Page 29 of Merciless Union
After going through all the paperwork to get Alexei released, I follow an officer back to the jail cells.
Seeing him behind bars pisses me off.
Alexei glances up as the officer calls out his name and opens the door for him. I glare at him as he walks out past me.
We’re quiet until we leave the station, but once we’re back in my car, and my driver takes off, I say, “Are you insane? Because I think that’s the only logical explanation for your actions.”
Alexei crosses his arms. “So, I got busted. What’s the big deal?”
I don’t look at him as I speak. “The big deal, brother, is that our family has a reputation. One you’re not allowed to ruin with your fucking stupid decisions. If any of my enemies were to find a chink in my armor, I could be killed, and the rest of you would die along with me. So no more acting out, you hear me? Father is gone. He’s not here to keep us safe any longer.”
“Of course, I know Father’s gone!” he shouts. “And aren’t you the one always reminding me of how Father used to beat us? I don’t think that was keeping us safe. So what difference do my actions matter now that Dad is dead? Nothing. None of this shit matters.”
I sniff, fixing my cuff links. “I take it you continued to drink after my wedding and got yourself into trouble. What exactly did you do?”
“Why?”
I fix my stare on him, and Alexei actually flinches away. I know I look a lot like our father. I’m sure my glower is reminding him of my father and all the shit he used to do to us. “Because I need to know if I need to clean up any of your messes.”
Alexei sighs, shaking his head. “No. I just went to a bar and got into a fight with some random motherfucker. Nothing serious.”
“So, you didn’t go try to shoot up one of our enemies?” When Father was alive, Alexei had the good idea to go after the Irish Mob, whom our family hates, and shoot up one of their bars. I thought our father would kill him after that. If it weren’t for me stepping in, Alexei would probably be dead today.
“No,” he mutters. “I learned my lesson.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“I mean it. I swear. All I did was get drunk and punch some dude. Nothing more.”
“Fine. I can get that cleared for you. Just remember never to go after our enemies again, not without my permission.”
Sighing, he nods and sinks into the seat.
We’re both silent for a moment.
“So,” he says, “how’s newly married life?”
I look at him. “Interrupted. Thanks to you.”
He winces. “I deserved that.”
“Alexei, I know our family is going through a tough time right now. A lot of change is happening. But I need you to be tough. To be strong. I need my brother at my side. Don’t disappoint me again.”
He doesn’t respond.
Not that I expected him to.
CHAPTER8
Arina
Ipace around the cavernous living room of my new home. Maxim’s penthouse is modern, but instead of being elegant and sophisticated, it’s cold and sterile. I don’t dare sit down on the couch for fear that somehowthatwill get me into trouble.
I’m not allowed to paint. I scoff at the idea. If Maxim thinks I’m going to fall in line with his demand, he’ll need to think again. I’ll be the best dame trophy wife I can be, but I refuse to give up my painting.
When Maxim returns an hour later, I’m still pacing. My heart skips a beat when I see his face—full of anger.
“Is everything all right?” I ask, standing still.
