24. CHAPTER 24

24

JULES

Kai left with Simon before I was out of the shower, and now I’m walking over to the main house for a meeting with Lev and Dima. I know I’m gonna get called out on questioning Lev in front of everyone in the holding pen. To be honest, with the high I’m riding today after the amazing night with Kai, I don’t think anything can touch the good feelings buzzing in my body. I just need to make sure I don’t show it on my face. If Kai and I are going to do this together, we’ll have to separate our relationship and work, otherwise it will spill into the group, and it won’t be a pretty conclusion if it affects any business for the brothers.

The house is quiet when I enter the kitchen, so I walk through the downstairs corridors until I reach the office that is mainly Dima’s, but they share when needed. I give a quick knock before I open the door and walk in to see Dima and Lev sitting across from one another at the large wooden desk that fills half the space. Dima is sitting on the business side in his ridiculously opulent leather chair, and Lev is on the other side in a similar seat.

“Hey Jules,” Dima says in greeting. I close the door behind me as Lev stands from his chair, silent, as he strolls towards me and punches me in the stomach with as much power as he can summon. I crunch over, holding my stomach as I try to gasp for air, fuck that hurt. He doesn’t give me much chance to get my bearings before he pulls me upright and grabs my face with both hands until the bones in my lower jaw ache from the pressure.

“I should end Kai for letting Aaron be taken by that sick fuck,” he seethes in my face.

That comment has me wanting to fight back. If Lev was so concerned, he should’ve taken Aaron himself.

“You should’ve never given him the responsibility, he wasn’t ready.”

“I think he proved that point, smartass. He’s a liability, if he can’t handle a little babysitting then what can he handle? It’s his last chance, Jules.”

“I understand.”

“Oh, and one more thing, you question me or Dima like that ever again and I will put a bullet in your head, Jules. We’re in charge. Loyalty and respect first. Are we clear?” Lev snarls at me, spittle flying from his mouth. He’s a caged lion that’s been allowed to challenge his subordinate. I fucked up because I allowed my distraction with Kai to take over.

“It won’t happen again. You have my word.”

Lev stands back and adjusts his shirt, watching me for any hint of a lie before nodding.

“Good. Now sit, we need to run over some stuff.”

I’m still dazed by the assault, but I try to brush it off and sit in the chair next to Lev that faces Dima, who looks contemplative. He watches me with those sharp blue eyes, scanning me for information.

“What’s going on between you and Kai?” Dima says.

“We’re working shit out. He’s a little shaken about Aaron, still.”

“And so he should be,” Lev says.

I don’t argue with Lev after everything that’s just happened in this office. I don’t want to inflame the situation anymore than it already is.

“So, you’re fucking, then?” Lev asks, giving me his standard conversation whiplash.

“No, we’re…” I start to say before Dima cuts me off.

“You must be fucking as you didn’t have that hickey yesterday.”

“It’s not just fucking. He’s mine.”

“Ha! Welcome to the asshole club. Aaron’s mine and Seb belongs to Dima. As long as that’s clear it’ll all be good. Nephew fucker,” Lev quips.

“Step…”

“Step-nephew. Not blood. Yes we know ,” Dima says, rolling his eyes at me.

“Anyway, D and I have decided to take on a new guard. After everything that’s happened, we’re more open to snakes than before so we need extra security. Our cousin, Ivan, will be joining us this weekend when he gets back from Europe,” Lev says.

“Ivan? Fuck I haven’t seen him in, what, it must be ten years since he was last here?”

“Yeah. We speak every now and then and he wants to put down some roots, so we said we needed extra guards, and his contract with the security team he works with has ended, so he’s coming home,” Dima says.

“What’s gonna happen with rooms? We’re full out back, unless you want me to move out?”

“Nah, Ivan can stay in one of the spare rooms here for now. We’ve also contacted an architect in New York. It’s time we expanded, so we’re planning to build on the land at the side of the house. There’s enough acreage for you all to have a single story home each,” Lev says.

“You kidding me? Wow. That’d be amazing.”

“Its gonna be a fucking nightmare. Can’t deal with shit like this, so we’re letting Ivan oversee the actual work after we’ve had the designs drawn up,” Lev says.

“You’re such a caveman, Lev. You’d be happy with just a shed,” Dima says.

“Yeah, I would. I don’t give a shit about the spoils like you. Such a materialistic princess.”

“Shut the fuck up, brother. Does any princess you know look and act like me?”

“I only know you. And you and Seb are princesses who like nice things from nice places. Fucking snobs.”

“I ain’t no snob! Nothing wrong in wanting a nice home.”

“If you say so, princess.”

“I’m gonna fuck you up,” Dima says, rising to his feet.

“You’re such a drama queen. You know I’d beat your ass.”

“You’re really pushing it, Lev.”

Just as I think war is about to break out, the door opens and in walks Seb.

“D, I need you if you’re done here?” Seb asks.

“Aww has it been longer than an hour since D bred you, Seb? Missing him already?” Lev jokes and I can’t help but chuckle. Dima however, doesn’t find it funny, judging by the downright murderous scowl he turns towards Lev.

“Fuck off, Lev. Aaron’s looking for you and he doesn’t look too great,” Seb says.

“Where is he?”

“Gone back to your room. I told him to go lie down. I think he had a flashback or something, I found him in the gym with his headphones on.”

“Fuck,” Lev says before stomping off in a hurry. After Aaron was taken, we found out from Lev that he uses his headphones and music to help him when he goes through an episode of flashbacks or when his mind gets too full. While he seems perky, I suspect these attacks will happen from time to time, no matter what Lev does.

“D, my bike won’t start and I need a ride to work. Can you take me?”

“I’ve got a meeting with Carlos, but Jules will take you,” Dima says to Seb.

“Jules, can you stay at the bar with Seb until I get there? Should only be a couple of hours.”

“No problem. You ready, Seb?”

“Yep. Let’s go.”