Page 12 of Cookie: Part One
The fuck is this cult shit?
As he looks coldly at everyone, I see his eyes land on Mikhail, and I see Mr. Big Dick Energy keeps his head held high while the others bow and bitch, it’s like the maids just stop breathing altogether. It’s as if everyone’s bracing for him to go off.
The maid who’s in charge of my room scurries forward, bowing slightly.
“Ser, izvinite, chto pomeshali vam zavtrakat’. Vam ne o chem bespokoit’sya… (Sir, we’re sorry for disturbing your breakfast. You don’t need to concern yourself with…)”
His eyes go to her like a blade, and she goesdead silentas she trembles. I cringe at how stuffy it is in here, and I don’t like it, so I breathe and try to relieve the tension.
“Grandpa Viktor! I missed you.” Bitch, the air is sucked out of the room, and the maids look like they are about to pass out and foam at the mouth from shock.
“Kak ty smeyesh’?! Pogovori s Pakhanom, chtoby poluchit’ inf—(How dare you?! Speak to the Pakhan so info?—)”
“Tishina(Silence),”he spits, and even I have to admit the venom in his voice shocks me. He crosses the room with that regal-ass gait, and when he reaches my bed, he sits on the edge, taking my hand so gently I almost burst into tears.
“My dear Connie,” he says in that thick, warm accent. “Are you vell? I heard from doctor you are sick… I’m sorry I sent measly five-year-old jet. I send brand new one next time. For your comfort.” He kisses the back of my hand, and I giggle, heart swelling, and I throw my arms around him in the biggest hug ever, breathing him in.
The whole room gasps, Mikhail. Nadya. Dimitri, even the damn maids. Only Pyper and Alik don’t seem shocked. They know I ride hard for Grandpa Viktor. He’s like the Pawpaw I never had, loving, doting, and sweet.
“Don’t sweat it, old man,” I grin, still hugging him. “The flight was amazing. I was just very jet-lagged, but I’m happy to see you.”
Grandpa Viktor chuckles deep, his hand patting my back like I’m still ten and just scraped my knee.
“You alvays make me laugh, leettle one. Such strong spirit,” he says, eyes crinkling. “But next time... you tell me vhen you sick, da? I cancel whole retreat. I go home and I spoil the leettle one as much as she likes.”
“Sir, that’s not necessa—” One of the maids starts again, but gets cut offmid-breathby the turn of his head. This man ain’t raised his voice once, but somehow he goteverybodyacting like they on their final write-up.
“Don’t cross ze line,” he smiles at her, but the way she chokes, you would think he’s put a rope about her neck and tightened it, though he’s not paying any attention to her. No, he strokes my hand like I’m made of glass. “You are precious family.”
You are family.I blink at those words, and my eyes catch Mikhail, who watches me seriously and thoughtfully before I look back at Grandpa Viktor and swallow.HARD.Because baby, that guilt,starts swangin’ and fucking bangin’, throwing hands like a mother fucker.
I just got called family by the elder of a family whose members were wrecking every hole like it was a gangbang audition. My stomach flips. My soul? The fuck GONE with the wind.Damn… I’m going to hell.
“I… uhm… aww th-thank you… b-but I’ll be fine, Grandpa. I promise,” I voice softly.
“I believe you, Pechenye,” he whispers, but I go still at that nickname. Bitch…BITCH!
“U-uhm… wh-where did y-you hear that name?” I stammer.
“I heard it vhile standing at ze door. I think it fits you vell.”
“Da. I agree, Pakhan,” Mikhail speaks. “It fits the sveet one vell.”
“Da… vell, zhis old man vill not take up your time. I’ll retire to my room and let you rest.” He goes to get up, but I stop him.
“W-wait Grandpa, I… I was wondering while I’m here, do you want to play spades? I brought my cards!” I beam and he smiles affectionately, patting my head.
“Da, Pechenye,” he closes his eyes, smirking. “Of course,” he says, patting my cheek gently before he leans down, kissing my forehead before he finally leaves and I wave.
“See you later, Grandpa Viktor.” I grin from ear to ear and he turns to wave before the door shuts and I turn excitedly to Pyper, who sags on the bed, looking tired. “What’s wrong, Alik?” I ask and he shakes his head with a groan.
“Nozhing… no matter how many times I see him act like zhat vit you, I cannot get used to it,” he sighs, tired, and I frown.
“I don’t get it.” I make a face, and Pyper rolls her eye at me with a snort.
“Exactly, so just leave it at zhat, you lucky girl.”
“What’s so lucky ab?—”
