Chapter 23
Hawk
Kat wanted to change before she went to the clubhouse.
And that was for the best. I tried to keep my rage contained for her, but it wasn’t gone.
I stormed over and went through the back.
Ma was supposed to be entertaining Klara, and Rooster grabbed the dipshit who was supposed to be at the driveway.
I made a stop to see Keys first. Barging through the door, he turned slowly, not bothered by the fact I was obviously pissed. “Where the fuck were you, huh?”
His brows rose. “I’ve been here, like always. I see you got Katya safely home.”
“You didn’t say anything about Petrov. Are you even watching all this shit?” I asked, waving towards the screens. “Why did we dump all that money into this if you don’t fucking use it?” I yelled, sweeping a pile of papers off the end of the desk.
His eyes went to the scattered pile on the floor.
“Well, for one, I was going through that. Two, Danny was at his post when I started reviewing it, and three, Coop was making rounds. I got the ping on her phone and told you immediately. And I checked the cameras right after that and told you it was him, but I suppose you didn’t see that,” he said, leaning in his chair and crossing his arms. “But honestly, was Danny supposed to know Petrov being here was a problem? Is it a problem? Because that’s news to me. ”
Gritting my teeth, I glared down at him. Petrov being here wasn’t a problem. Everyone knew him, and that I just brought his sister here as my wife. Still, anyone without a cut coming and going should raise concern.
Trying to unclench my jaw, I said, “Look up a possible murder a few years back on that madame. Madame Jojo.”
Keys cocked his head. “Jojo? Your mom said something else. Are we talking about the same madame?”
“How many can there be?”
Keys grinned.
“Okay yes, there’s probably more than one. Just fucking look her up. That’s the latest we got from that asshole, Juicy. I gotta go deal with these other assholes.”
‘You got it.” He looked down at the papers. “I guess I’ll just clean that up and report back later.”
I flew back out of the room and down the hall. After I walked into a small room near Church, I saw Danny sitting in a folding chair against the wall while Rooster stood over him.
After slamming the door, I rushed over and gripped his collar. “What the fuck were you thinking letting someone just roll up in here?”
“It’s Petrov, Prez. He’s been here a million times.” His brown hair fell nearly in his eyes of the same shade.
“I don’t fucking care if it was your father. Any man coming through here that doesn’t have a cut with at least member on it doesn’t pass until I’m told who the fuck it is.” I pushed him back against the wall. “And she doesn’t leave this property without my permission.”
“Whatever you want, Prez,” Danny said, holding his chin high.
“Get back to your post and actually do your fucking job,” I said before I left the room, heading towards Church. Looking down at my cell, Keys had, in fact, sent a message that Petrov showed up and it looked like Kat left with him. Still, none of this went how it should have.
Opening the door to Church, Petrov was sitting at the table, his chair next to mine, and Red was sitting across from him. Petrov looked a little too casual for my liking.
“Red,” I said with a tip of my head toward the door. He didn’t need to be here for this conversation.
Red stood, pushed in his chair, then said, “I’ll be nearby, Prez.”
I took my seat at the head of the table. Once the door closed, I stared at Petrov.
The cocky fucker stared back. Several minutes passed and he finally asked, “Is there anything you’d like to say?”
“Yeah. Fuck you, Petrov.”
He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “So no more Niko?”
I didn’t think his comment was funny, so he didn’t get a response from me.
He unbuttoned his jacket and sat up, clasping his hands together on the table. “Hawk, what seems to be the problem?”
“This isn’t your clubhouse. You can’t just come and go as you please. I wasn’t notified of a visit.”
He smirked, but there was surprise in his eyes. “I thought we were family now.”
“No. You and your dad passed Katarina off to me. She’s my family now. You are not.”
He nodded slightly. “I see. Well, we didn’t simply “pass her off,” Hawk.
” He made finger quotes before resting his hands on the table.
“I think that’s a little unfair. This was a calculated arrangement that benefits our family, which she’s still a part of, and your club.
” He fixed his icy gaze on me. “She’s my baby sister, and that will never change. ”
“That may be, but she’s my responsibility now.”
He chuckled, leaning back in the chair. “Hawk, certainly you don’t think I’d harm my sister?”
“I’ve learned not to assume anything about anyone.
” He didn’t need to know I wasn’t aware of his presence or that I hadn’t known who she was with.
After my behavior at the restaurant, I didn’t need to give him a reason to report to his father that I couldn’t keep her safe.
But it was true I couldn’t decide if he would use his sister if he meant getting what he wanted.
“I love my sister, my friend. And it’s nice to see you do, too.”
A mix between a laugh and a cough erupted from my throat. “Well, my word is important, and I promised to protect her life with mine.”
That fucking grin of his was about to set me off.
“She is a remarkable woman. I imagine any man not related to her would find it difficult not to fall for her.”
“Why did you come, Petrov?” I asked with a heavy sigh.
He sat up again and smacked his hand on the table, still grinning. “I wanted to check on my sister. We haven’t heard much from her since she left. When I asked Klara and she said the same, I figured I’d pop in. And I’m glad I did. Trouble in paradise?”
“What?” Who the fuck is he to ask me that? “There’s no trouble. She probably hasn’t reported back much because we’ve been busy, if you must know.” Don’t ask questions you don’t wanna know, asshole.
“Hmm. Curious. She was crying when we arrived. She thinks I do not know, but I’m her big brother. I know.”
Crying. Fuck. “Not sure about that but I’ll ask her. She was enjoying a cup of coffee when I headed out this morning.” I leaned in closer. “After I fucked her all night.”
Petrov chuckled. “Thank you for that. Good to know you’re getting along well. Especially since you didn’t consummate the marriage right away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Hawk, please. I’ve had my share of virgins. Your little smear of blood can’t fool me. But don’t worry,” he said with a wide smile. “You seemed to fool my father.”
I only did that for her, so I wasn’t confirming or denying anything. I wouldn’t lie to the man’s face, though.
He tipped his head. “How can we fix this, my friend?”
“Petrov–”
“Niko. Please.”
“Look, this is my club, my clubhouse, and Kat’s mine now, too. I wouldn’t show up unannounced to your restaurant, much less your home.”
“I understand. You’re right.”
“You’ve overstepped plenty of times, but this was nothing short of disrespectful. You didn’t even try to speak to me at my own club,” I said, pressing my finger to the table on each of the last few words.
“You’re right. Very disrespectful. I apologize, Hawk.” He put his hand to his heart. “Can you forgive me?”
“Don’t fuck with me, Petrov.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re very distrusting.”
“Yes. I am.”
“Hawk, I apologize I dropped in. I apologize for not waiting to speak to you. Like I said, I was just missing my sister and worried since her friend was, and I took her for a drink because she looked like she could use a breather. But I will respect your authority here, and I hope you accept my apology.”
I stared for a few beats, then drew in a deep breath, blowing it out slowly.
“We go way back, Niko.” I finally tossed him one.
“And Kat’s only spoken highly of you. If you agree to respect my role and my club from now on, we’ll put this behind us.
” I stood, putting my hand out. He stood as well and took my hand.
I pulled him closer and gripped his shoulder while the other hand had a firm grip on his.
“But just know, I’m being cordial for her and for the history our families have.
I won’t be as forgiving the next time you barge in here. ”
“Any other man who spoke to me that way would be dead in less than twelve hours.” His smile slowly stretched. “But you’re not just any man, Hawk. I can’t think of anyone else I’d want my sister to be with. Let’s go have a drink on it, shall we?”
I had to give it to Petrov. He was a smooth talker. We left the room and headed down the hall.
When I opened the door to the bar and saw Kat sitting on a stool, smiling and talking to Klara and Ma, my muscles relaxed. I went straight to her, but simply kissed her head before taking my normal seat.
A few seconds after settling in, she placed a glass of whiskey in front of me and what was probably vodka in front of Niko. She squeezed my wrist as I reached for the drink, and gave a soft smile before she turned and went back to the bar with her friend.
Niko was grinning when I turned back after watching her walk away. Holding his glass up, he said, “Za Lyubov, my friend.”