Separated

Chapter 39 - Nikolai

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I flick through the reports and sign off whatever was needed when Andrei barges into the room. He's being doing a lot of that lately. Barging into my space that is.

"What do you want?"

"Your woman is making a scene."

Not going to lie, I love the sound of that. Of labelling her as my woman.

"And that's a problem because?" I ask. She's not the type to let go of steam just because she feels like it. Chances are, she's doing because there's a fair reason for it, which to my brain equates to letting her do as she pleases.

"Because she's not seeing the full picture. And she's got the attention of the whole club. Not to mention she's getting involved with Kozlov's eldest."

"What the fuck is Kozlov doing leaving behind his kid? Isn't he like a baby?"

"He's almost sixteen."

"See, a baby." I get up anyway. Dealing with Kozlov was one thing. But dealing with his kids? It was a whole new matter. That fucker was so protective of his kids, rightfully so. They were the only things that keeps him sane and makes him talk more than one words and the only reminder of the woman he loved. So much he gave up his want of becoming the Pakhan years ago. I can remember my annoying dearest father talking shit about him for doing that. Can't believe that was almost eighteen years ago.

I make my way out of my office and walk downstairs to where the commotion was still brewing.

"Can't you see? She doesn't want to go with you." My woman was making her statement. I look to see Kozlov's first child gripping his girl in his arms as he makes his remark.

"It's all consensual. How can you not fucking see that?"

If I hadn't known any better, I would side with Minori, but I did know him and his girlfriend and how that girl turns 180 degrees when intoxicated with alcohol.

"What part of her body language makes you think that?" Minori points as the girlfriend tries to push away.

"Jesus fucking Christ. Just fuck off will you?"

And no. He will not talk to her like that.

"Do not throw that attitude onto her. Understood?" From my voice he immediately switches his attention towards me, recognition flashing through his still childlike eyes, although they're a little jaded from the knowledge most kids his age shouldn't have.

"Yes sir." He replies, completely dropping his attitude.

"You know him?" Minori questions. Not to me, to the kid.

"Kozlov's offspring." I reply regardless of who the question was directed at.

"Wait, Alexei Kozlov's child!?"

"Yes. And that girl," I point towards the girl who's still trying to struggle out of the kids hold, "Is his girlfriend who changes into a whole new persona when drunk. Don't worry, their childhood sweethearts."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Minori begins to apologise.

"Next time kid, go somewhere else. You're not meant to be here, and your girl is definitely not ready for safe drinking. Do it at home. I can't be tolerating your father outside of work too."

"Yes sir." He bows his head down and tolls himself and his girlfriend away. With their disappearance, the head pounding music turns back on and flashing lights turn all the brighter. Chatters, laughter's, cheers, and the like resumes and all goes back to normal like nothing had happened in the first place.

"I feel so stupid." Minori slumps her head to my chest. I brush the strands of hair that hid her face.

"You were doing the right thing. Nothing to be ashamed of."

"What if Alexei hates me now?"

"He's not stupid and the kid understands you were just being nice."

"I didn't think he was his child." She mumbles.

"Yeah well, he has four kids."

"Yeah he told me not too long ago. He must love his wife."

Since when did Kozlov like the idea of opening up about his family? And when did she come in contact with him?

"He does."

"What's she like?"

"I've only met her a couple of times. She was blunt but smart. And she was good with her hands. Good at piano too."

"Was?" Minori questions. I knew she'd pick that up.

"She died a few years back. Cancer seemed to be common cause of death in her side of the family."

"Oh." She deflates a little before giving a sad smile. "You know, those kids remind me of my brother and a girl he's definitely into. They act like they don't need each other when they can't operate without each other."

"I can't operate without you." I kiss the crown of her head, inhaling the lily and jasmine scent along with what was just purely her. Just her.

She giggles a little before recomposing herself.

"You're not the only one. Have you finished what you need to do?"

"Yes." I reply. I can do the rest some other time.

"Can we have a little dance?"

"What kind?"

"The hot kind. The sexy one."

"Haven't I told you to be careful Printsessa?" I rasp but she only places a finger to my lips.

"Koroleva." She corrects me, her deep brown eyes seducing mine. "And yes, you have. But I like to ignore warnings from time to time."

"That's a–"

"Shhh. Inside."

Well, wasn't I fucked in the best way possible.