16. Erik
ERIK
I stare at my whiskey, counting the seconds until I can return to the compound. To her. Three hours and twenty-two minutes since Nikolai showed up at my door with that look that said arguing would be pointless.
“You need to get out more,” he said. “You're becoming obsessed with guarding the Lebedev girl.”
If only he knew.
The bar is an upscale, dimly lit establishment with dark wood and leather seating. Private enough for four Ivanovs to speak freely. Loud enough that no one else can listen in.
“So, our silent warrior finally emerges from his cave,” Dmitri swirls his whiskey, perfect as always in his tailored suit. “I was beginning to think we'd need to send a rescue team.”
I grunt in response, taking another sip.
“Such eloquence,” Nikolai raises an eyebrow. “Your conversational skills have improved since joining us in civilization.”
Alexi snorts beside me, fingers tapping restlessly on the table. His eyes meet mine for a split second, and I see the knowledge there. The only brother who knows what's happening between Katarina and me. He monitored the cameras, after all.
“Leave him alone,” Alexi says, surprisingly coming to my defense. “Not everyone needs to hear themselves talk as much as you two.”
“Says the man who can't stop talking when he's coding,” Dmitri counters.
I remain quiet, listening to their familiar rhythm. My brothers. The only people I've ever trusted completely.
“Security protocols are tight at the compound,” I offer, knowing they expect some participation. “No need to worry.”
“We're not worried about security,” Nikolai leans forward, steel in his gaze. “We're worried about you.”
“I'm fine.”
“He speaks!” Alexi throws his hands up. “A full sentence!”
Dmitri signals for another round. “You've been different lately. More... intense.”
If they only knew how Katarina's touch had broken through years of carefully constructed walls.
Alexi catches my eye again, a silent question. I give him the barest shake of my head. Not now.
“Perhaps our brother is simply thorough in his duties,” Alexi suggests, knowing damn well how thoroughly I've broken protocol.
“Perhaps,” Nikolai doesn't sound convinced. “But remember, Erik, she's a means to an end. Nothing more.”
I down my vodka in one swallow, feeling the burn. If only it were that simple.
“She's Igor Lebedev's daughter,” I say, setting my empty glass down with more force than necessary. “You brought her in for leverage. I'm guarding her accordingly.”
My brothers exchange glances. They've rarely heard me defend my actions.
“Of course,” Nikolai says smoothly, though his eyes narrow slightly. “Your dedication is admirable, but balance is important.”
I check my watch. Three hours and twenty-seven minutes now.
“Has she given you any useful information?” Dmitri asks, leaning back in his seat. “Her father's operations, security protocols, anything we can use?”
“She's smart. Cautious.” I choose my words carefully. “Won't break easily.”
Alexi snorts into his drink. “I bet she won't.”
I shoot him a warning glance. His face is a picture of innocence, but I know that glint in his eye.
“I've been analyzing her company's security systems,” Alexi says, redirecting. “Impressive work. She's built something nearly impenetrable.”
“Nearly?” Nikolai raises an eyebrow.
“For anyone else, completely impenetrable,” Alexi corrects himself, grinning. “For me, a delightful challenge.”
The conversation shifts to business, which suits me fine.
I nurse a fresh whiskey, contributing the minimum required words while my mind drifts back to the compound.
To Katarina's face when I told her about my siblings.
The gentle pressure of her hand on mine.
How she listened without trying to fix the unfixable.
No one's ever seen that part of me. No one's ever been allowed to.
“Erik.” Nikolai's voice cuts through my thoughts. “Are we boring you?”
“No,” I straighten. “Just thinking about security rotations.”
“Right,” Dmitri drawls. “Security rotations put that look on your face.”
I maintain my neutral expression, but something must show in my eyes because Nikolai studies me for a long, uncomfortable moment.
“Just remember who she is,” Nikolai says. “And who we are.”
I don't need the reminder. The Lebedev name is etched into my brain alongside her scent, her taste, and the sounds she makes when I?—
“Hello? Earth to Erik?” Alexi waves his hand in front of my face. “I swear you're somewhere else tonight.”
I glare at him, but it just makes him grin wider.
“You know what? We need a break. All of us.” Alexi slams his glass down. “Let's do a boys' weekend. The cabin in the mountains right now. No phones, no business, just vodka and possibly some regrettable decisions.”
Dmitri chuckles. “Some of us have responsibilities, little brother.”
“You mean you're whipped,” Alexi counters. “Both of you. Nikolai can't be away from Sofia for more than twelve hours without going into withdrawal.”
Nikolai doesn't deny it, just shrugs. “When you find the right woman, you'll understand.”
The irony isn't lost on me as I sit there, desperately calculating how to get out of this without revealing my own... attachment.
“What about you, Erik?” Alexi turns those too-knowing eyes on me. “You're not tied down. And the compound has round-the-clock security. Viktor is perfectly capable of managing things for the weekend.”
My jaw tightens. The bastard knows exactly what he's doing.
“I should stay,” I manage. “The Lebedev situation is delicate.”
“The Lebedev situation is contained,” Nikolai counters. “Unless there's something you're not telling us?”
Three pairs of eyes fix on me. Alexi's dancing with mischief, Nikolai's calculating, Dmitri's curious.
“No,” I say finally. “Nothing to tell.”
“Perfect!” Alexi claps his hands. “We leave tonight. Two days of mountain air will do you good, Brother. Clear your head.”
I drain my whiskey, feeling trapped. There's no way to refuse without raising suspicions. Not when my brothers already sense something's off.
“Fine,” I concede. Two days away from Katarina. Two days wondering what she's doing, who she's talking to, if she'll still want me when I return.
Alexi grins triumphantly. “Trust me, Erik. Whatever's eating at you—or whoever—will still be there when you get back.”
I catch Alexi's smirk as he watches me. The little shit knows exactly who's on my mind. He's enjoying this too much.
“I'll go pack a bag,” I say, pushing back from the table.
Alexi waves dismissively. “Don't bother. We've got enough stuff at the cabin from all our previous trips. Clothes, toiletries—everything.”
“I prefer to select what I take.” My jaw clenches tight enough to crack teeth.
“Always so particular,” Dmitri comments, finishing his drink.
Alexi pulls out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. “Already texting my driver. He'll meet us out front in five minutes.”
“How efficient of you,” I mutter, earning a grin from my youngest brother.
“I live to serve,” Alexi says with mock solemnity before leaning closer so only I can hear. “She'll survive without you for two days, Erik. Though I can't promise she won't get bored.”
I grip my glass so hard I'm surprised it doesn't shatter. The thought of leaving without explaining to Katarina—after what we shared in the kitchen—sits like acid in my stomach. She'll think I've abandoned her, or worse, that what happened meant nothing.
Nikolai stands, signaling the end of the discussion. “Let's go, brothers.”
As we make our way outside, I consider asking to make a quick call—but who would I call? Viktor? And what would I say? “Pass a message to our captive that I'll be back in two days because I can't stop thinking about her”?
The black SUV pulls up, and Alexi slaps my shoulder. “Cheer up. Two days of fresh air, no distractions. You might even remember how to smile.”
I slide into the back seat, rage and frustration tightening my chest. Two fucking days of “bonding” while Katarina wonders where I've gone. After she let me in. After I let her in.
Alexi catches my eye across the seat and has the decency to look slightly apologetic. “It's for the best.”
I don't respond. Just stare out the window as Boston's lights blur past us, each mile taking me further from her.