Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
"Viktor."
Aleks nods toward them.
I've had enough. I tap the button on my phone. This is child’s play.
"Viktor, Nikko. They tried to take our mother. Uncuff them. Show them who you are." My voice is merciless. It is only out of love for my wife that I am not there exacting revenge with my own bare hands.
I steel myself against the sound of their pleas for mercy.
Viktor takes one and holds him up by the neck. "You had your hands on my mother. What happens in Volkov's family if someone touches one of his loved ones?" When he doesn't answer, Viktor drops him unceremoniously to the floor and kicks his ribs. "Tell me."
"He loses a hand," the man says. Viktor nods and takes the knife from Aleks. The man howls as they stretch his arm on the table in front of them.
"Mikhail?"
I silence my phone and place it face down on the vanity. I turn to her. "How did you sleep, my love?"
I have to trust that my brothers know what they're doing. What I would give to be there right now.
"I heard something disturbing. Someone screaming. What happened, Mikhail?”
She’s standing by the side of the bed, looking pale.
"Someone tried to hurt my mother. They tried to take her last night. My brothers are finding out more information now.”
Her expression turns pained. "Oh."
I don't give any more details, but I won't lie to her either. This is our life now.
“Are they hurting them?"
I take a step toward her and cup her face in the palm of my hand. "What would I do to someone that hurt you, Aria?"
Her voice is a whisper, but she doesn't look away. "I don't want to even think about that. But they would hurt. And likely not…” she swallows hard. "You know, like…make it."
I nod. "Come, sweet girl. Back into bed with you. Allow me to bring you breakfast. Don't think of those things, they don't matter right now."
I go back to my phone and see my text messages.
Aleks: One caved. He's on the verge. Bleeding out on the floor now. Volkov knows about Aria's pregnancy. She and your home are the greatest risk right now.
Of course I assumed this would be true, but I'm grateful for the confirmation.
I send him a text back.
As of today, I dismiss all of our staff. They will be under my payroll. I want no one but family at my house.
That will be difficult, brother, but it must be done. Polina and mother?
Everyone,
They won't come easily,
I grit my teeth.
Let me handle that. I'm getting a call from Kolya. Let me know what you get from the prisoners.
Within the hour, both of them will be dead. We will extract whatever we can from them before that happens.
I take the call from Kolya, walk to the bed, and run my hand along Aria’s hair. I breathe more deeply. Her eyes close as I continue to brush through her hair with my fingertips.
"Hello?"
"Mikhail. A minute?"
"Hold please." I mute the phone and turn to my bride. "How are you feeling? Are you nauseous?"
She nods. "Yes, not as bad as yesterday. I was afraid that pizza wouldn't sit too well, but apparently our baby likes pizza. Do we have any left? For breakfast?”
I feel my brows pull together as I give her a curious look. "You want pizza for breakfast?"
She makes a face. "Only if it's cold. Not hot pizza. Can you do that?"
Cold pizza. “Yes. Anything you want, Aria. Just a moment." I send a text to my staff. I'll get the pizza delivered before I dismiss everyone. None of them will come back.
I sit on the bed next to Aria and rub her back. She gestures that she needs to use the bathroom, so I walk with her.
“I’m back.”
"Mikhail,” she whispers. “You can't come with me to the bathroom. I need to pee.”
I clench my jaw and gesture for her to leave the door partially open.
She gives me a strange look but does what I say, as I take the call from Kolya.
"I had coffee with Volkov himself this morning.”
"Did you? Playing good cop, bad cop again?” I cross my arms over my chest and watch for Aria as she washes her hands and begins brushing her teeth. She gags, and I throw the door open as Kolya continues.
“I’m fine,” she whispers. “Might need cinnamon toothpaste…”
Kolya says, "There was a rumor that your mother was attacked last night. He’s starting to crack, Mikhail. He’s not in the right frame of mind. Nothing like he used to be.”
Aria sticks her head out. “You alright?” I ask her in a gentle voice, covering the phone with my hand.
She shakes her head. "The toothpaste is disgusting. God.”
Note to self: Get a different flavor toothpaste.
"How do you know? What do you mean?" I ask Kolya.
I help Aria back to bed.