Chapter 8
VIKTOR
Somehow, we manage to get Clarissa out of the place before she does permanent damage to our relationships with the guests at the gala, although I'm guessing most of them know what she's like anyway.
My brother and I spend a few minutes talking with our lawyers before we head our separate ways. However, I don’t leave without donating a substantial amount to the animal shelter. I'm satisfied when I walk out, at least with the business side of things. But my head is whirling with everything else.
Leah.
One morning and one night together, and the woman managed to get under my skin in a way I haven't experienced before, and in a way I haven’t been able to remedy.
I was content with the memory of that night, with the way I could close my eyes and see a woman whose hazel eyes, a laugh that brought me joy, a smile that lit a fire deep within me, and curves I could grab and hold.
I still dream about her screams and throes of ecstasy.
I was content with the memory because I knew anything more with Leah would put her in harm’s way, and I couldn’t stand the thought. Not with the way I had already fallen for her; I would do anything to keep her safe.
But now she thinks she's pregnant.
And seeing her tonight brought back the rawness that being around Leah brought out in me, the desire to rush to her and hold her close.
Even worse is the knowledge that, should anyone find out her relationship to me or the fact that she could be carrying my child, it will put her life and her daughter’s life in terrible danger.
Iliya opens the door to the black sedan waiting at the curb, and I slip into the plush interior. He follows before hitting the roof twice to let my driver know we can go.
"Did you achieve all you wanted to achieve tonight?" Iliya’s voice is gravel with an oddly smooth edge, like a clear stream over jagged rocks. The faded Russian accent only adds to the gruffness.
"Mostly," I reply. "We all made our appearances. I donated my money. And the partners are on our side, or at least willing to represent us. I promised a bigger donation down the road to their foundation."
"I still don’t think that will be enough to keep them from running scared when shit hits the fan." Iliya glares darkly at the back of the seat in front of him, heavy, dark eyebrows nearly meeting in the middle of his forehead.
"Maybe. But I did just double their retainer, and they have shown to be steadfast before in other difficult situations."
Iliya’s big shoulders rise and fall. "This is different, Pakhan. Your vor, those who are supposed to be most loyal, are trying to undermine you."
I watch the city pass by; the glow of lights dimmed by the darkened windows. "It is still just a rumor, Iliya. Stirrings from underlings with too much time on their hands."
Iliya’s hand is restless on the leather seat between us before he takes yet another controlled breath.
"I disagree. With all due respect, Pakhan, stirrings such as these rarely start from boredom. Instead, they come from a wish to make trouble. You are in a precarious place. Your one heir isn’t only incompetent but has been raised entirely outside of the Bratva.
He doesn’t even carry your name. Not to mention, he’s unable to produce an heir himself. You know what that means."
"I’m still in my prime, Iliya. I’m strong and healthy and young enough to keep control of my own Bratva."
"Not without your vor," Iliya said, his dark glare shifting to me. "A boss is only as strong as his men’s loyalty." Our gazes meet, and my second doesn’t look away as would anyone else.
Iliya isn't wrong, and I would be lying if I said the rumors and stirrings didn't concern me. Except I have a secret none of them knows, not even Iliya—I might just have another heir on the way.
"I want you to watch Leah, Iliya."
At my sudden change in subject, my second’s eyebrows beetle until they touch. "What? You want to keep an eye on the girl?"
"Yes."
Iliya opens his mouth like he wants to argue, but he manages to get himself under control in time. His breath comes out as a huff, and he shakes his head like he doesn’t know whether I have gone mad.
"You want me to watch the woman you had a one-night stand with?" There are so many other matters at hand from which I have to protect you, is his unspoken thought. We’ve been together for too long for me not to understand the pinched expression on his face.
"It's more important than you think, Iliya. This might be part of protecting my position and my empire."
Iliya may look like a dumb jock, and he may feign ignorance by making his accent thicker to pretend he knows little English when it’s necessary, but the man is anything but stupid or slow.
The line between his eyes disappears, and his shoulders square to attention. He stares at me for a moment more, his expression now set, his mouth a grim line. "If you wish it," he says finally, slowly. I'm sure he's already halfway to the correct conclusion.
"Ease your mind, Iliya. We’ll continue to work on the matter and uncover the truth. For now, watch over Leah as you do me. Do not let her out of your sight. And you are the only one who knows; you alone. No one else."