Page 26 of Cruel Russian Pakhan
“Timur hasn’t confirmed anything yet. Just that the ones who survived the shootout were found dead shortly after.”
“Someone’s cleaning house,” Marten stated.
“Exactly,” I said. “Which makes me think it was Artyom. He wouldn’t want it getting out that he sent a hit squad after me, especially while I was with his sister.”
Jaroslav’s jaw tensed. “Unless he meant to take you both out. With you dead and Vera gone, he could fracture both factions and blame us for it.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Did you tell Vera you think her brother put a hit on her?” Mariya asked.
“I did, but she denied that it was them.”
Avit frowned. “If Artyom was behind it, he wouldn't tell Vera anything. He'd want her response to be as natural as possible.”
I nodded. Avit did have a point.
Ninel frowned. “But eventually she’ll want to see her family. Would she be safe with them? I don't know how I'd feel knowing that my family had sent gunmen to attack while I was out with my husband, I’d feel…betrayed.” She shuddered.
“She was shaken up after the shootout. If she asks to visit them, we’ll deal with it then, but so far, she hasn’t.
I met each of my siblings’ gazes. They understood the order without me saying a word. The attack on Vera and me wasn't up for discussion around her. I had already accused herwithout proo,f and having the others mention it isn't going to help build the trust I needed from her.
I’d already kidnapped her. That alone was enough to make her question anything I had to tell her about her family. And probably why she didn't believe they had anything to do with it.
And I needed her to trust me.
Why? Because you're developing feelings? Or because it'll be easier for your plan to work?
“So…what now?” Jaroslav asked.
“Now?” I stood. “We have breakfast. Vera’s waiting for me in the dining room. We’ll handle everything else at the office.”
My siblings exchanged looks but said nothing. This wasn’t the time, or place, to strategize. Not with Vera nearby. I didn’t trust that she wouldn’t find a way to get word back to Artyom if she overheard something useful.
Without a word, we headed to the dining room. When we got there, Vera was already seated in her usual spot. The moment she saw us, her face paled. She shot to her feet, knocking the chair to the ground behind her.
I briskly walked over and righted the chair. She hadn’t moved, and neither had my siblings, who now stood silently by the doorway, watching her as she watched them.
Taking her hand, I led her away from the table. When we were a few steps from the others, I slid my hand to the small of her back and drew her close.
“Family,” I said. “I'd like you to officially meet my wife, Vera.”
Chapter 10 - Katya
After Lev introduced me to his siblings, the cook brought out more breakfast, and we all gathered around the table to eat.
All the siblings had black hair, except Marten, who was bald. Mariya and Lev shared the same intense, midnight-black eyes. Avit, Marten, and Pyotr had piercing blue ones, while Jaroslav, who was watching me with a cold stare, had eyes like tempered steel. But it was Ninel’s eyes that held me captive, the most stunning shade of silver, almost vampiric in their gleam.
Ninel's eyes twinkled as they darted from Lev to me. “Lev, have you told her about the birthday party of one of the founding leaders, happening tonight? She should totally come.”
“Are you asking her to come because you want her there,” Pyotr asked with a smirk, “or are you looking for another excuse to go shopping?”
Ninel pointed her fork at him. “You and I both know I don't need an excuse to shop. But I do think a shopping spree sponsored by Lev would be the perfect welcome to the family, don’t you think?”
“I don't know, I…” My voice trailed off.
Did I really want to spend time with his siblings after he not only kidnapped me but forced me to marry him? Why build a relationship with them when, according to him, I was just a convenience?
