Chapter 18
Eighteen
Maxim
The dim, pulsing lights of the empty club cast an ominous glow, shadows flickering across the dance floor. I sit alone at the manager’s desk, the leather chair creaking as I shift my weight. The place reeks of stale booze and cheap perfume—a familiar, comforting scent.
I used to spend my early twenties in clubs like this, surrounded by women, drinking my nights away, partying until the sun came up. But, those were the days before I had any true responsibilities. Now things have changed.
My fingers drum impatiently on the polished wood, eyes trained on the door. Where the hell is Bruce? I grind my teeth, patience wearing thin. This is his domain, his turf. I’m the intruder here, waiting in the shadows like a predator.
The click of the lock makes me sit up straighter. It’s about damn time. The door swings open and Bruce stumbles in, reeking of cigarettes and bourbon. He freezes when he sees me, eyes going wide.
“What the fuck? Who the hell are you?” he snarls, hand going to his belt.
I lean back, affecting an air of casual indifference. “Relax, Bruce. I’m not here to cause any trouble.” I let my lips curl into a slow, dangerous smile. “I just want to have a little chat.”
“Who the hell are you?” He asks yet again.
I watch the fear ripple through Bruce’s body as I introduce myself. “So glad you asked. I’m Maxim Volkov. You know who I am, don’t you?” He does, but I can’t help fucking with him a little bit.
His eyes dart around the dimly lit office, looking for an escape. He can look all he wants, but there isn’t one. “Volkov? Shit.” He swallows hard, the bob of his throat betraying his nerves. “What do you want?”
I prop my feet up on the desk, casually examining the space. “I’ve been hearing some...interesting rumors about you, Bruce. Seems you’ve been running that mouth of yours, bragging about knowing who was behind the hit on my wife. Is that true?”
Bruce pales, the blood draining from his face. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammers, edging toward the door.
I let out a bark of humorless laughter. “Don’t play dumb with me, you fat fuck.
You’ve been flapping your gums all over town, and you honestly think I wouldn’t hear about it?
” Keeping my voice deceptively calm, I stand and advance on him, towering over his portly frame.
“So, how about we try this again—what have you been saying, Bruce?”
He cowers, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “I-I didn’t mean nothing by it, Volkov. Just talking, you know? Trying to...impress people.”
His eyes dart around the office, searching for any avenue of escape. He already knows he doesn’t have one. Hell, I already know it too.
I grab the front of his shirt, yanking him closer until we’re nose to nose.
“Well, you’ve impressed the wrong people.
Now, you’re going to tell me everything you know.
” I can feel the racing of his heart through the cheap fabric.
“And you’d better not leave anything out.
I want every minuscule detail, do you hear me? ”
“I...I don't know nothing, I swear!” He raises his hands in a placating gesture, the fear palpable. “I was just, you know, talking big to the guys, trying to impress 'em. Didn’t mean no harm.”
Fuck this. I pull my blade out of my pocket and flip it open, pressing it against his thick neck. I hold his gaze, unwavering, the blade glinting menacingly in the low light. Beads of sweat break out on his brow.
I tighten my grip, slamming him harder against the wall. “You’ve got one more chance, Bruce. What. Have. You. Been. Saying?”
His adam’s apple bobs as he swallows thickly. “Fine, I’ll tell you! Fuck! I...I heard some things about the hit on your wife. Whispers on the street, you know? People sayin’ it was that Andreev girl behind it.”
Andreev girl, but which one? There’s Natalya, and her younger sister, Roksana.
My jaw clenches, rage bubbling beneath the surface. “Which one?”
Bruce swallows hard before answering me. “The eldest one.”
So, Natalya was behind this. That conniving bitch. I should have known she would’ve been upset my father cast her aside and chose Aria.
“Is there anything else I should know?” I growl, pressing the blade harder against his throat. A thin line of crimson blossoms, slowly sliding down his neck.
“That-that’s all I know, I swear!” he cries, trembling as I press my blade deeper against his skin. “Please, Maxim, I didn’t mean no trouble. Just loosen up, yeah?”
I study him for a long, tense moment, searching for any hint of deception.
With a disgusted curl of my lip, I wipe the blade on his shirt and shove him on the ground.
He lands there with a loud thud. “Learn to shut your fucking mouth, and get the hell out of my sight. I don’t ever want to see you again, Bruce, and as far as I’m concerned this is my club now.
See to it the paperwork reflects that. You’re leaving with your life, a fair trade, don’t you think? ”
Bruce’s eyes are wide, filled with fear. “More than fair, Maxim.”
With a wave of my hand Bruce scurries out of the office, his rotund form quaking with fear. A cold fury burns in my veins. Natalya Andreev tried to kill Aria. That conniving, power-hungry cunt had the audacity to orchestrate an attempt on my wife’s life.
God, she has no idea who she’s messing with. I know everything I need to know and she’s on the chopping block.
My grip tightens around the handle of the knife, knuckles turning white.
I cannot allow this treachery to go unpunished.
If others find out I’ve done nothing to her, they’ll begin acting out against me.
I can’t have that happen. One day—I hope soon—I will be the head of the Bratva, and those below me will give me the respect I deserve.
The Andreev family have always been a thorn in my family’s side, constantly vying for more power, more influence. I understand wanting to level yourself up in the world, but there are good and bad ways to go about that. Going after my wife. That is unforgivable.
I take a steadying breath, mind racing as I weigh my options. I could go to Aria, tell her what I’ve learned. But no, that would only worry her more. This is my fight—my vendetta to settle.
With a decisive nod, I move around the desk, heading for the door. I have a visit to pay to the Andreev estate. Natalya will learn the hard way that you do not go after what is mine.
The drive to the Andreev compound is a blur, my foot heavy on the gas pedal. I’ve been having Andrei stay with Aria for obvious reasons. I’m seasoned enough in protecting myself, so I’ve told him I can manage.
However, Andrei has made it a point to tell me he’s going to call in one of his close friends to watch over me if he cannot. And as of right now, his job is to keep my beloved Aria safe.
Fuck, the thoughts of the attempt on her life piss me off to no end. Rage fuels my every movement, darkening my vision until all I can see is red. By the time I pull up to the imposing wrought-iron gates, my knuckles are white-knuckled on the steering wheel.
The guards at the gate regard me warily as I roll down the window. “Let me in, now.” I’m not going to be told no right now. I’m getting inside the Andreev estate and that’s that.
One of the men hesitates, but a glare from me has him scurrying to make the call. Within moments, the gates are swinging open, granting me access.
I waste no time driving up the long, winding driveway.
I pull my car around so I have easy access to leave, and dart out of my car.
My steps measured and purposeful. The grand double doors of the estate swing open before I even reach them, and there she stands— Natalya, resplendent in a flowing crimson gown, a coy smile on her ruby lips.
“Maxim,” she purrs, eyes glittering with barely-contained triumph. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
I pause at the threshold, my jaw clenching as I drink in the sight of her. She’d be beautiful if she wasn’t such a conniving piece of shit.
This is the woman who wanted to kill my wife. A woman who I could have helped gain power, if she hadn’t acted so foolishly. Now I’ll never help her.
“Cut the act, Natalya,” I growl, taking a step forward. “You know exactly why I’m fucking here.”
Her smile widens, a flash of satisfaction in her gaze. “Oh, I think I have an idea.” Turning, she gestures for me to follow. “Come, let’s discuss this somewhere more... private.”
I clench my fists, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to strike, but I force myself to follow her into the lavish foyer. The opulent surroundings only serve to fuel my anger—a glaring contrast to the modern, comfortable home I share with Aria.
Natalya leads me to a study, the warm glow of a fireplace casting flickering shadows across the elegant furniture. She perches on the edge of a plush armchair, crossing one long leg over the other as she regards me with an amused smile.
“Well, Maxim, I’m listening. The floor is yours.”
I take a step closer, my eyes narrowing as I study her. “Don’t play coy. You know why I’m here, Natalya. I want to know why you did it. Why did you try to have Aria killed? Is it because you wanted her place so badly?”
She lets out a soft, mocking laugh. “Why, Maxim, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her gaze is coy, infuriatingly dismissive. “I would never do such a thing. Could you imagine? God, I’d be outcast within the community.”
My jaw tightens, fury simmering beneath the surface. “Don’t play games with me. I know the truth.”
Natalya leans back, tapping a crimson-tipped finger against her chin.
“And what truth is that, hmm?” She tilts her head, a strand of blonde falling across her face.
“That I tried to eliminate my competition to get what I truly deserve? If that’s a crime, so be it, but I will never apologize for doing what I need to ensure my power doesn’t die. ”
The words catch in my throat, a red haze descending over my vision. Before I can stop myself, I’ve crossed the room, my hand closing around her delicate throat. “You went too far, Natalya,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous. “Aria is my wife. If you ever come near her again, I’ll fucking?—”
She raises a hand, cutting me off with a hushed whisper. “Shh, Maxim. Let’s not be hasty.” Her eyes glimmer with a sly calculation. “I'm sure we can come to some... mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I hold her gaze, jaw clenched, the urge to crush her windpipe nearly overwhelming.
But then, a flash of Aria’s gentle smile, her warm embrace, stays my hand.
I can’t—won’t—become the kind of man who harms a woman.
Fuck, I just took Nikolai’s hand because he dared to touch Aria.
Yet, Natalya tried to take her life…so I have to do something.
Slowly, I release my grip, stepping back. “This isn’t over, Natalya. Stay away from Aria, or I swear?—”
“Of course, of course,” she murmurs, rubbing her throat. “I understand completely.” Her lips curve into a sly smile. “Give my regards to your dear wife.”
There’s no denying her condescending tone. I can’t fucking do this. I grab her by the throat and slam her up against the study, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. “Careful, Maxim, I might enjoy what you’re doing to me.”
Grunting in disapprovement I release her. The last thing I’m going to do is give her something she wants.
Fuck being the kind of man who doesn’t hurt a woman. I’m a monster through and through, and nothing will change that.
Without a second thought, I pull my blade out from my inner jacket and jab it into her stomach, ensuring it goes exactly where I want it to—her uterus.
She gasps, shocked from my sudden action. “You tried to take something from me, and now I’m taking something from you. Don’t come near my wife again, or I will kill you.” ”
With a final, withering glare, I turn and stalk out, the sound of Natalya’s cries echoing through the halls of her family home.
I make my way outside, passing the guards and get in my car. There’s only one place I want to be right now—back home.
I make it back to our building in record time and head upstairs. The moment I walk through the doors and find Aria cuddled up on the couch, a blanket laying over her.
My heart clenches at the sight. She looks so peaceful, so innocent. Sometimes I think she’s unaware of the monster I really am. Sure, she’s seen parts, but she hasn’t seen all of it.
“Aria,” I call out, my voice low and husky. Her eyes flutter open and she blinks up at me sleepily.
“Maxim,” she murmurs, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. “You’re home.”
I love the way she’s looking at me. It’s like I make her entire world light up. Women from my past never made me feel like that. I think the only thing they ever saw was dollar signs because they knew I was rich.
“Yes, baby,” I say, crossing the room swiftly to gather her into my arms.
She squeals in surprise but quickly wraps her petite arms around me, burrowing her face into my chest. “I missed you. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, so I’m sorry.” she whispers.
“Why on earth would you apologize for that? You were tired, so I’m glad you got some sleep. I missed you too, you know.” I reply, burying my nose into her hair and breathing in her intoxicating scent.
Pulling back, I look down at her face. The faint traces of worry knit upon her brow worry me. I push back the fear that she might be worrying too much about all of this shit going on.
I capture her lips with my own as we make our way to the bedroom.
The moment our bodies hit the softness of the bed, her hands are on me, running up and down the hard planes of my back.
I can’t help but groan into her mouth as my hand snakes under her top, feeling the warmth of her skin under my fingertips.
She trembles beneath me and I pull back from the kiss to gaze at her flushed face. Her eyes are heavy lidded with desire and it fuels the hunger within me. This woman makes me insatiable, it’s like I constantly desire her.
“Maxim,” she breathes out, her voice shaky.
My lips trail down her neck, all the way until they reach the valley between her breasts. I can feel her heart beating wildly against my chest and it sends a thrill down my spine. In this very moment, this is all I want—Aria beneath me, begging for nothing but me.
“I hope you had a good nap, sweetheart. You’re gonna need your energy for what comes next.” The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them and a mischievous grin pulls at her lips.
There’s no doubt about it—I have feelings for this woman.