Page 5 of Nikolai Petrov

“You’re staying in your room for dinner tonight. Mr. Petrov is coming back, and you will not disgrace your father again with your presence.” Her already upturned nose pokes higher to the ceiling in her disdain.

All I can do is nod. She doesn’t want me to speak, just accept.

The door has barely slammed marking her departure before I’m running to the bathroom. Shoving my fingers down my throat, I try to summon every disgusting thing I’ve ever witnessed to spasm my stomach.

Two red dots swirl in the water when I flush.

I need to move quickly.

Chapter Three

Nikolai

“Itisfine,Peter.The louse has been removed. Chekov had one of his men inside eradicate the bug.” I roll the glass with the last of the vodka over the smooth top of Ivanov’s table. “The good news is if any of this escapes, it won’t go to you, but to your in-laws.” The acrid burn of the fiery liquor burns a sweet path as I swallow the rest.

His body slumps in the chair. “That would be almost as bad, boss. They already hold me in ill-regard. Svetlana’s brother is being released next month. I worry about the impending rampage in his quest to rebuild their family’s power.” Ivanov’s bushy gray eyebrows hide the worry in his face as he stares down at his own glass. The hard set of his jaw tells me everything. Thirty years of working by his side, I’ve learned to read him.

“My boys are working at removing the threats around the country. Soon, Koskovich and his family will be too weak to be a threat.” Pride rests in the bloodbath my sons have laid in every corner. They honor our legacy well.

A tickle of anticipation twitches my stomach. Only a few months and all of my sons will be home.

Ivanov sighs and sits back into his chair. “It may be too late for me. I’m too entrenched in their fucked up family.” His dark eyes meet mine, sorrow etching the edges.

“No, no. It’s a good day.” I clap him on the shoulder as I step away from the table. “This fire is out. Let us bask in the ashes of another coward fallen.”

“Yes, boss. I thank you for your help and for protecting me.” His accent is thicker as the alcohol grips him. The drink he shared with me must not have been his first.

“Sleep well friend.”

The cool air of the night feels good on my flushed face. I don’t often imbibe in the drink of our Motherland as often, preferring the smoother texture of bourbon.

But, tonight was a night to celebrate.

Dark leather embraces me as I relax into the driver’s seat of my Lincoln. There was no need for my driver tonight, Ivanov doesn’t live far from my own estate.

A curt nod to the guard at my gate and I pull into the sweeping driveway to the sprawling home. Over twenty thousand square feet after my latest addition was built, and yet still not large enough for my family.

Five new foundations are arranged on either side, guest houses for my sons. It’s irritating that the work has been halted, I am hoping to have it be a surprise for their visit this winter.

A safe respite should they ever have families. Privacy to ensure a lengthy visit.

I cannot wait until the halls of the main house ring with the laughter of children again. It has been far too long since the youngest has grown and moved out.

The bay door of the garage has just begun its downward journey when the glaring lights of the garage pop on.

One foot hits the polished concrete when a small voice startles my thoughts.

“Mr. Petrov?”

Jerking myself from the seat, I throw open the rear door and pull the small dark form free from the backseat.

Pinning it against the side of my sedan, one hand holds the throat while my other digs for the knife that is always hidden in my belt.

Action ingrained in instinct has me nearly slicing the neck of the intruder before tear filled green eyes catch my gaze.

Natalia Ivanov.

“What the fuck are you doing in my car? Does your father know you are here?” My fingers loosen, but I still hold her pushed into the fender.

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