Saving Nikolai

Chapter 10

Please leave a like if you enjoyed :) 

"Lower your gaze, Kiera. Don't you dare look Leylani in the eyes," Nikolai said.

Leylani's heart stuttered at the rage hidden beneath his words. She snuck a look up at him. His face was blank, but his eyes brewed with animosity. She turned back to Kiera. Her head was bent, but even from a distance, Leylani could see tears splashing onto the mahogany table. A pang of sympathy washed over her. Leylani got up to comfort her, but Nikolai gripped her shoulder and pulled her down.

"Damn it, Leylani," he whispered. He shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "After everything she's put you through, you still want to help her?"

"She's crying."

"She ruined your life," Nikolai countered.

Leylani shook her head. "No, she didn't. You did. Now, if you don't mind, please loosen your grip. You're hurting me."

Nikolai dropped his hold, but kept a grip on the back of her chair. Mr. Gotti walked in, claiming the trio's attention.

"Well, Leylani, you've impressed not only myself, but my men as well. In just one day, your decision has hurt the enemy. Without drugs to ship out, their dealers and buyers are in an uproar, threatening to start a riot. Of course, now those buyers and dealers are in the open market, which means the Gotti's are expanding their business."

Nikolai smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Mr. Gotti's gaze lingered on Nikolai's hand which rested on Leylani's chair. He narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze from Leylani to Kiera then back to Nikolai's hand. He turned his attention to his son.

"Nikolai, come with me. I need to have a word with you."

Nikolai's smile faltered, but he stood up to follow his father. "Don't try anything," he whispered to Leylani, then left.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Leylani mumbled, toying with the knife hidden under her skirt. Once night fell, she would make her escape.

"How?" Kiera croaked, interrupting Leylani's thoughts.

"What?"

"How did all of this happen?" She looked up, her eyes bloodshot.

"Uh–"

"How did someone as insignificant as you steal Nikolai from me?" she asked, her frame shaking in anger.

"I didn't steal him."

"Not only did you take him from me, but you're the new heir to the Gotti family." Her hands balled into fists, the sadness in her eyes morphed to jealousy.

"Trust me, I didn't want this. Nikolai dragged me into this mess, but don't worry, I'll be out of your hair soon enough."

Kiera laughed ruefully. "You're not going anywhere, Leylani. Nikolai will go to hell and back if it means keeping you here. I can see it in his eyes. You mean everything to him."

"His emotions don't run on love. They're purely selfish."

"Doesn't matter. He still chose you over me."

Someone cleared their throat. Leylani turned. Mr. Gotti stood at the door with Nikolai at his side. Nikolai's face was void of all emotion, but his fists were trembling. He trudged over to Kiera and held a hand out for her. "Come, sweetheart. It's been a while since we've gone on a date. Let me spoil you."

Jealousy brewed in the pit of Leylani's stomach, but she fought it down. Don't bother loving him, Leylani. He's a selfish bastard who deserves nothing other than your hate. Though her mind was telling her not to mourn, her heart still broke at the sight of him and Kiera together. Kiera took his hand, wiping away her tears.