Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

C hantel

Anxiety.

I remained riddled with it, loathing seeing so many soldiers walking and guarding the house. I'd realized over an hour before, something either terrible or tragic must have occurred, every single remaining soldier located somewhere on the perimeter.

At least Damien hadn't noticed and in truth, I was grateful he'd requested swimming in the heated pool. I'd donned a suit, hoping being in the water with him, frolicking with the beach balls and noodles would bring me out of the funk I was in. But I realized quickly, that just wasn't possible.

I was likely more on edge than all the soldiers combined.

There was something nagging at me, which in truth had given me a horrific headache Tylenol hadn't taken away.

Damien giggled when a beach ball hit me in the head, finally drawing my attention away from the darkness.

I snapped my head around, gasping. "You mischievous boy. I'll get you for that." I made certain to keep my funny voice he seemed to like so much. It usually sent him into a fit of giggles.

I scooped him up, spinning him around in the shallow end. I'd insisted on a life vest, which had been the first thing he'd fought. But given my state of mind and the possibility of interference or worse, I would risk nothing.

The little boy was too precious, a son I'd love to have.

Oh, boy. I was jumping in with two feet into the deep end. Presumptiveness wasn't a strong suit for anyone.

Including the man I was having so much difficulty ignoring. It wasn't all physical either, or chemistry or whatever someone would call it. I cared about him. Peeling away the various onion layers had shown me so many incredible sides.

"You little minion, you." He was flopping his hands in the water, his smile as bright as the sun.

When I managed to lift him from the water, tossing him gently, his face lit up like firecrackers. I took the opportunity to swim toward the side. This was so close to paradise it was insane. Yet I doubted either Nikolay or I could relax for a lengthy period of time.

Could I ever?

That was a tough question. Maybe the wives of high-ranking men and mob bosses became used to being under the gun pretty much all the time. I guess you got used to anything after a long enough period of time.

Or if you were in love.

Love. There was that word again.

An old-fashioned oversized clock had been installed on the exterior wall, which allowed me to know Damien would need a snack soon. Another hour, maybe a nap. If Nikolay wasn't back by then, I would lose my ever-loving mind.

I turned and rested my head on my folded arms, watching the little boy now happily playing by himself. I'd found some crazy eighties music station, hoping it would keep my mind occupied. Even Madonna or Journey hadn't perked up my mood.

At least I was comfy in the water, enjoying kicking my legs and pretending to relax.

Suddenly, raw electricity flowed right to my core. I jerked up my head, shading my eyes and searching what I could see of the house. The reflection was brutal enough, my efforts were useless. At least what I felt wasn't fear. It was… hunger.

That was the moment the man, my man walked from the shadows, leaning against the doorjamb leading into the kitchen. He adored not only surprising me but also making a grand entrance. Well, he didn't need to do much to draw my attention. The electric prickles were still racing through me.

I was attempting to jump out as I sensed something was wrong. The man's jaw was too clenched.

But Damien was faster than lightning. "Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. Chantie taught me how to swim."

Chantie. Now I had a cute nickname. I loved it.

The powerful man lifted his eyebrows, shooting me a look of amusement. I shrugged.

If either one cared the little boy was soaking wet, they certainly didn't show it. Nikolay crouched down, accepting a wet, sloppy hug and kiss.

I could only admire the jabbering the little boy was engaged in, mostly full sentences being used. Maybe I was coming closer to another lock being disengaged. Why did I have a feeling that could prove more useful now than ever?

I didn't use the stairs, easily lithe enough to hop out, grabbing a towel from the table. I powered down the rest of my water, realizing it was a little chilly given a couple of clouds had rolled in.

Finally, I walked closer and Nikolay had placed his sunglasses on Damien, who was giggling louder than before. When he lifted his head, staring me in the eyes, I was suddenly icy cold.

I could see in his eyes that I was right.

Something horrible had occurred.

While he'd removed his jacket, I noticed more than a few drops of blood on his shirt as well. Why did I have a feeling there was much more covering him?

"Swimming, huh? You are turning into a far too big of a boy. Maybe I won't let you do that. I'm going to keep you this size forever." As he stood, trying to fake a grin, Damien planted his hands on his hips.

"Daddy. Don't be silly. Little boys my age grow about two to three inches a year. You can't stop progress."

I was certain the two of us were going to choke.

"Is that so?" Nikolay finally managed.

"Yep. You need to watch the Discovery channel." This time, Damien's statement was chastising.

Which prompted me to slap my hand over my mouth.

Damien was shaking his head as if he was Mr. Know-It-All. It was adorable.

I couldn't see but I had a feeling the kid was now squinting. When he pointed to Nikolay's shirt, I sighed.

Blood had soaked into several spots, his trousers too.

"Daddy. What's this?"

The sexy Russian didn't miss a beat. "Paint. I accidentally got in the way of someone who was using red paint and he flung his brush. My fault."

"Silly Daddy. You need to be more careful."

Nikolay threw me a quick glance and I nodded my approval. Even though I wondered how long it would before his own son would simply be too old to fib to.

Not long at all at this rate.

"Tell you what. Why don't I get you a little snack, Damien, including one soft drink. One. I'll get something for your daddy and me."

He craned his neck so he could look at me. "Tay. Hungry." He rubbed his tummy and something told me the almost always hungry kid was going to be a very big boy.

Just like his daddy.

"Perfect. Daddy dog. What would you like to drink?"

"My favorite libation. If you can, bring the bottle."

That meant whatever had occurred had been even more horrific than I originally believed.

My heart fluttered both from hearing his sultry tone and because of what that meant. "You got it." The one thing that hadn't been stocked was the outdoor kitchen, which was fine given the circumstances. I wasn't worried about the men, only the possibility of Damien being too curious as to what was inside the pretty little bottles.

I had so many questions running through my mind, but I squelched them for now, snatching a tray I'd found earlier from the top of the fridge.

Snacks.

I'd tried to prepare a few healthy ones just after the man had left, even making the little containers cute. Or so I hoped. With grapes and cut-up carrots and celery, a little cup of ranch, all that was missing was his favorite bag of Doritos. Thankfully, whoever had picked up the hundreds of items had kids. She'd bought a box of various chips, the perfect size for a four-year-old.

For me, I found white wine, making it into a spritzer complete with limes and lemons. Getting drunk wasn't on my agenda and I would refuse to allow it to be on the powerful Russian's. After finding Damien's favorite soft drink hidden in the back of the fridge, I loaded up the tray, taking it to the pool deck quickly.

Nikolay had taken his son to a table out of the sun, although that was starting to wane even more. I placed the tray on the table, providing the treat to the adorable little boy. "Now, don't be messy."

"Chantie. Twust me."

Every once in a while, the little boy returned to being just a four-year-old, not a nuclear scientist. I was thankful for that. I gave Damien a look and took the tray to the barstools near the tiki bar. It was protected both from the wind and from any prying eyes that might be jetting by with Uzis in their hands.

My mind was working overtime.

Not good for anyone.

I poured Nikolay a drink, two cubes of ice already in the glass. At least there was an icemaker working only a few feet away, something I had checked.

I sat down and had to grab his hand before he sat as well. He was so unnerved that I could feel his anger in every movement he made.

He didn't touch his drink at first, taking the time to unbutton his shirt, including his sleeves. As he rolled them up, I took a sip of my drink.

At least it was refreshing.

When he was finished, he grabbed the drink, pulling it to his lips and holding it. That allowed me to have a perfect view of one of his gorgeous tattoos. Not that I hadn't studied them before. But in this light, everything seemed entirely different.

Maybe I was trying to reflect on things completely differently. I wasn't certain. Because he didn't offer what was going on, I didn't prod.

At least right now.

"I never asked you about the ink on that arm. It's gorgeous."

I think he was shocked I led into the conversation with that instead of flying into my usual pointed questions.

"My family crest. Yes, Russian families have them. I suspect every culture does but ours are revered. It's as if by wearing the symbol, you can never be allowed to forget where you came from. Whether pauper or prince. I was proud on the day I turned eighteen to head to the artist."

I took a deep breath, tracing the jeweled dagger. The blade wasn't shoved into a skull or an animal's head, but a red rose. Which in turn was bleeding. "Never forget the strife?"

"Something like that. My brother had it tattooed on his neck, the preferred choice, but when you're in control of a billion-dollar empire, it's the kind of pictography that scares people." At least he chuckled.

"Jesus. I'll bet. Wise choice. But I find it sexy."

"You do, huh?" Now he raised a single eyebrow.

We remained quiet but there was such an ominous feel in the air, including the rise in pressure given what had to be a horrific approaching storm.

"What's going on?" I had to ask after a few minutes of tension had passed. "Your shirt and pants are covered in blood. You're more anxious than I've ever seen you. I can tell you're… different."

His chuckle was so bitter, almost as if he'd been defeated. But I knew damn good and well that was simply an initial reaction. Or maybe a secondary one. His rage was right below the surface.

When I reached over, grabbing his hand in mine, he lifted his gaze as if I'd touched a part of him few had.

"In the old days of the mafia, brutality reigned a significant portion of the time. The Five Families, which included some of the familiar names you know, were considered by law enforcement and the press as nothing but illiterate things, which of course wasn't accurate. They were extremely strategic in their moves knowing that whatever mob boss they took out or territory they tried to claim, there would be retaliation, which they calculated carefully. Was it bloody and violent? Hell, yes. All those stories about entire restaurants being destroyed, innocent people dying along with members of whatever syndicate are understated, but that's the way it was."

He kept his voice even and soft to ensure the wind didn't allow his words to carry. I sensed I needed to stay quiet for a little while.

I could swear his hand was shaking from adrenaline as he brought the glass to his lips, throwing back the entire drink. When he placed it back on the table with a hard thud, he flexed his other hand under mine, forcing our fingers to entwine.

I used my other hand to refill his drink, trying my best to keep some level of patience.

"The one thing the syndicates of the twenties and thirties didn't have and of course for several other generations was modern technology to provide them with additional and much stronger abilities for strategic moves and to provide different methods of doing business, including legitimate ones. They didn't need to rely on bootlegging and selling cargo ships filled with cigarettes and other contraband to other cities and countries. Racketeering and blackmail took a dive with the invention of computers and email, the various mafia organizations realizing big business offered them opportunities they'd never had before. At least they were smart enough to grasp onto the technology after a bit of pushback. The smart ones today use hired hackers, which they keep on their employ to protect their internet banking."

I found it interesting he was talking about himself as if he wasn't an important person in the most powerful Bratva in the world. I'd done a tiny bit of sleuthing while he was gone. I'd found a computer, shocked I was able to figure out the passcode. A huge mistake, his son's birthday. All I'd needed to do was ask Damien, who knew and had gone on about what he'd wanted for his upcoming birthday.

I'd found various articles on the Bratva. Not all bad. They were considered heroes to the Brighton Beach world, which I'd known, but also decent philanthropists to certain members of the press. Maybe they were paid. Maybe they thought they could get their fifteen minutes of fame. Whatever the case, it had provided a decent reputation. However, I'd also dug through some ugly articles about violence and bloodshed, the three upper echelon members of the Bratva supposedly responsible for some atrocious crimes. However, other than a few minor arrests, no one had been pinged with some of the more horrific crimes.

"Anyway, nowadays crime syndicates are heavily legitimate but are forced to rely on old-time methods of violence when things become… fucked up. It happens. You can treat your employees well, even better than any Fortune 500 company and people, especially it would seem men can be greedy. Plus, they succumb to threats if they have a family. I assure you the violent assholes can be very convincing when they need you to switch loyalties. If you let your guard down, that's when it occurs. We became complacent, convinced we were basically businessmen, not gangsters."

Another bitter laugh was followed by him staring at Damien as the little boy jumped back into the pool, fully energized once again.

"I keep forgetting my roots as both Aleksander and Vadim have. It's going to cost us more than it already has. I keep thinking I'm nothing more than a businessman, someone who could be looked up to. What a crock of shit."

"That's not fair. You and the other two have funded reading programs for underprivileged kids in low-income areas. You've donated to hospitals, including one for kids with cancer. You've even donated to various pet rescue organizations. You're a good man who is a powerful businessman."

"You've been reading up on me." He pulled me closer, my chair moving at the same time. For a few seconds, it was as if he'd forgotten about whatever horrible thing he'd just experienced.

"You need to change the password on that computer. I'm a pretty good hacker myself and if I could get into it in less than one minute, you know others can sweep that limited security system without any difficulty." I grinned and he shook his head.

"Remind me to spank you later for snooping. Bad girl."

"Maybe you need me on your staff."

"Maybe I just need you in my life, even if that isn't a good idea. I'm not a good man. There is no real decency left in me. My heritage made certain of that. Yes, the three of us sat down and had many a discussion about how to increase our reputations and improve our bottom line. Half our clients mention all the fabulous things we do when they sign on the bottom line. All smoke and mirrors. Don't fool yourself. We might wield a mighty pen in our usual day-to-day business activities but deep down inside, we're ruthless killers and nothing more."

I wasn't entirely certain why he was disparaging his own organization's reputation other than he was hurting.

Badly.

"What about Damien? You took him in, no questions asked. You honestly had no idea he was your son. I know he has your eyes but that means nothing. That woman is lying through her teeth about the circumstances at minimum. I know that in my heart."

When he cupped my face, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip like he'd done so many times before, I sensed a part of him had closed off, maybe forever. Sadly, it happened to be a part I'd come to adore. "So sweet and innocent. I don't have any idea why you like me."

"Like you? I love you."

Shit. Shit. Shit.

The words came out before I had any clue. I sucked in my breath, thinking he'd respond badly, but he did little more than sigh. What the fuck was going on?

He finally let me go, including his hand gripping mine. "Tanner betrayed me. He betrayed all of us."

"What does that mean?"

"It means he's working for a yet to be fully disclosed enemy. I will get it out of him, but his new loyalty is strong."

"Why would he do that?" I wasn't appalled or necessarily surprised, but he obviously had a reason why.

"In this case, I honestly think his family is under serious duress."

"Do you know who those family members are?"

He took another gulp of his drink. "I know everything about my men, including dates of birth and social security numbers. You name it."

"Then you know he's hurting. Wasn't he one of your most loyal men?"

"Yeah, but so the fuck what? I'm certain he was paid damn well for his… disloyalty."

I hated his damn snicker, as if he knew every detail. "So he's still alive?"

"For now."

"You're going to torture him?" I knew my voice was rising just a little too much. I shot a quick look at Damien, who was splashing around far too much to hear anything.

"What did I tell you about who I was, Chantel?" The way he looked into my eyes was as if admitting he'd just committed multiple murders. I wasn't certain I wanted to hear more of this terrible story. But I had to push. I felt it in my gut.

"Fine. You need to do some different things in your business that don't seem normal to the outside world. But guess what? Do you not think some of the wealthiest corporate moguls with spotless reputations have ordered hits on enemies? Do you think all those smiling politicians who act squeaky clean haven't performed acts of violence? What about the normal little guys in the field, maybe one with a smaller company who realizes using blackmail will get them ahead faster? If you think that then you need your head examined."

This time, his eyes opened wide. I think I'd shocked him. Shocking.

Nikolay burst into laughter. "You have a damn good point."

"In college, I took several world economic classes, including a creative course involving the true power behind the top companies and wealthy entrepreneurs in the world. The one thing that was constant is that they veered from protocol often. They went against their own rules. They did the unexpected. Cunning, yes. Brilliant? You bet. That brought them more success. There are stories that would make your jaw drop."

"Interesting. Why are you telling me this?"

When I gripped his hand this time, I made certain he knew he wasn't going anywhere. "You thought Tanner was a friend on top of being a loyal employee. Yes?"

"Correct. Hell, we shot pool together over tequila and talked about the world over darts."

"Whoever this enemy is likely tossed him back to you like shooting down prey in a den full of wolves. He expects you to kill the guy after torturing him. But here's the thing. Tanner loves his family. Right?"

He remained surprised but there was a light shifting in his yes. "Yes, very much so. He has a wife and daughter, a mother who lives with them. And a sister he's close with as well."

"That is everyone's first loyalty if they have a freaking heart. It will kill him literally, but he'll die thinking he's protecting his family. I assure you that's bullshit. You can tell me that better than anyone else." I huffed, feeling the extreme heat in my body building like a wildfire.

And it had nothing to do with sexual needs either.

"What are you suggesting?" At least the asshole was intrigued.

And I was on a roll.

"Do the unexpected."

"Which is?"

"Don't kill him. Encourage him to tell you where his family has been taken or how many men are watching them under what is likely the threat of death. Rely on the loyalty that's still there. And it is. He would likely prefer cutting off his right arm himself instead of betraying you or the Bratva. You're a great judge of character. So have him help you and slaughter the bastards who deserve it while bringing his family to safety. I assure you that if it's loyalty you want, you'll have it tenfold for the rest of your life and his."

He sat back, not trying to pull his hand free.

I refused to back down. "All that extreme strategy you talked about with other organizations? That's what you and the Pakhan are missing. Maybe you're right in that you've gotten lazy. All three of you. You rely on big business, wallowing in your wealth. Think like a pro. That way, Tanner will tell you everything he knows and the plan you need to develop will start coming into place. In every war that's won, the strongest, most qualified minds work together, not against each other."

Using his other hand, he drummed on the table, finally locking eyes with mine. "I must admit, woman. That is perhaps the smartest thing I've heard in one hell of a long time."

I understood my father's empire and the world I'd been brought into enough to know the worst thing in the world was to have a trusted member of a higher ranking betray you. That caused a tumble-down effect.

But I also believed in what I was saying, even if I was winging it.

"Yes, a brilliant plan and I'm going to need to make some phone calls. The only part about this is I fear we've already been compromised more than I originally believed, although I'd racked my brain and I'm not certain how that's possible."

"The house?" I asked.

He nodded. "Thankfully, Tanner didn't know the location. Although I know he was aware of its existence."

"Think about it. In order for him to discover the information, you either have a footprint somewhere on the internet of the address or he paid someone to follow you and your men. Is either scenario possible?"

"Tanner was in special ops in the Marines, but his expertise was weaponry and strategic operations involving some of the most compromising activities and kills that were considered impossible. He and his team had a success rate of almost one hundred percent."

"Sounds like you need him," I said with a grin. "But that didn't answer the question."

At least his chuckle was lighter, not filled with the need for revenge. "He is a brilliant man but he's no hacker. I pay people for that. No, he's not friends with any of them. We purposely keep various departments in the dark from each other as a method of security. Tanner doesn't even know their names. I have far too many security measures in place for him to be able to follow me here. You can relax," he stated, and I could tell his wheels were spinning round and round.

"Okay. Then you should do this sooner versus later. If you don't, it will eat at you until you can't take it any longer. And there's a storm coming in."

He looked up and sniffed. Did the man really think that was going to tell him something accurate weather-wise? "Don't worry. We get this stormy look often this time of year. You'll see. The sun will shine again soon."

At least he sounded more hopeful, which shocked me.

"Enjoy yourself," he continued. "I'm going to take your advice and if you aren't careful, you will end up on my employee roster, young woman."

"Only if I'm offered a six-figure salary, high six figures." I was only teasing but his entire expression softened again. The man was a dichotomy of emotions.

He brushed the backs of his knuckles down my cheek. "Lady. You have no idea how much you're worth. What you've given me and my son is priceless. I want you around for a very long time. Do you understand me?"

Long time. He wasn't exactly professing his love, but the words meant so much to me and I could easily tell he meant them. "I know. Do what you need to do. We'll be fine here. Your men are very good at what they do and Damien isn't bothered in the least by them. I'll miss you if you leave but I'll be here."

"You try and go anywhere and I will hunt you down. No matter how long it takes."

Nikolay rose to his feet while I shivered from his words, feeling so many raw emotions myself. When he leaned over, kissing my lips, it was the first time he'd shown this kind of affection possibly in front of his son. It would seem times were changing.

Maybe for the better.

Then again, very few fantasies came true.

However, it was tender and sweet, his tongue lightly sweeping my mouth. It was still possessive yet tender. He was trying to tell me without words how he felt and how important I'd become to him.

Damn it if I wasn't shivering.

"I'm going to clean up before having a strategic meeting with my men here including a Zoom call with both Aleksander and Vadim. The more your idea settles in, the more I like it. That will involve leaving and it'll take some time. Maybe all night."

"I understand. At least I can make food Damien enjoys and we have plenty of movies."

"Now you're just trying to make me jealous. Little brat you."

His laugh would resonate with me for a long time. That scared me to death.

As he walked away, he took a few seconds to glance down at Damien, even crouching down and providing something I couldn't hear but I suspected Nikolay was admitting he had to leave again.

Even though I knew I was right in what I'd told him, my heart was aching more than ever before. It was as if the end was near.

But what end?

I sipped on my wine for a few seconds, finally noticing the little man was obviously getting tired. Between the sun and swimming, I could tell he needed a nap.

The thought of spending the night without Nikolay was ugly but I stood by my conviction. Enemies lost when you did exactly what they didn't expect you to do.

Sadly, I knew whatever Nikolay found using Tanner would likely alter the man I'd grown to care about.

Forever.