Page 61 of Brutal Union
“You must be really into that book,” the guy chuckles, handing it over, his gaze lingering too long on her face. “Didn’t even see me walk in.”
“She was busy being traumatized,” I offer dryly, sipping my coffee with an amused glint in my eye as I stare at Aleksandr, who is currently hunched over staring at Lily and the delivery guy as if they are both prey.
Lily giggles nervously. “It’s, uh, a classic.”
“You’re really into those horror books,” the guy says, grin widening.
“Yeah,” she blushes.
“Anything that goes boo, is up for me…too?” She trails off as she talks. “Sorry, I thought that was better in my head.”
“Don’t be sorry,” he sighs, leaning against the desk. “It’s cute.”
Aleksandr’s voice sucks all the sexual tension out of the room, as he growls “Drop off the package and leave.”
The delivery guy jumps, glancing toward the office where Aleksandr is now standing, looking like a viking ready to go to war.
Lily turns, frowning toward him. “Aleksandr, don’t be rude,” she calls, sticking her tongue out before turning back to sign the slip.
“I’ll show you rude if he doesn’t leave in the next thirty seconds,” he grumbles under his breath, plopping back into his chair.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Easy, Alek. You’re going to give yourself an ulcer.”
He glares at the poor delivery guy, as he takes back the pad and waves goodbye at Lily. “Where is Nik?”
I glance at the clock on the wall. “Supposed to be here twenty minutes ago.”
Aleksandr mutters something in Russian I can’t quite catch, but when I look up I see Lily shaking her head at him like he’s a puppy who peed on the carpet. Just as the elevator dings again. I hear Nikoali’s voice ring through the office.
“I’ll be back in an hour tops, but if the fever doesn’t go down Roshin will take you to the ER, and I will meet you there.” He waves at Lily, turns and looks into the room with a narrowed gaze, the door blocking most of his body. “Because I said so.”
I give him a tight smile, showing my hands so he knows I won’t try to hurt him this time…at least not immediately. “Alright. I love you, Kotik.”
Nik hangs up and enters the room. “No knives this time?”
“Are you going to disrespect me this time?” I counter, leaning back in his expensive leather desk chair.
“Of course not, Vor.” He nods, bowing slightly in a sign of respect.
“Then close the door and sit.” I nod, pointing to the two chairs in front of me.
They follow accordingly, sitting across from me like two loyal guards rather than my brothers. “I have called you here as your sister, not as theVor v Zakoneof the Bratva.”Highest ranking official of the Bratva.
“This must be good,” Nik chuckles, leaning back in his chair.
Aleksandr’s brow twitches. “I thought you couldn’t trust us.”
“I can’t, but this is my only option,” I shrug. “You are my only option, because I need you to back me… not just as soldiers or subordinates—but as blood.”
“Whatever you need Nadi,” Alek nods.
“I have a boyfriend.”
Aleksandr scoffs so loudly it echoes. Nik blinks, as if I’ve just spoken in tongues.
“You brought us in here,” Nik growls, “like this is a fucking emergency—and it’s about aboyfriend?”
“Not just any boyfriend,” I say, eyes narrowing. “Sho.”
