Page 62 of Merciless Union
I meet Arina’s eyes for a moment. “Fine.” If it makes Arina happy, I’ll fucking talk to my drama queen of a sister.
I walk down the hallway, knocking on the bathroom door. “May I come in?”
“Go away,” Elena snaps.
I shake my head. “Elena, I’m coming in.”
“Whatever,” she grumbles.
I find her sitting on the toilet lid, head in her hands. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” She drops her hands, staring at me with disgust on her face. “What’s wrong is you’re changing. Before you married Arina, you would never have snapped at Mom. You’re becoming soft, brother. You’re supposed to lead us. Instead, you have your wife stringing you along.”
I sigh. “Elena, you don’t have a fucking clue what you’re talking about. Trust me, after I find you a husband and you have space from Mom, you’ll see just how terrible she is. But right now, she’s all you have. You’re her spitting image, both in looks and personality. You need to grow up and stop acting like a fucking brat all the time.”
She stands up, walks over to me, and slaps me across the face. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that. I’m the princess of the Bratva. You’ll show me respect.”
I rub my cheek. “And I’m the leader of the Bratva. Youwillshow me respect.”
She doesn’t back down. “All I see is a shell of the man you used to be. And I worry it will get you killed. That you’re little wife will get you killed if you’re not careful. I’ve heard the rumors. Stepan Pasternak is coming to claim your seat. You can’t show any weakness.”
Kindness isn’t a weakness, I’ve come to realize. But there’s no point in saying that to Elena. She’ll just scoff.
“I appreciate your concern, Elena, but what happens between my wife and me is of no concern to you. How I act around my wife is of no concern to you. How I act ingeneralis of no concern to you. So back the fuck off.”
I step back, gesturing for her to walk in front of me. She stands there a moment, looking at me. Then she shakes her head, making an annoyed sound, and walks past me with her head held high.
“I’m ready to go, Mother,” Elena says once we’re back in the living room.
“We just got here, darling,” she responds, motioning for Elena to sit down.
I clear my throat. “Actually, I think it would be best if you all left now.” Kira glances up, looking hurt. I smile at her. “You know I love talking with you.” I turn to Elena and my mother. “But right now, so soon after Arina lost her mother, I think it would be best to forgo entertaining company.”
Arina looks at me, her eyes softening.
“So, please, leave,” I say.
My mother smiles tightly. “Fine.” She grabs her purse. “Let’s go, girls.”
“And call before you come over next time,” I say, leading my family to the door and opening it for them to walk through.
My mother huffs without saying a word. Kira hugs me. And Elena—she just looks at me with pity.
I give her a look, and she finally sighs and walks out the door.
I shut the door firmly, turning to Arina. “I didn’t know they were coming over.”
Arina stands up. “You stood up for me.”
“I did.”
She smiles so brightly. “You stood up for me.”
And seeing her look so happy, I know I did the right thing.
Fuck, I’m in trouble. I’m beginning to care for my wife.
CHAPTER15
