Page 59 of Nikolai

"Leah's mother is sick. She needs her daughter."

At the mention of my mom being ill, I step around Reid, but I don't get far when he holds his arm out, halting my forward momentum. "Mom is sick?"

"Yes. That's what I came here to tell you. It's bad. Doc says it's cancer."

"Oh my, God." I cover my mouth with my hand.

"Your mom wants you to come home. She's going to need you. Now is the time for family, Leah."

My stomach clenches at the thought of losing my mother. I don't have the best relationship with her, and I have spent years blaming her for not protecting me from my dad, but I still love her, and it kills me to think she might die.

"I think you're done here," Reid bites out.

I snap my head toward him. "Reid."

He ignores me, keeping his eyes and gun trained on my dad.

My father clenches his jaw and tosses one last sneer at Reid before looking back at me. "Don't make your mother die without getting to see her only child."

My father's parting words before he disappears out the door hit their intended mark, causing me to flinch. Reid must sense the shock I'm in, takes me by the arm, and guides me to the chair behind my desk. He then retrieves his phone from the inside of his cut, placing it to his ear. "Your woman's dad just paid her a visit."

Reid listens to whatever Nikolai says then hangs up. He turns to me. "Nikolai is on his way."

I nod but don't say anything. Five minutes later, Maxim shows up and stands guard outside. Ten minutes after that, Nikolai pulls up outside, the tires of his SUV squeal as he throws it into park and jumps out. By the murderous look on his face, I'd say he's not happy. Flinging the door open, Nikolai's eyes shoot straight to me. They don't waver as he eats up the distance between us. The moment he's within reach, I'm out of my chair and in his arms. It's not until I feel the warmth of his embrace, my body relaxes, and the pent-up tension disappears.

"Come on, Malyshka, I'm taking you home."

Nikolai keeps his arm around me as we pass by Reid. The two men share a look, something silent passing between them. Reid nods then stalks away toward his office. When Nikolai and I step outside, Maxim tips his head. "Boss."

Nikolai acknowledges him with a nod then says something to him in Russian.

The ride home is silent. There is an eerie vibe coming from Nikolai, so I find it best to wait until he speaks first. It's not until we are home that he leads me up the stairs to our bedroom and lets it all out. Sitting at the edge of the bed, Nikolai pulls me into his lap, burying his face into the crook of my neck. "I'm so fucking sorry he got close to you."

"It's not your fault, Nikolai. You can't always control what others do."

Nikolai jerks his head back and bites out, "I made you a promise, Leah. I promised you were free of that mother fucker."

"Nikolai," I try again, my voice soft.

"No excuses, Malyshka. I failed to protect you today." Nikolai squeezes my waist. "Now, tell me what he said to you."

My shoulders slump, and I sigh. "He said my mom is sick. He wants me to go see her."

"It's bullshit, Leah. The man is fucking with you."

"But what if he's not? What if my mom is sick? I think I should go. My dad has no reason to lie about something like that."

"You know better than anyone your father is capable of anything. You're not falling into his trap, Leah. I won't let you."

My back goes straight. "You won't let me?"

"No."

I try to wiggle off his lap, but his hold on me tightens. "Let me up, Nikolai."

"No."

"Nikolai," I snap.

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