Page 5 of Unholy Tsar

“Your lesson package for Miss Bree, sir.”

My lips tighten before almost immediately curling up into a brief smile. How could I forget about that? Especially since Rian texted me last night with a reminder. He thinks I might back out since I was so reluctant to agree to do it in the first place.

Truth is, I do have mixed feelings about it.

On the one hand, I’m glad we’re finally about to stop shielding our girls from the harsh reality of our world, and I’m honored the family trusts me enough with this task. But on the other hand, I feel like it’s a waste of my time and expertise.

As one of the most feared Dons with one of the biggest territories in the Kilpatrick syndicate—as well as being consigliere to the King of the entire underworld empire—I have a lot of important responsibilities on my plate.

But I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to seeing my niece. That’s one good thing about this, at least. I get to spend time with my nieces and boss them around.

Being among the oldest and most powerful men in the Kilpatrick family, I’m one of the very few people who can take a firm hand with Bree Kilpatrick—especially since I’m not technically blood-related.

She’s practically royalty, the daughter of Nolan and Valentina Kilpatrick. The little printsessa is spoiled, as most Kilpatrick girls are. Any other person would be too scared to offend her and risk getting on the bad side of her parents, uncles, and cousins.

Besides, after almost losing Melina in Berlin last year, I consider it my personal duty to expose the other Kilpatrick girls to the harsh reality awaiting them outside the tall, guarded walls of their family’s mansions.

I stand up and adjust my cufflinks before putting on my suit jacket. “Where am I meeting Bree?” I ask Dante as we walk toward the elevator. He winces. That can’t be a good sign.

“She’s currently staying at her parents’ house in the east Hamptons. That’s where the lesson will take place.”

“Fucking great,” I mutter. There’s nothing I hate more than being cooped up in a car for hours. But taking my private jet or the helicopter is out of the question, unless I want to give my insolent nephews and nieces more fodder to tease me about…

Those fucking kids. They’re lucky I love them.

During the long drive, I keep myself busy with work, replying to emails and even having a thirty-minute Zoom call with the owner of a startup I want to invest in, so at least my time isn’t completely wasted.

The Hamptons are beautiful—the ocean, the opulent homes, the boats lining the marina, and even the fresh, slightly salty air. But I prefer my home in Brooklyn. Not only am I in the thick of things there, but I love living among my men. It reminds me of where I was before I met Aiden’s father all those years ago.

I lock my phone as Louis, my driver, pulls into the long driveway and parks in front of the stately home. He gets out to open my door, bowing briefly as I step out. Pausing for a moment, I take in the grandeur of the two-story Georgian mansion before making my way inside.

“I’ll wait for you out here,” Dante’s voice croons through my earpiece. He and a few of my other men drove in a discreet car behind us. While it’s quiet right now, it’s never quiet for long in my world. This is simply the calm before some storm, I’m sure of it.

With a discreet nod, I punch in the code and walk into the house. A butler greets me in the foyer and bows so deeply I’m surprised I don’t hear his spine creak.

“Where is she?” I ask.

The butler doesn’t meet my gaze as he informs me the miss is already in the library, ready for her lecture, and that he’ll escort me.

“Very well. Let’s get on with it, then.”

I thank the butler at the library door, and he provides another dramatic bow before leaving me alone. With a sigh, I push the door open.

Bree is sitting on one of the oversized armchairs, looking incredibly small in it.

I’m taken aback when her whole face lights up with a genuine smile at the sight of me. “Uncle Maksim!” Her smile is infectious and prompts one of my own as she springs to her feet and bounces toward me, flinging herself into my chest.

Uncle. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to hearing that.

All the Kilpatrick children call me uncle, because even though I’m not biologically related, I’ve always been a quiet member of the family. I was there for their births and watched them grow up. But moments like these, when they show they care for me just like I care for them, lightens up my dark heart.

“Little Bree, how have you been?” I ask as we pull apart from the hug.

She lets out a dramatic sigh. “Better now… I guess.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing really… I was just so annoyed that Rian and my dad signed me up for some boring lesson with one of their creepy employees, but I’m so glad it’s you. I–” Her words are interrupted by an audible thud behind her.