Chapter 15 #3
Yes, I was very much like my father, but not in the way the bastard could understand. He was about to find out. “And you’ve betrayed your people.”
He took a step forward. “English. It would seem you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your time in America. That has made you soft.”
“Quite the contrary, Petrov. Living in the United States has given me the kind of perspective I needed in order to become a formidable leader.” I could tell my brother was antsy, his body tense.
Continuing his laugh, Sergei took two long strides in my direction. “You are no leader. Then again, you aren’t Federov blood.” He made the statement as if it was news to me. “At least your brother is a wise man, turning over the Federov territory in exchange for a secured place in my kingdom.”
Although I wanted to laugh, I resisted providing any reaction.
“I learned a long time ago that the bond of a family wasn’t about blood but about honor.” I kept my words succinct.
“Wisely spoken, albeit foolish. That is not the way of the Bratva.”
It was my turn to chuckle. “The way of the Bratva is all about honor, Sergei. I would have thought a man of your stature would know that. Sadly, you have no qualms about betraying your people. You had my father killed because he took what you believed belonged to you. Isn’t that right?”
He tipped his head, daring to come even closer. I could tell he was studying me, attempting to figure out what I was getting at. When I smiled, the cracks in his armor started to show. “What are you spouting off?”
“You know exactly what I’m saying, and the guilt and anger has eaten you alive.
Your lovely wife was in love with my father, producing a child who would be Pakhan.
Michail. For that you had her killed. But you exacted your revenge by murdering my father.
Sadly, your wife was used in a game of war.
You took his beloved wife and daughter years before so my father exacted revenge in the same manner, only the child of their love affairs lives. ”
I could see turmoil in my brother’s eyes.
While I’d only guessed at the information, I could see I was right.
Michail wasn’t the product of a love affair but my father’s intent on planning a coup.
However, he hadn’t been able to tolerate what he’d done.
My brother had taken the brunt of Maxim’s reprehensible decision.
“You shouldn’t have returned, bastard child,” Sergei hissed.
“You will pay the price for killing my only son.” He turned his attention toward my brother.
“Michail, finish the deed since my son was obviously far too weak. Then you will have your place of honor in my organization. I will treat you in a manner your father wasn’t capable of. ”
As Michail approached, I took a deep breath, keeping my eyes locked on his. Then he aimed his weapon at my temple.
“For all the years my father loved you more than he did his own flesh and blood, you deserve to die,” Michail hissed.
When I sensed Ivan’s approach, I took a quick glance over my shoulder seeing his weapon pointed at Sergei.
Even though Maxim had been a harsh taskmaster, he’d taught me so much about the art of war, reminding me more than once to rely on my instincts, that the enemy was often the person you trusted the most.
“As your brother stated, you’re going to meet your maker, Nikolai Lenkov,” Sergei stated. “Kill him!”
The twinkle in my brother’s eyes almost brought a laugh to the surface.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Sergei. After all, Nikolai is my brother. You’re nothing but a murderer.” With a simple shift, Michail aimed his weapon at Sergei.
“Perhaps blood is thicker than water, but family is the most powerful thing of all. Sadly, that’s not something you understood.” The words were even more cathartic than before.
My statement hung in the air as Michail shot Sergei between the eyes.
“Svoloch’.”
The single word behind me was one I’d suspected, although the final affirmation was agonizing.
I hadn’t wanted to believe the man who’d helped me get away to a new life was capable of selling his soul.
Sadly, every man had a price. “Ivan. I’m curious what it took for you to sell your soul to Sergei.
Money? The promise of leadership?” I didn’t need to turn around to know he’d pointed his weapon at the back of my head.
I’d suspected the man’s betrayal before leaving the States, but it was confirmed the day in the coffee shop.
He hadn’t anticipated my survival. In fact, he’d provided every scrap of information he knew.
Then Viktor had provided proof of Ivan’s treachery.
“More than your father or brother ever cared to offer. The price on your head was far too significant to resist.” Ivan laughed bitterly.
“I’m sure it was.”
As Michail shifted, Ivan snarled. “Don’t try it, Michail. I have no intentions of killing you unless necessary.”
I shifted my attention to Michail. He tipped his head, taking a deep breath, lowering his eyes to the weapon in my hand. Then a smile crossed his face.
“Now, as Sergei commanded, you will burn in hell,” Ivan hissed. “Just like your father.”
Pop! Pop!