Chapter 29
Katerina
A cough interrupts our workout. Stefan approaches us with hurried steps.
“Mrs. Montclair, your husband needs you in the conference room,” he says in a formal tone.
He hasn’t warmed up to me since our little flirting episode. I guess it’s hard to forgive the woman who put your life in jeopardy.
“We only have ten more minutes. We’ll come then,” I pant out at I continue to hold my plank.
“No, he said immediately.” Stefan averts his gaze, then looks over his shoulder hesitantly.
I follow his eyes and see my husband staring through the window at us. I wink at him and wave my fingers, but he just glares. I roll my eyes and stand up.
“I’ll be back soon,” I tell Nik as I head to the door.
“He wants both of you,” Stefan says awkwardly.
I look back at Dominic questioningly, but he just continues to look at us with a hardness in his eyes I haven’t seen before.
We walk silently to the conference room, and when we enter, Dominic turns to face us.
“What’s going on?” I prop my hand on my hip as I ask sassily. But my tone doesn’t bring a grin to his lips or a spark in his eyes like it normally does.
“I’m only going to ask once. And I will know if you’re lying.” Dominic’s eyes bore into mine.
“Okay,” I say hesitantly. I have absolutely no idea what he’s going to ask, but it’s making me nervous. What if he found out the alliance is a sham? What if he blames me?
“Are you having an affair?” Dominic hisses it out so sharply, spit flies from his mouth.
“What?” I tumble backwards into Nik. He catches me then quickly pushes me forward.
Dominic’s gaze sharpens, and his face reddens. He runs his hand through his hair then clenches his fist by his side.
“With him?” Dominic seethes as he points at Nik.
I look at my best friend and note he doesn’t seem amused like I am. I’m obviously not sleeping with him. But instead of finding humor in the situation, he’s pale. He’s so pale and stoic. None of his usual liveliness is there. He looks… scared.
“Nik?” I whisper and take a step towards him.
He quickly backs away from me but doesn’t avert his gaze from Dominic.
“ARE YOU FUCKING HIM?” Dominic roars, capturing my attention.
“NO! I’M NOT FUCKING HIM!” I was amused until he raised his voice. Now I’m pissed too.
“YOU’RE LYING!” Dominic’s eyes are wild as he stares at us. I see him grip his knife in his belt.
“I’M NOT LYING!” I yell back. I grab the first thing I see, a paperweight off the shelf, and throw it at him.
He catches it and slams it on the table, a loud roar echoes throughout the room.
“Your obstinance isn’t attractive right now. You are my WIFE! I will not have you betraying me!”
“Sir, I am not sleeping with you wife. I swear on my honor.” Nik thumps his fist to his chest in an oath, but it doesn’t mean anything to Dominic.
“Silence from you!” Dominic stalks his way in our direction, but after three steps, he holds himself back. “Remember what I told you I’d do to any man that touches you!”
“I remember, you psycho. I haven’t touched anyone!” I reach for a book to throw at him, but Nik tugs it out of my hands.
“He touches you every damn day when you train!” Dominic’s on the verge of hysterics, and I realize I need to diffuse the situation. This isn’t one of the times where our fights are fun. This time, he’s serious.
“That’s just exercise. It’s not sexual in any way.” I put up my hands in a calming motion and soften my tone.
“You expect me to believe that’s all you are. I see how you act around him. How you look at him. You love him, don’t you?” His voice cracks at the end. His shoulders slump, as if all the energy is drained from him.
“He’s my best friend. Of course I love him. But I love him like a brother.” I won’t lie about who Nik is to me, but Dominic needs to understand it’s platonic.
“He’s not your brother! No red-blooded man would see you as their sister!” He’s shaking with fury, but I preen at the compliment.
“Nik isn’t attracted to me!” I finally spit out the truth that’ll put this to rest.
“Katya!” Nik warns me with his tone.
“No, Nik. Let me tell him! He’s clearly irrational,” I reason with my best friend. I know his secret wasn’t safe with the Bratva, but I think the Syndicate will be different. I think Dominic will be different.
“No, Katya. You can’t. You swore.” His voice shifts to begging, and it breaks my heart.
“Tell me what?” Dominic demands. I look at Nik, begging with my eyes. “Say it!”
“Nik isn’t attracted to me because he’s gay!”
I hear Nik exhaling next to me and turn to face him.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper to him.
He just shakes his head.
“Is this true?” Dominic’s voice turns skeptical.
“Yes, sir.” Nik swallows, then continues. “I understand the consequences but know I would never betray Katya in any way nor let my sexuality ever get in the way of protecting her.”
It breaks my heart that he thinks he has to defend himself. So what if he likes men? What’s the big deal?
I search for Dominic’s gaze to plead with him to be understanding. To be accepting. But his eyes never find mine.
After what feels like an eternity, Dominic’s body releases its tension.
“This is wonderful!” He claps his hands together as a smile breaks across his face.
“What?” I’m dumbfounded. Surely, I couldn’t be married to a man so brainless.
“I don’t care that you’re gay. All I care about is her protection.” Dominic points at me as he says it.
I can’t comprehend the emotions his words evoke in me. I feel special. Someone worth being cared for. Someone precious.
I’ve been guarded my whole life by Viktor, but it was never with my best interest at heart. The way Dominic says it… it’s different with him. He cares.
“The same goes for me.” Nik interrupts my spiral. I smile at him, knowing he means it. I’ve never had to question Nik’s loyalty.
I walk over and give him a hug. He pulls me into his side and relaxes into me. After a moment, Dominic growls, and Nik pushes me away. Seems being gay isn’t quite enough to warrant touching me. What an idiot.
“Who are you loyal to?” Dominic’s question throws me off guard. But Nik seems to be expecting it.
“Katerina. Whether her last name is Sokolov or Montclair, she will always have my loyalty.” Nik’s voice is final.
I gasp and turn to him. Why wouldn’t he lie and tell Dominic he’s loyal to the Syndicate? What if Dominic sends him away?
But instead of being upset, Dominic’s grin widens.
“This is perfect. Thank you!” I don’t think I’ve ever heard my husband thank someone. It’s out of character for him to be this cheery and excited.
He walks to Nik and holds out his hand. Nik grasps it, then Dominic pulls him in for one of those back pats men do.
“You are the only one I trust with her. More than even my men. Because they are loyal to me, not her. And your priority is Katerina.” Dominic keeps his eyes level with Nik’s when he says it, and Nik nods.
“She’ll be safe with me,” Nik swears.
“I know she will be, Nik.” Dominic turns and freezes when he sees the window.
“One other thing, when you train, try to do it away from my men. I trust there isn’t anything inappropriate going on between you two, but I can’t give them any reason to doubt us, and I’m not going to share your secret with them as explanation. That’s your business.”
“Yes, sir.” Nik nods. “Time to finish our workout.”
He starts walking towards the door, but I don’t follow.
“Don’t you think you’re forgetting something, husband?” I hiss out.
“Huh?” Dominic looks around as if the room will give him the answer. “I don’t think so.”
“You’re forgetting your apology! You just accused me, quite viciously, of cheating on you!
Your little tantrum is completely unacceptable!
I haven’t done a damn thing to lose your trust!
So, you owe me an apology.” I try to keep my voice even but fail.
My voice keeps rising until, by the end, I’m screaming at him.
Dominic looks like he’s fighting a grin. He bites his lips to contain it. This fucker.
“I’m sorry, tiger. You’re right. I shouldn’t have yelled.” Even though his words are what I wanted, they’re not enough.
“Apology not accepted. I prefer my apologies in the form of twelve dozen roses, a ruby necklace, and a written apology.”
He stares at me in amusement, but I don’t give him time to respond.
I strut out of the room after giving my absurd list of requirements and laugh to myself knowing he’ll never meet them.
…
Hours later, I walk into our bedroom and gasp at the sight.
Every surface holds vases of red roses. Beautiful, deep scarlet roses. On my nightstand lays a black velvet box and an envelope.
I open the box tentatively, but I should have known better.
Of course, my husband has great taste. Inside hosts a beautiful diamond and ruby choker, fit for a queen.
It’s breathtaking. Something I’d pick up for myself.
My fingers lightly dance over the cold stones, feeling the weight of it.
Once I’ve gotten my fill, I move to the letter.
My dearest wife,
Let me offer you my sincerest apologies for my behavior earlier. I was out of line. However, you drive me insane, so you share the blame.
Nevertheless, I shouldn’t have accused you, nor should I have yelled at you. That’s not how a good husband behaves.
That being said, I present my full apology. Twelve dozen roses, a ruby necklace, and a handwritten apology. Worry not, I stocked up on fine jewels for my next fuck up.
Most sorrowfully,
Dominic Montclair
Husband to Katerina ‘Tiger’ Montclair