Serpentine Desires

The predator

Judas's POV

"Sit," Father commanded, not even bothering to look at me.

I didn't. Instead, I leaned harder against the desk, the corner digging into my back. It didn't bother me. Hell, I welcomed the discomfort—it was better than dealing with this. Knowing damn well it'd piss him off. That's what my motive was anyway. He just ruined my morning. "If you have something to say, just say it."

He turned then and his dark eyes bore into mine before he sighed and pinched the bridge of his node. "You've become careless," he muttered coldly as if I was the biggest headache for him and not his precious daughter. "This is a safe house, not a brothel where you can bring any woman and fuck. She could be a spy for fuck's sake."  

Any woman?

My lip unconsciously curled into a sneer. "She's a nobody," I said flatly. "Just a body I happen to like."

Strangely the words left my mouth like venom stinging me in my fucking throat. And they did. Father's eyes narrowed.

"Nobody?" he repeated and took a step closer. "Then why was nobody in that warehouse with Lucius Morozov?"

I didn't flinch, didn't look away. Anya snitched. That brat.

Instead, I chuckled. "She's harmless."

"Harmless," He mocked and my eyes narrowed. "You've always been good at lying, synok, but not to me. You're not just careless; you're distracted. And distractions are dangerous. Very dangerous."

My jaw tightened, and I forced myself to stay calm, though the urge to lash out gnawed at me. "I handled the warehouse. I handled the Morozov bastard. This is my business, and I'll deal with the fallout."

"Your business? Since when did killing men for a nobody become your business?"

"My business," I repeated slowly this time making sure he get the hint, "since you decided to let Anya run her mouth like a goddamn parrot. Maybe you should worry about keeping your golden child in check before lecturing me about who I bring around."

Father's expression didn't change, but I caught the subtle clenching of his jaw. A small victory, but I'd take it.

"You don't show emotions, synok," he said quietly. "And now you look pissed off."

"You see through shit, father. You just sound like mother and nothing more. Worried for nothing-"

Slap.

My head barely turned but shit.... It hurt.

"Do not disrespect your mother again. Not in front of me. She birthed you and raised you."

I blinked as my pulse hammered in my ears.

I licked my lip, tasting copper. Blood. Figures. The first time he raised his hand on me.

"She birthed me. But it wasn't love—it was duty. Let's not dress it up."

His hand twitched, but he didn't strike again. Shame.

"You're spiralling," he muttered. "I won't let you get yourself in danger again."

I chuckled. "Spiraling?" I repeated, a sharp grin splitting my face. "You think I'm in danger? I am not Zayne. And I will not sit till I have Morozov's blood on my hand."

"You're reckless,"

"I'm efficient," I shot back. "I get things done."

"Not at the stake of your life!" he snapped.