Overthrown

Chapter 15

Minutes pass as I sit letting my mind wander to where Nikolai is going and what he'll be doing. My fingers anxiously tapping on the dining table as I glance repeatedly at the clock. While I'm unaccustomed to not being productive, sitting here won't make him come home any faster. I guess I should explore my new home, I have no idea how long I'll be here. Judging by Nikolai's protective nature, it'll probably be awhile.

Working my way through the main house, peering into each room I come across. Word seems to have travelled fast amongst his men. Every guard I cross avoids me like the plague. It's kinda nice, I'm not exactly a fan of small talk. Thankfully his property is expansive and there is plenty to see. Winding through the beautiful gardens to a large sundeck surrounding a pool. If it wasn't so breezy today, I might just climb in.

My stomach growls just loud enough that I look down at my watch. It's almost two and my breakfast has long worn off. I slowly make my way back into the house and saunter towards the kitchen. I'm greeted by the same woman from earlier, "Ma'am, would you like me to prepare lunch?" She is respectful and not chatty. I like her already. "Yes, please. What is your name?" I ask while sitting at a barstool overlooking the spacious gourmet kitchen.

"My name is Anya, Ma'am. It is nice to officially meet you, Mrs. Collins." When she pronounced her name, her accent came through. I barely noticed it earlier but I can tell she must be Russian as well. I wonder how she came to work here. My mind gets lost thinking about various things all related to one man in particular.

"Would you like to eat here or in the dining room, Ma'am?" She asks while plating my meal. "Dining room." I state while standing up. I exit the kitchen and am surprised to see three men who are finishing eating at the table. They all look up to me wide eyed. "We're sorry, Ma'am. We didn't know you were going to be eating lunch at this time. We'll leave." One of them quickly announces and they all begin to stand. "No, sit." I order while approaching the table. I sit at the head of the table as Anya brings my plate and places it in front of me.

I watch as they share questioning looks amongst each other. All of them afraid to speak. I can't help but laugh to myself at their fear of me. Apparently, my internal laugh showed through and the men noticed. "Ma'am?" The one that spoke earlier goes first. I chuckle again at their discomfort, "You guys look like I'm gonna shove a pistol down your throat at any moment."

They all tense up immediately, "No, Ma'am. That's not what we thought. We-" He begins to stammer but I interrupt him. I recognize him from the meeting but I'm unsure of his role. "Calm down. I'm just fucking with you." Laughing again while I take a sip of my lemonade. They awkwardly look around at each other clearing their throats, unsure of what to say.

"Look, I have to stay here until the Italians are... dealt with. Who knows how long that'll be, I need to know the men that I'll be working with. So, what are your names and positions." As much as I hate talking with people, it's true. I need to know who these men are and what skillsets they possess. I need to foster a relationship with them. As of now, their loyalty is solely to Nikolai and without Luis I need people willing to die for me.

The only man bold enough to speak goes first again, "My name is Andre. I am Mr. Volkov's head of security. I'm also our combat instructor." Bingo. He snaps his finger to the others and barks something in Russian. They get up and leave the room without saying a word. "That was Zaur and Sasha. Both are low level guards and they are still learning English." Andre seems younger, mid-twenties, chestnut hair and blue eyes. He's built similar to Nikolai but a little smaller; They look like they might be related. Andre has the same good looks as Nikolai but more boyish features. He's definitely lacking the arrogance that Nikolai has. My eyes search his face as I realize just how much they look alike. Interesting.

"It is nice to meet you, Andre. You say you are a combat instructor, elaborate." I prod for more information. He'll come in handy for what I have in store. He fixes his posture in his chair and seems a little uncomfortable discussing business to a stranger. I like that, loyalty. "We train a few times a week, alternating between weightlifting and boxing. I was a professional boxer back in Moscow when Mr. Volkov met me. I now train our incoming guards, I also act as a sparring partner for Pakhan." He explains and I smile as he tells me exactly what I want to hear.

"Andre, what does Pakhan mean? I keep hearing the men call him that and I have zero clue what it means. Enlighten me." My need to learn Russian will only increase the longer I am here. He laughs at my question, "Where did he find you?" My face always has a way of betraying my attempts at hiding my emotions. "Excuse me?"

Andre's eyes widen again as he clears his throat, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. Pakhan just means boss. Like a Don or Capo in the Italian mafia. Pakhan is just the Russian way of acknowledging a boss. I'm sorry for laughing. Most people who have gotten this close already know how things work." He nervously takes a sip of water as I roll my eyes, "Sign me up for Mafia 101." His hand flying to his mouth as he coughs. Perfect timing, "That's what you get for laughing at me." I chuckle to myself as he chokes on his water.

"Explain to me why you stopped boxing to work for Nikolai."

He takes a deep breath as he internally debates telling me, after a long pause he begins. "I killed someone in the ring and I was kicked out of the federation. I was in a bad place and Mr. Volkov allowed me to put my skills to use for him." He tells me the story quickly without detail, still uncertain of me.

"I too have killed in the ring, we have that in common." I hope that by opening up a little to him, I can gain his trust. His eyes brighten and a smile flickers on his lips for a brief moment. "Andre, one last question. If you are Nikolai's head of security, why does he have you staying at the compound today instead of accompanying him?" He glances around the room checking for anyone else and back to me, "Because of you." He admits.

"That is what I thought. Thank you for your candor. I would like to schedule sparring sessions with you." I need to stay on top of my game now more than ever. "That can be arranged, Ma'am. When would you like to start?" Andre asks as he takes a sip of his water. "We start Tuesday, nine AM." He stands up and makes his way to my seat, I stand. He reaches his hand out to shake mine, "See you Tuesday, Ma'am." I shake his hand firmly and he bows his head before leaving. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, I smirk to myself before finally digging into my lunch.

Finally having the room to myself, I scarf down the delicious salad Anya prepared for me. I gaze out the window sipping my lemonade when she walks in to clear my plate. "Ma'am, do you mind?" She asks gesturing towards the plate. "Go ahead. Thank you, Anya." She quickly grabs the dishes and scurries back to the kitchen. "Anya." She turns back to me. "Yes, Ma'am?" Her face slightly frightened. "I am going to prepare dinner tonight for Nikolai. Do you have ingredients for chicken marsala in stock?" I ask. Her expression shifts and a small smile appears in it's place. "Yes, Ma'am. Would you like help?" I feel like she doubts my ability to cook but I can't blame her. My look doesn't exactly scream "Betty Crocker".

"No Anya, I will be fine but thank you."

She bows and returns to the kitchen. I head upstairs walking towards the bedroom. The bed has been made and it looks cozy. I climb onto it and snuggle under the throw blanket. I'm exhausted from the events of last night, my nightmares always seem to ruin my sleep. Closing my eyes, my mind is immediately flooded with thoughts of Nikolai. Drifting off to sleep, I attempt to get some rest before he returns.