Page 58 of Cruel Russian Monster
“Jaroslav,” I said firmly, without turning around. “Please, lower your gun.”
I felt Jaroslav come to stand right behind me, and my brothers lowered their weapons. I sighed with relief. Then I opened my eyes.
My brothers looked tired and on edge. My eyes misted. My brothers were here. They came looking for me. I hadn't seen them in a few weeks. I threw my arms around Zahkar and then Yegor.
“Fuck, Vera,” Yegor said. “We've been looking everywhere for you.”
“Does Artyom know where I am?” I asked quietly.
“If he had known, do you think we'd be standing up here without him?” Yegor responded.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
I looked between my brothers. “Please, don't tell him yet.”
“Of course we won't. He doesn't need to know, because you're leaving here with us,” Zahkar said.
“Jaroslav and I are married,” I blurted out.
Zahkar swore under his breath.
Yegor’s eyes darkened. “If Artyom finds out you're married to a Safin, he will more than lose his shit. Artyom is not going to give a flying fuck if Katya or Alexi dies. He won't stop until this territory is flattened to ash.”
My heart skipped a beat.
I held Yegor’s hand. “Yegor, please. Just don't tell Artyom yet. We're still trying to figure out how to tell him.”
Zahkar’s eyes narrowed. “Do Lev and the others know?”
“Yes.”
“And how did Lev take it?” Yegor asked.
Jaroslav finally spoke. “He could've taken it better.”
“So in other words, he's pissed,” Zahkar stated, looking over my shoulder at Jaroslav.
“Yes.”
“And you don't care?”
“He'll get over it.”
“And the others. What do they think?” Yegor directed his question to me.
“The others are okay with it. But I need support from my older brothers.”
Yegor sighed. “Fine,” he said reluctantly.
“Now, have you eaten?” I asked.
Girl, after your brothers pulled their guns on Jaroslav, you're inviting them to stay?
“Are you trying to bribe us with food?” Zahkar asked, amused.
“Yes. And I haven't seen either of you in forever, so please stay.”
“Sure, why not,” Yegor said.
