Page 34 of Merciless Union
“Which is? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Our father … he wasn’t the nicest of men. Maxim shielded a lot of it from me, but I saw bits and pieces here and there. He kept tight control on Elena. Now that he’s gone …” Her voice hitches, and she clears her throat. “Now that he’s gone, I think she’s acting out. Now that she actually can.”
“Mmm.” Kira’s words paint a slightly new light on Elena. I guess not everything is as simple as it seems.
“But she can definitely be a bitch sometimes,” Kira says.
I glance over at her, my eyes widening. “I’m shocked to hear you say that.” Laughter passes through my lips anyway.
“How come?”
I shrug. “You just seem … shy, is all.”
She looks down at the floor. “I guess I am. I’ve always been. I think it’s partly why Maxim has protected me so much over the years. I’ve needed him.” She looks back at me. “Answer me honestly. Has my brother been treating you right?”
“What makes you ask?”
“My brother is my rock. He’s my savior. I’m the only person he shows any kind of warmth to. It doesn’t bother my siblings much, but I know how shut off he can be. And I just want to make sure he isn’t shutting you out.”
I want to answer Kira truthfully. Tell her that her brother has been cold to me. That he’s only used me for my body. But I don’t want to break the hope in her eyes. Clearly, Maxim is kind to her, which is good. That means he has the capacity for it, which means he might show me that kindness someday.
So, I give her a small smile and lie to her face. “Maxim has been good to me. You don’t need to worry.”
“Oh, good.” Her shoulders relax, and a smile breaks out across her face. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“And I’m glad to have at least one member of this family show me kindness.”
“Only one?”
I clear my throat. “I, uh, meant one other member.” I nudge her shoulder with my own. “You’re a kind person, Kira. Never lose that.”
We leave the restroom together, heading back to the table.
“Are you two done chitchatting in there?” Elena comments as she stands and slips her purse over her shoulder.
Vasilisa pays for the meal.
I help my mother get up.
Kira doesn’t respond to her sister’s comment. Instead, she looks down at the floor.
“We shared a nice conversation,” I tell Elena.
She smiles tightly. “That’s good.”
I look her over, thinking about what Kira told me about their father being tough on Elena. Maybe her icy persona is just a way to protect herself. I actually feel pity for her.
“Ready to go?” my mother asks, sliding her arm through mine.
I give the Petrov women one more glance before smiling at my mom. “I’m ready.”
CHAPTER9
Maxim
Iarrive at Stepan Pasternack’s house, Nik at my side. He lives in a brownstone in a coveted area of the city. With how much money Stepan brought in for my father, it’s no wonder he owns a multi-million dollar brownstone.
Nik called me earlier today, informing me that a meeting was happening this afternoon at Stepan’s house. He doesn’t know what the meeting is about, but I can wager a guess. Stepan’s hoping to rally men against me to take over. I always sensed a weaselly quality to the little asshole. Learning that he’s holding a secret meeting behind my back confirms he’s up to shit.
