Page 25 of Dancing With Delusion

“Don’t pretend you’re not aware of my movements, Dmitry. I taught you everything you know, so I’d be disappointed if you weren’t having me followed.”

“Is there a reason for your extended visit?”

“You want to discuss business in front of an outsider?” he asks, arching a brow as he takes in Victoria.

“She’s not an outsider.” I kiss her on the head. “Go and rest, my krasota. I’ll come and find you when I’m done here.”

“Yes, you shouldn’t be here when Vivian arrives,” says my father, straightening his jacket.

I briefly close my eyes, feeling the way Victoria tenses beside me. “Vivian’s coming . . . again?”

“We’ll speak about it later,” I tell her, smiling in the hope it will ease her concerns.

“Of course, they’re in business together,” my father says, and I fix him with an angry glare. I hadn’t gotten around to breaking that news yet, and the fact he’s done it pisses me off further.

Victoria pulls away, looking at me for an explanation. “You’re working together?”

“Later, Victoria.”

“Now, Dmitry.”

“We talked about this, remember? There’s a place and a time.”

“And I choose that to be now,” she snaps, folding her arms over her chest in defiance.

There’s a light knock on the door and Vivian breezes in wearing shades big enough to cover half her face. She slips from her coat and hands it to Nik, who takes it but looks confused. “Vladimir,” she exclaims in delight, and I have no doubt her overfamiliarity is for Victoria’s benefit. “How lovely to see you again.” She takes his hand and kisses the back. “How are you?”

“All the better for seeing you, Vivian,” he says, and he genuinely looks happy to see her.

“Is there something I should know?” I ask as they stare at each other.

They break apart. “Dmitry,” she gushes, heading for me. Victoria steps in her way, and she comes to an abrupt stop.

“You can say hello from over there,” Victoria tells her coldly.

Vivian’s smile falters and she takes a few steps back. “New guard dog, Dmitry?” she asks, smirking.

I have Victoria around the waist before she can get to Vivian, but it doesn’t stop her trying. “Relax,” I order.

“I don’t know who she thinks she is, coming in here and?—”

“Tori, lollygag,” barks Marshall, and we all turn to the doorway, where he’s standing watching the scene unfold.

Victoria immediately stills, then she laughs and I feel the tension lift. Marshall arches a brow, and she goes towards him. “I said you couldn’t use it to save that bitch,” she tells him.

“And I told you not to restrict my safe word.”

I bristle at his words. They have a fucking safe word? Victoria has already closed the door, and now, I feel everyone’s eyes on me. “Seems she just needed a man who can control her,” Vivian says, sounding amused.

I clench my fists and fight the urge to march after the pair and ask what the fuck just happened. Instead, I force myself to take a seat because I can’t give my father any ammunition to use against me.

“Is there a reason you arranged a meeting without telling me?” I ask as they both take a seat opposite me.

“It seems you’ve made so many decisions without me just lately, and now, it has to stop,” my father mutters.

I bring my eyes to him. “The reason I make my own decisions is because this is my bratva here in London. I built it, I own it, and I run it. I don’t need to run it by you.”

“Is that right?” he asks, leaning back in his chair and smirking. “I raised you and set you on this path, and now, you want to cut me out like I don’t exist?”

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