bright smile. “Hey, you look serious. Everything okay?”

She took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “Xavier, we need to talk.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about our future,” she began, her voice steady despite the whirlwind inside her. “I’ve left my role in the cartel behind.”

“What do you mean, Isa?”

“It means that I want to hand everything over to Sergei. I can’t keep living this life anymore. I need to prioritize Mikhail’s happiness, our happiness.”

He took a moment to process her words, then nodded. “And you think he’s the right choice?”

“He deserves to take his seat at the table. He is the head of the family; his role isn’t in enforcing or behind someone. It’s in front. He was born for the life, and he can make a difference, one I cannot no matter how hard I try.”

Xavier stepped closer. “What does this mean for us?”

“I’m staying in California. My goal is to build a life here, a life centered on Nikolai’s vision, one that avoids the dangers of the past. I want Mikhail to grow up in a safe environment.”

“You’re serious about this?”

“I am. Let’s find happiness away from all of this and focus on Mikhail. I want a life with you in it, if you’ll have me.”

Xavier stepped closer, closing the distance between them. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Then let’s make it happen. Together.”