Twisted in Chaos (Destructive Devastation #2)

Chapter 29

The thick air of the dining room does nothing to ease the pressure on my chest. Heavy. Suffocating. Foreboding. I eye my captor from across the table, loudly chewing on a Caesar salad presented to us all.

It's been nothing but silence since our asses hit the chairs. Nothing but staring at Shadow with twisted expressions as he eats like a goddamn cow grazing in the pasture.

You think he'd notice if I picked up my fork and stabbed him in the eyeballs?

Probably.

He’d scream and cause a commotion, luring his guards in. And I’d be dead meat. There’s no way I can back out now when my sister’s life is on the line. I’m still reeling from the news that she’s shacking up with some fourteen-year-old mafia prince and riding off into the sunset. Is it for the better? Maybe. I’m still coming to terms with it. No matter how hard I try to convince myself that she’ll be safer with that demented little twit, who I still want to drag into the ocean and drown for taking her away from me. Dramatic? Probably. Needed? Only time will fucking tell. For now, I have to breathe through my nose and trust the damn process. Whatever that is. Sunshine knows what she’s doing. Mikhail—even though I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him, which isn’t far—has treated my sister fairly. I have to remind myself that he looks at her the way Jericho looks at me.

On second thought, that’s semi-scary.

The warmth of a hand gliding across my thigh knocks the murderous thought from my mind. Gently, Shepp squeezes three times, grounding me to the moment instead of drowning Mikhail while he sleeps. Silently, I say thanks to him with a soft smile, and he nods in understanding. It’s like he’s tapped into my mind and can read everything I’m worrying myself sick over.

Shadow clears his throat, tapping his fork against his salad bowl. "You're probably wondering why I brought you here.”

Yeah. No shit, Sherlock.

"It crossed my mind," I snark, pushing around a piece of Romaine lettuce, fantasizing about eating it. But any thought of food has my stomach in knots and acid in my throat. My new norm, apparently. “But enlighten me.”

He glares at me. "You're thinking about running away from me and my hospitality," Shadow says, taking another bite while watching me with a neutral expression.

"Whatever gave you that idea? Your hospitality has been unmatched," I quip, taking a small bite of the salad.

The combination of dressing, lettuce, cheese, and croutons tastes like ash on my tongue and heavy lead on my churning stomach. But I swallow it down, attempting to act normal. Don’t be suspicious. Don’t be suspicious. I need the nutrients to fuel me if I'm going to be strong enough to make it through this hellacious dinner filled with tension.

Tonight is supposed to be a celebration of the families coming together. But I smell something very fucking suspicious. It almost smells like pure bullshit. Actually, that’s anything that comes out of Shadow’s mouth. He could say the sky is blue, and I’d never believe him. He’s up to something tonight—something big—like Naum’s death. Yeah, Shepp told me all about Shadow’s ominous warnings when he attended the meeting upstairs while I helped make breakfast with Sunshine. So, that’s fun. We’ve been on our toes since Darrell dropped off our fancy attire and told us to be ready by seven.

So, here we are—front row and center to the destruction of a mafia king. What a time to be alive.

Shadow's smirk has my stomach turning more, and I barely hold the tiny bite I swallowed down, which is now threatening to come back up. Do not throw up chunks on the dining room floor. That’s most certainly a one-way ticket to the damn caves.

"The truth is, Journey West. We need each other. At my word, your sister will be killed. Do you think her new keepers will keep her safe and secure? You're only sending her to a fancier prison."

That's what I’m afraid of. That's what I've been trying to keep her from. This life. The one I got myself in the middle of. Sunny doesn’t deserve it. She’s too innocent and bubbly to let the darkness touch her and dampen her brightness.

I’m already tainted.

"Don't lie to the poor girl!" A thick, accented voice comes from the other side of the room.

I startle, sitting straight up in my chair. My head whips toward the unfamiliar voice, and I nearly gasp at seeing him. Fitted in a tight suit with a tie, he sucks on an old pipe, puffing smoke around him with a mischievous grin.

But it’s more than that.

Malice lives behind his dark, beady eyes, taking the scene in. He’s calculating something. His next move? Ours? Who knows? His graying hair slicks back on his head, highlighting the receding hairline showcasing his massive forehead.

Something in my gut has me recoiling from him. A warning. That doesn't bode well for my damn sister and her well-being. Because if I had to hazard a guess, that’s Mikhail’s father, Naum.

The Bratva leader. Overseer of the damn Russian Mafia.

"I don't lie," Shadow scoffs. "Come and sit." He gestures to the chairs around us with a stern look.

"No introduction?" the mysterious man asks, raising a dark, bushy brow.

"Figured you'd want to do that yourself," Shadow quips, devoid of humor. There's a hint of tightness in his voice. But he’s covering it up well. As well as one can, I guess.

One of my favorite lessons Gabriel taught me was observation, watching people’s movements, and guessing their intentions. Oh, that man stuck his watch in his pocket and then glanced at it again? It means he’s waiting for someone. Or he’s impatient. Gabriel may have tortured me, made me kill people, and forced the darkness inside me. But he trained me well.

And what my training is saying right now is there’s something off.

"Isn't it rude not to introduce your guests to your other guests?" The man chuckles, sauntering closer to us, puffing a few more clouds of smoke from his pipe as he rounds the table with a grin. "Well, since Shadow of Briar Cove Island is so rude. My name is Naum Antonov." He holds out his hand and shakes ours in a tight grip.

“I’m Journey, and this is Shepp.” My words seem relaxed as they come out. Not hinting to him that every muscle in my body tightens as he sits down at the head of the table.

"Oh, the sister," he says with a mischievous grin. "Understandable." I stiffen at his words and even more when he looks me over. His head tilts, really taking me in.

"Yeah," Shadow gruffly grunts, shoving the rest of his salad in his mouth. “The annoying sister.”

Well, that’s just rude as fuck. I’m not annoying. Since my forced arrival on this island, I've been nothing but compliant. But I keep my mouth shut. Be a good girl and all that nonsense.

All for Sunny—I tell myself for the millionth time.

"They'll be here in a minute. I've never seen my boy so smitten before," Naum says, cocking his head with a pensive look. "He is absolutely captivated by her. She lives up to her name."

I offer him a tight smile. "My sister is something else. You better believe she won't take your shit." I clutch my fork tighter, threatening to stab him in the damn eye.

"Hmmm. She's a queen in the making." he shrugs. "She'll overthrow us all." His grin widens when the door opens behind us.

Sunshine walks into the room on Mikhail's arm as he protectively holds her close to his body. His light eyes scan the table, narrowing on his father. His muscles bunch beneath his suit. A tic forms in his jaw as he clenches his teeth tight. But in a flash, it’s all gone. He erases any feelings from his expression and becomes indifferent before anyone else can see the minute changes. I swallow hard when he politely nods at me, and I nod back.

My sister looks at him with a soft, warm smile, clinging to him with every step. The glow on her skin takes me aback again. It’s like seeing her earlier when she was in his presence as they made breakfast together seamlessly like they had done it so many times before. True happiness wafts from her—joy I’ve never seen before in my damn life. She’s always been my little sister—practically my daughter. The girl I carted to doctor’s appointments and prayed to whoever was above to save her or give her a stronger heart. She’s survived so much and has always had a sunny disposition.

I deflate in my chair, keeping my gaze on her. Who am I to stomp all over her feelings? I can’t hold her back when she seems to have a way out.

Even if it’s with that little punk.

"Wonderful! Mikhail," Naum says, standing up again and clapping his hands. “Come join us for dinner! Let’s celebrate the future union of my heir.”

"Father," he says in a low voice, pulling Sunshine closer. Protective. Like a fourteen-year-old shouldn't be able to possess. Sunshine doesn't react. She smiles more, looking around the room with ease.

There's something in the stiffening of Mikhail’s shoulders and the curling of his fists. It’s how his father looks at him with clear control that has my nerves rising. She didn't seem to notice because Mikhail shields her away from it all.

But I do.

"Sunshine," Naum says slowly and raises his brows.

"Sit. So we can enjoy our fucking meal. Our entertainment awaits us," Shadow spits impatiently, forcing everyone to sit down.

Thankfully, Sunshine occupies the seat beside mine. Giving me access to her free hand, which I immediately clutch in mine.

"Sunny," I murmur, checking her over until I'm satisfied she's truly safe. It’s only been a day since we spent time together, but so many things can change in that time.

"Journey," she says with a smile, gently squeezing back. “You remember Mikhail.” She raises a brow as if to say, be nice to him.

I smile sweetly at her words. Mikhail observes me with darkening eyes and an unmoving face. Coldness wafts off him, but evil doesn't. Compassion lives within his soul, especially when he looks at Sunshine with the same devotion she offers him.

Maybe Sunshine has glimpsed the man underneath—like I have with Jericho. He’s more than what he lets the world see. Caring. Giving. Protective. I suppose being raised by a monster can cause immeasurable damage.

And these mafia offspring are the prime examples.

I wasn’t raised in the life. I merely existed and trained in it for six months before my cage was opened, and I was freed to do my monster's bidding. It nearly cut the soul from my body. So, imagine being there from the get-go and undergoing the training from day one.

It must have been hell.

“It's nice to see you again,” I offer with a respectful nod.

A genuine grin lights up his face, and he nods. “It’s an honor to see you again, as well. Your sister has been talking about you non-stop.” I blush, whipping my gaze to Sunshine, who grins and winks at me. What the hell? “About what a wonderful provider and protector you've been since she was younger, like a mother shielding her from everything and taking care of her health. I thank you for that. Thank you for keeping her safe until this point." He tilts his head to the side, not showing any more emotions than necessary. Looking into his eyes is unnerving, but I don't dare break our gaze. “But I can take it from here," he says possessively in my direction as he takes her hand, laying it on his lap.

I swallow down the instant retort on my tongue. Something like, over my dead body or get fucked, you little prick, before taking my sister and running to a boat. I have been her protector for so long. Years. Since the day she popped out of my mom, the woman handed her to me, saying she was my responsibility. After days of hospital tests, doctors deemed my sister broken.

Sunshine was not broken. She just needed a little extra love. And even at the young age I was when she was born, I did everything in my power to make life good for her.

Now, I’m expected to let her go. Just let her slip through my fingers like sand. But I have to, don’t I? I can’t protect my sister in this fancy-ass hotel. I can barely protect myself or Shepp.

So, I nod with a tight smile. “It seems to be that way.”

Sunshine perks up, her entire body turning rigid. “You mean it?” she whispers, tears forming in her eyes when Mikhail kisses the back of her hand.

Do I mean it? Not really. But I’m going to release her from my care and put all my faith into the little mafia prince. Just this once. Even if it’s tearing me apart on the inside and breaking my heart in two, I have to let her go. She’ll be safer with him.

I hope.

“You’d better take care of her,” I warn, tilting my head when he smiles at me.

“Always,” he mutters.

"Wonderful. Now, that is out of the way. Let's get this dinner started. More wine!" Shadow snarls, pounding his fist into the tabletop with impatience.

Shepp stiffens beside me and blows out a breath at Shadow's fist, echoing through the room as if memories of his time with his father pour through his mind. The abusive asshole who stole his tongue and did God knows what else. I never would have guessed it affected him if I hadn't caught the slight movement.

But his fear of his father is palpable.

Reaching over, I clasp Shepp’s massive hand in mine. I gently squeeze three times to soothe the worry creasing his brows. I swallow hard when he returns three squeezes and his body relaxes. We don’t look at each other. No matter how hard I want to gaze into his eyes and reassure him everything will be okay.

My lips roll together as servers bring steaming entrees out and set them in front of us, giving each person a glass of red wine. Well, everyone but me. I tilt my head, eyeing the lighter concoction sloshing in my glass. I sniff it. Apple juice? Shadow smirks at me when I look at him with furrowed brows, but he doesn’t say a word. Neither do I, despite the confusion.

Alarm bells ring in my head when he stands, forcefully pushing his chair backward. "To health! To the union of two families," Shadow says, raising the glass in the air. His eyes sweep the room, glossing over us until they land on Naum.

"To health, alliances, and deals!" Naum shouts, tapping his glass against Shadow's with a grin. "To new family." His eyes zero in on my sister again as she shifts in her seat, staring straight down at her glass. "Well, it's not hard liquor, but it'll do." Naum takes a large drink of his wine, downing it like a shot until it's all gone and the glass is empty.

"Here, here," I mutter, setting the glass down without taking a drink. My damn stomach turns more at the smell of the apple juice.

It’s incredibly off-putting. For whatever reason.

I rub my stomach, trying to ease the rumbling happening inside. If I'm not careful, I'll spew the minuscule amount of salad I ate onto the ground. And that would be embarrassing, to say the least.

Naum sits smugly in his seat and raises his empty glass. Without a word or request, it's filled again by a server to the brim. He takes another large gulp, emptying it again.

"Father, your wine consumption is becoming alarming," Mikhail says, placing an arm over Sunshine's chair.

"Shut it, boy," he says, slurring slightly as a server repeatedly fills his glass.

"If that's what you request," Mikhail says, taking a tentative bite of his salad. "This salad is exemplary," he remarks, swallowing his bite with a hum.

What the fuck kind of fourteen-year-old says exemplary? Or speaks like a grown-ass adult? Of course, he doesn't seem fourteen to me. In looks, sure. But his aura screams maturity. Maybe the life he's been living has given him a reason to be an adult.

"Thank my chef. He's got an eye for it," Shadow grunts, taking the last bite of his salad. "Just wait for the main course. It'll knock your socks off."

Mikhail blinks several times at Shadow and nods. "Can't wait for the main bit. Will it be much longer?"

"No. It should be two minutes max," Shadow says with an unhinged grin, taking up the majority of his face.

Shivers roll down my spine when they continue to lock eyes and then go about eating and taking sips of wine. Mikhail doesn't seem to touch his drink, staring at it like it holds poison. Not that he should consume it, anyhow. He even stops Sunshine from touching hers, gently shaking his head and imploring her with his softened eyes.

My gut lurches. Something is about to happen. I can feel it in my gut, just like before we walked in here.

I stare at my glass and then at Shepp's. He hasn't touched it either, opting to eat his salad and scarf it down as best he can, avoiding his father’s stare.

"What?" Naum pales, looking at the glass of wine and then at Shadow. Blood pours from his eyes and ears, trailing down his flesh like a faucet opening up.

"I hope you enjoyed my wine and hospitality, but I'm afraid it's the last thing you'll ever see or feel." Shadow sits back in his chair, watching as Naum slumps in his seat, gargling blood until it pools from between his lips, painting them red.

"My son..." he garbles out with accusation.

"I'm afraid you've overstayed your welcome in the Antonov family," Mikhail says in a smooth voice. "There's a new head now." He smiles sweetly at his father, taking in his final breaths with light in his eyes.

"Mik..." Sunshine whispers with quivering lips, attempting to pull away from him.

"The deal still stands," Shadow says in Mikhail's direction. "Sunshine is yours. Your father has met his end. We have sealed our deal.

Mikhail softens when he cradles Sunshine's face in his palms. I want to jump over and yank his hands away from her. Protect her from the big evil teenager who set his father up for murder. Was he swindled into doing it?

"What just happened, Mik?" Sunshine whispers with apparent distress bubbling in her tone. "I don't understand..."

"In time, Love. You'll understand everything. Just know, I did it for you." His tone softens with her, begging her to understand his reasonings. “He would have harmed you. Like…” He rolls his lips together, shaking his head.

"I'd like to know the reason, too.” I lick my lips, staring between my sister and Mikhail. How am I supposed to trust this kid with my sister when he just offed his father in front of our eyes?

Mikhail's gaze promises words later. It’s written on his face that he can’t tell me now.

"You're on a need-to-know fucking basis," Shadow spits with a growl. "This isn't your business. It's something Mikhail and I discussed when they stepped foot here. It's an alliance."

An alliance, of course, that's all that matters.

Two servers walk into the room and quietly remove Naum's body from the chair. I didn't even hear his death gurgle, but judging by the missing light in his eyes—he's dead. Gone. And he’s never coming back. Leaving the fucking child clinging to my sister as the de facto leader of the Bratva.

How terrifying.

Once the body is out of sight, more servers enter the room, carrying sizzling plates of steak, potatoes, and delicious mac and cheese. Our main course. Who the fuck can eat after witnessing such a brutal murder? It’s almost worse than if Shadow had pulled a gun and blew his brains out. I’m used to guts and blood. Well, somewhat. But Naum never saw it coming. I never saw it coming, either. It was hidden within his drink. Unsuspecting.

Who the fuck is next?

"Now, to the new head of the Antonov family," Shadow says, raising his glass of wine. His beady eyes take us in, slowly cataloging everyone in the room. “I have it on good authority you’ll discuss this mishap with the rest of your counsel?” There’s almost a hint of fear in his tone. It's a piece of Shadow I’ve never heard before.

Mikhail clears his throat as he gets to his feet near his chair. Lifting his glass, he smirks. “Of course, I've already informed the council about the trash that needed taking out. They all agreed on this sacrifice and have given me their blessing.” He confidently raises his glass in the air, pulling his shoulders back. "To new alliances and prosperity," Mikhail says, lifting his glass further.

But once again, he doesn't take a sip. He sets it on the table with a sigh as he retakes his seat. He reaches over, taking Sunshine's hand, gently lifting it to his mouth, and placing a gentlemanly kiss there. "This was for the good of our future," he says softly, kissing her flesh again.

The telltale signs of his affection shine through when Sunshine blushes and he chuckles.

Something in his eyes puts me at ease, which is weird. He honestly seems to be smitten with my sister even though they haven't known each other for a long time—a few days.

Mikhail's eyes move from her to me. He tilts his head, giving me silent words of reassurance, which doesn't help.

My stomach ties into knots. Again. Like, that’s fucking new. But I force myself to settle down. No matter what happens, I’ll keep my sister safe, even if I have to go off and murder people for Shadow and become his assassin.

"Now, let's eat our fucking dinner and go to the fight. I have a lot of fun entertainment for us to watch." He grins, stabbing his food like it’s still alive, making noise, and chomping on it like he belongs in the pasture.

Fucking animal.