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"Fuck off Maxim. Mind your own damn business," I snap back at him, feeling the urge to punch his smug face. His laughter echoes behind me as I walk back to my room, seething with anger at his audacity to question me.
I quickly shower and dress in a pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt. My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten yet. I walk downstairs to the dining room where Nona and Osip are setting up breakfast. Tatyana is already dressed and sitting at the formal dining room, sipping a cup of coffee. She looks as if she hasn't slept all night.
"Good morning, everyone," I greet them.
"Good morning, sir," Osip responds. Nona smiles at me.
"What can I get you?" Nona asks in her broken English.
"An egg white omelet with vegetables and whole-grain toast, please. And coffee. Thank you, Nona."
I sit down at the head of the table. Osip sets a hot cup of coffee in front of me. I can feel Tatyana’s glare on me – staring at me. I know something is brewing. I can only assume she heard Adalina and I fighting last night.
Tatyana clears her throat loudly and I look at her. She gives me a sly smile and whispers, "I see you have a thing for Adalina.”
“My relationship with Adalina is none of your business.” I announce as I sip my coffee.
"She is causing problems. What if the Outfit finds out the location of the compound? It could be dangerous for all of us," Tatyana argues.
"She stays here until I say otherwise," I say firmly, my patience wearing thin.
As my breakfast is served, Tatyana grows increasingly agitated, her jealousy and anger boiling inside of her. I pull out my cellphone and ignore her.
Tatyana slams her spoon down on the table and stands up, glaring at me.
"I can't take this anymore," she yells. "I’m going to tell the Outfit where you're keeping their precious little bride."
My eyes widen in shock. I stand up and grab Tatyana’s arm. But she jerks her arm away from me and hurries out of the dining room.
I follow an angry Tatyana as storms into my office, I slam the door after I walk in behind her.
“Don’t you ever threaten me again!” I get right in Tatyana’s face. I place a hand on her throat and hold her still.
"We need to talk about Adalina," she says, her voice raised in anger.
“No, we don’t.” I say calmly.
"She's dangerous to have here, Nikolai. What if the Outfit decides to retaliate?” Tatyana argues.
"I am taking precautions to keep the compound safe. Keeping Adalina here is useful to me." I reply.
Tatyana scoffs. "Useful? How? She's just a pretty face, Nikolai. And she's taking up too much of your attention. You like her!” she sneers.
My expression hardens, "Watch your mouth, Tatyana. Adalina is valuable to my plan, and I won't tolerate any jealousy or insubordination," I warn.
Tatyana backs down slightly, but still looks defiant. "Fine, but I think you're making a mistake. And if something happens to us because of her, don't say I didn't warn you," she says before pulling out of my grasp and storming out of the office.
I shake my head, knowing Tatyana's jealousy is clouding her judgment. Fuck, now I need to keep an eye on her, so she won’t undermine my plans.
Skipping my morning swim, I head to the gym to work off some of my anger from my encounter with Tatyana. It's time to start the fucking day.
Chapter 23
Adalina
I wake up in a daze, unsure if what happened last night with Nikolai was real or just a figment of my imagination. But then I feel the soreness between my legs and realize that it was all too real. I am overwhelmed with conflicting emotions – confusion, desire, and fear. I don't know what to do or what to say to Nikolai. Should I confront him about last night? Or should I just keep quiet and wait for him to make the next move? I can't shake off the feeling of vulnerability that comes with not knowing where I stand with him. The intensity of his passion still lingers in my mind, and I can't help but wonder if he feels something for me. Wishful thinking.
I step into the shower, letting the warm water wash over my body, trying to clear my thoughts. I can still smell Nikolai's scent on my skin, and I feel a pang of regret for washing it off. As I get dressed in my workout clothes, I decide to head down to the kitchen for some fruit before working out in the gym. Maybe exercise will help me clear my head.
