Page 84 of Lord of Vice

He walked further into the kitchen, pulling a glass from the cabinet and grabbing out the container of juice I’d selected. “He likes you in case you didn’t know that.”

“Remington or your big brother?”

He kept his boyish grin as he poured his drink. “Well, both, but I was speaking of big bro.”

“How can you tell?’

“Because he never brings anyone here. No friends. I can’t remember the last time he allowed one of his soldiers here. As he told me. You’re special.”

I felt flustered by him telling me that. “I’m not special, Vissarian. I just fell into his life and because of that, he’s treated me like a queen.” That was really the truth. Sure, he’d taken me almost as his hostage, but I certainly had a better understanding of why.

“Nothing happens without a reason. Maybe you two were meant to be together.”

“I know he had someone before, the loss something he was barely able to tolerate.”

He moved closer, shrugging like any kid would do. “Whether or not he’ll tell you this, I know he really wants a big family. I could see him with six kids, owning a huge camper that he’d take on vacations. Maybe even more than one dog.” He crouched down, cocking his head as he pet Remington.

Meanwhile, I almost spit out my juice. “Six kids. Well, not with me.”

“He would tell you never say never.”

“Oh, trust me,” I said, laughing. “Your brother loves you.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s not his fault I’m a shithead.” He smiled. “Anyway, I felt I owed you an apology. I’m an asshole but I shouldn’t have taken my frustrations out on you.”

“It’s okay. It’s been a tough period for all of us.” I watched as Remington jumped up on Vissarian, offering his approval.

“He’s a cutie pie. If you need me to babysit, just let me know.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I know you saved my brother’s life and I’m guessing the lifestyle isn’t one you’re used to.”

“What gave me away, the sheepish look or the fact I overreacted last night?”

Everything about the young man was beguiling when he smiled, much like the way his older brother could light up a room by just walking into it. I had a feeling Vissarian would be a force to be reckoned with as he got older.

“You speak your mind. That’s rare in our world. It’s especially rare with Kraven. He doesn’t like backtalk.”

“Apparently not. But I’ve always had sass.”

“Which is why he needs you. You’ll be good together, like the yin and yang kind of thing.”

“Don’t go putting us into a relationship. We just met each other.”

He lifted a single eyebrow. “You ever hear that karma gives you what you need, not what you want?”

“Never heard that one.”

“It’s a thing. Look it up. You were brought into each other’s lives for a reason. As my mother would say, don’t fuck it up.”

“I would have liked your mother.”

Vissarian had a wistful look in his eyes. “I think she’d give her stamp of approval with you as well.” He swallowed the rest of his juice before backing away, placing the glass in the sink before walking out. I had to admit to myself, there was something pretty dynamic about the Sokolov brothers.

But only one of them was the man for me. Great. Now I was picking out a wedding dress in my mind. Not a chance.

I had a sense that I hadn’t been privy to another conversation between the two men, but the moment allowed me to see Kraven through yet someone else’s eyes. It was as cathartic as the previous day had been, maybe even a little bit more. I was thrown by how many emotions I had, although I only hoped they weren’t trauma driven.

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