Chapter 20
NIKOLAI
Uncle Viktor never invites me anywhere the polite way. No invitation, no given time slot. He summons.
And when he does, I go without question.
Which is how I find myself sitting in his office again when I'm supposed to be having dinner with my wife and kid, but he doesn't give a damn. He's behind his desk, sleeves rolled, sipping tea like he didn't ruin half the city today for sport. Because he can.
I brace for the usual. Some Bratva catastrophe, a mole in our ranks, or the inevitable lecture about how I "lack diplomacy." But instead, Viktor gives me that small, knowing smile that says I've already disappointed him and he's kind of proud of it.
"So," he leans forward on his forearms, "I hear you've been rather generous lately."
I keep a straight face. Trying to look like a man who hasn't been lying to the head of the Bratva for weeks.
I cock my head. "Generous?"
Viktor smiles. The kind that makes lesser men check for exits and loaded weapons.
"Interesting how Gayle suddenly became so reasonable, don't you think?" He taps a finger against his desk. "Almost as if someone paid the difference."
My stomach drops, but I don't flinch. "Uncle..."
"Don't." He holds up a hand. "The money transfers aren't exactly subtle when you know where to look. Your private accounts, Nikolai? The ones you thought I didn't know about?"
Well. Fuck.
I exhale slowly, surrendering to the inevitable. "I apologize for the deception."
"Deception." He rolls the word around like he's tasting a new vodka. "Is that what we're calling it when my own nephew gives away a small fortune to keep a woman he barely knows?"
I should've known he'd find out. Nothing stays hidden from Viktor for long. The man probably has a file on what brand of toothpaste I use.
"I did what I had to do." I lower my gaze. "I'm sorry, Uncle. I wasn't trying to interfere with your business."
I'm ready to take the consequences. Face whatever punishment comes.
He waves a hand. "Save it, Nikolai. Like you said. You did what you had to."
I look up, bracing for the gavel. Instead, to my complete shock, his face cracks into a genuine smile.
"You're not angry?"
"I can't be angry when it means you love your wife." His grin widens. "I was beginning to worry you were still made of stone."
"I don't..." I start, then stop. Love Elle? The word sits in my chest like something hot and foreign.
"You gave away a tidy sum and manipulated an entire deal, all to keep her." Viktor leans back. "That's not cold calculation, my boy. That's devotion."
I try to argue. The words die in my throat. Because goddamn it, he's right.
I did it for her. Just so she could be happy.
Viktor chuckles, reading every thought on my face.
"You're enjoying this," I say.
"Immensely." He stands to pour more tea. "And since you're apparently domesticated now, I'll have to come by for dinner."
I arch a brow. "Dinner?"
"I'd like to check in on my investment."
I give him a flat look.
He laughs. "Relax, kid. Your wife's charm benefits us all. I simply want to see how she's adjusting."
"Elle would love that," I say, because she would. She collects people like strays. Viktor will leave with a full stomach and probably a friendship bracelet.
His smile fades into something more thoughtful. "And how is our newest guest?"
I don't have to ask who he means. Of course Viktor knows Natalia's on the property. He probably knew before the gate guards did.
"Pasha's mother," I sigh. "Elle convinced me to let her stay so Pasha could meet her."
"Hmm." Viktor's face gives away nothing. "And how is that going?"
"Pasha is cautious. Elle is playing peacemaker. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"What do you think her angle is?"
"She claims she just wants to know her son. Says she's clean now. Sober."
Viktor studies me. "You don't believe her."
"I don't trust anyone who abandons their child."
He nods slowly. "Wise. But perhaps Elle has a point. A boy should know where he comes from." He pauses, and I know he's thinking about my parents. How he stepped in after they were gone. "Even if it's painful."
A heavy silence fills the walls. Then Viktor says quietly, "Be careful."
"I am."
"I mean it." His eyes sharpen. "I don't trust the woman. Let me have my people look into her."
My first instinct is to say no. To tell him I can manage my own property. But then I think of Elle, and her willingness to trust anyone who shows up with a sad story and sorry eyes.
"Do it," I say.
"Consider it done." Viktor leans back, satisfied. "Now go home, husband of the year. Your wife awaits."
"You're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"
He grins. "Not while it entertains me."
By the time I pull into the driveway, dusk has settled over the estate. Lights glow in the main house, and the faint sound of laughter drifts through open windows.
Elle's laughter, I expect. Pasha's too. But the third voice, light, feminine, familiar, makes my jaw tighten.
I walk in, already bracing, and sure enough.
Natalia.
Sitting on my couch. Watching my television. With my family.
Elle's curled at one end, Pasha tucked beside her, and the picture is domestic bliss if you ignore the part where a ghost from my past is sharing my sofa.
For a brief, insane moment, I consider walking straight to my room. But I'm not feeling charitable today. I let my shoes thud across the hallway, loud and ugly. Natalia's eyes meet mine, and I see it immediately.
Fear.
It sends a snake of satisfaction down my spine. Good. At least she remembers who she's dealing with. I stand in the doorway, saying nothing. Just burning holes through her with my stare.
She fumbles for the remote. "We were just watching a movie. Pasha wanted to show me..."
"I see that," I say evenly.
Elle gives me a warning look. The kind that says don't ruin this, Nikolai.
Pasha looks up. "Dad, it's funny. You'd like it."
Something animated. Bright colors, ridiculous voices. I nod at him. "I'm sure."
Natalia rises quickly, brushing imaginary crumbs from her dress. "I should head back."
Elle starts to protest, but one sharp glance from me shuts it down.
Natalia murmurs a quick goodnight to Pasha and scurries toward the guest house.
When she's gone, the silence stretches. Elle's glaring at me. Pasha's watching us like a tennis match. And I'm pretending not to feel like the villain in my own living room.
Pasha breaks first. "I'm gonna go finish my Lego tower."
"Good idea," I say, and wait until he's gone.
Elle crosses her arms. "You didn't have to glare at her."
"She was on my couch."
"She was watching Finding Nemo. Not plotting treason."
"You don't know what she's plotting."
Her sigh is pure exasperation. "She's trying, Nikolai. You can see it. Pasha's getting used to her. You could at least pretend to meet her halfway."
"I don't pretend about things like this."
She narrows her eyes. "You're impossible."
"I've been told."
Later that night, Elle climbs into bed beside me, hair damp from her shower, smelling sweet and infuriating. For five minutes, there's peace. Then she rolls onto her side.
"You scared her today."
I knew she'd bring it up again. She's like a dog with a bone when she thinks she's right.
"She's really trying," Elle says. "With Pasha. With all of us."
I stare at the ceiling. "You're too trusting."
"And you're too suspicious." She rests on one elbow, facing me. "She's not plotting world domination. She just wants to know her son."
"She had eight years to know him. She chose to spend that time elsewhere."
Elle is quiet for a moment. "People make mistakes. Huge ones. That doesn't mean they don't deserve a second chance."
"She will never have my forgiveness," I say, and let her see the full truth of it. "Never. But for Pasha's sake and yours, I'm tolerating her presence."
She sighs, rolling onto her back. "You know, for a man who's supposedly reformed, you still have a lot of work to do."
I can't help the smirk. "And yet you married me."
"Don't remind me," she mutters, but there's a ghost of a smile hiding in her tone.
After a while, Elle falls asleep first. Tangled in the sheets, breathing steadily. I watch her for a moment, the edges of my anger softening.
Viktor's voice echoes in my head: You love your wife.
Yeah. I do. Against every ounce of reason I've ever had.
Which is exactly why I'll do whatever it takes to keep her and Pasha safe.