Summary
Alexei’s voice was tight as he tried to control his emotions. “I said I would do anything for you,” he gasped. His agony was set against the backdrop of Saratov, a city where many Russian immigrants have settled. Protecting his younger brother had been Alexei’s first commandment as a mafia member. In addition to hiding his background and secrets from them, Alexei was obsessed with his brother, who was bitter against him. When Alpha Valerie, a gifted and vivacious ballerino, revealed that he was leaving for New York with Omega Rian, his self-described sponsor, the stakes went up. Alexei learned of Rian’s association with Kalish, a policeman who was out to get the mafia boss. He tried to pull them apart, but Valerie wouldn’t listen. In order to save his little brother, Alexei ultimately had to make a risky choice. “Stop,” he begged, his voice laced with desperation. “I said… Did it…!” “Stay still,” he begged, his breath coming in short gasps. “Haa, oh, L-lerusha.” “Because… I’ve already committed to it.”