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He glowers at me. “Listen here, you little bitch—”
Mikhail kicks Konstantin in the shoulder, his teeth grating. “You are never to speak to her like that again, are we clear?”
I give his fingers a light squeeze. “You can keep him there until he gives you the information you seek. That way we all win. Even if he’s lying, he’ll be locked away for good.”
Mikhail nods slowly. There’s a hint of approval in his expression. “Take him to The Pit,” he instructs the guards holding onto Konstantin. “Actually, scratch that. I’ll take him there personally.”
Chapter 43
Aurora
My Russian has improved greatly over the past three and a half months. I’ve been taking private lessons with a tutor, speaking in the language as often as I can around the house with anyone who’s willing to put up with my terrible accent and poor grammar structure. We have a small household consisting of a few maids and a cook. They’re all very kind, certainly more so than the ones on the compound.
We have a lovely house on the outskirts of Moscow, deep within the suburbs. In many ways, it feels just like home. Rows upon rows of houses in neat blocks lined with trees and gardens. Some homeowners have white picket fences and laundry lines across their front yard. I’m still learning to read the street signs, and Mikhail insists that Alexi, who asked to return to guard detail, accompany me everywhere should I decide to go out for a breath of fresh air, though it’s not like I can roam about as freely now that my belly is so large.
I spend most of my days indoors, taking pride in decorating the house and getting ready for my baby’s arrival. Mikhail pretty much gave me free reign of the nursery, though he insisted on picking the paint color—a rich forest green. Apart from that, I’ve been busily filling the space with all manner of toys and clothes and furniture, growing giddier with every day that passes.
“I don’t think these are age appropriate?” Alexi comments as he picks up one of the many stuffed bears lining the shelves.
“They’re for when he’s older,” I say with a quiet giggle. My Russian is barely passable. “I’ve read all my books. The baby’s going to spend most of his time sleeping anyways, but aren’t these so cute?”
He chuckles. “I suppose so.”
“Any word on when Mikhail will be back?”
“He just texted. He’s finishing a meeting with the Volkovs.”
“Another territory dispute?”
“With those greedy fucks? Always.”
I place my hands over my belly, pretending to be offended. “Careful! He can hear you.”
Alexi rolls his eyes. “Oh, please.”
“You don’t think he can hear noises in there? I really don’t want my baby coming out knowing how to swear.”
“Forgive me, Aurora. I’ll be more mindful from here on out.”
“I’m just teasing you. You don’t have to be so serious all the time.”
“But… this is always how I am?”
“I know. But it wouldn’t kill you to lighten up a little.”
“I take your safety very seriously, Aurora.”
“And I’m eternally grateful for you and your service. What you did for Charlotte… I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”
Alexi waves me off, offering a small smile. “I am glad she recovered and was able to go back home.”
“Me too. I miss her like mad, but I can visit her anytime I want.” I fold the pile of clean burping towels on the changing station again, not quite satisfied with my work. “How are you doing, by the way?”
“How do you mean?”
“I mean… You’ve pretty much been adopted into the Antonov Bratva at this point. Don’t you miss your own?”
“I’m out on loan,” he explains. “It’s really not so bad. Think of it as a gesture of goodwill. Nicolai has always wanted an alliance with the Antonovs, but Konstantin was much too hostile a business partner. Having me work for Mikhail as your bodyguard is our way of showing our gratitude and willingness to work together.”
