Page 94 of The Pakhan

“So you’re thinking political.”

“Maybe.”

“Then I think I’ll accept the job interview from the other firm who courted me at the party.”

Nodding, I lifted my glass. “I think that’s a good idea.”

“Who knows what I’ll find.”

He cocked his head, studying me intently. I caught his look and laughed.

“What am I doing with her, Aleks?”

“Because of her age, her connection with your daughters?”

“Yes, she’s basically half my age. We shouldn’t have anything in common and I’m no good for her.”

“For what reason, Vadim?”

“I can’t believe you’re asking me that. You know my background better than anyone outside my family. I was indoctrinated into my father’s regime at twelve. I killed my first man at fifteen. I lost my virginity on my eighteenth birthday to a woman I didn’t know because that’s the birthday present my father had received at his age.”

Aleks half smirked. “And you think that makes you a bad man?”

“I don’t think it puts me up for hero of the year, for fuck’s sake. She’s young and innocent, completely unused to this life.”

“Don’t kid yourself, Vadim. Her father is a snake in the grass, his venom not only poisonous but vile. Whereas you are very straightforward in your requirements and how you handle your businesses, that man hides behind slick attire and charity events while destroying anyone who stands in his way. Caroline isn’t a stupid woman. Quite the contrary. She’s also not as innocent as you believe her to be. Give her the benefit of the doubt that she knows what she’s getting into.”

“Yeah, I don’t know.”

“You’re finding any and every excuse as normal.”

“What excuse?”

“To push people out of your life, refusing to care. Everything in your life, every decision made has been because you feel guilty about Tonja and how she died. How Daniella’s parents died.”

“Don’t bring my wife’s name up to me! And don’t talk about Daniella’s parents either.” When I got this angry, it meant I was acknowledging the other person was spot on. I shook my head. “You really think I’m making excuses?”

“Yes, I do. I understand remorse and an aching heart. Grief is powerful. That makes you human. However, you’ve done your time, mentally and emotionally. No matter the circumstances, Tonja would never want you destroying yourself bit by bit. She’d want you happy again and in truth, so do your daughters. It’s past time for you to find someone special for your life. And given how well I do know you, I believe that’s already happened.”

I studied him for a few seconds before laughing.

“I guess we’ll see what happens.” When my phone rang, I bristled even though I was hoping for any additional information or good news. Seeing Daniella’s number didn’t bode well for my frustration level either. Both she and her sister had stormed out of my house after trying to make Caroline’s life miserable. I wouldn’t stand for it. “I need to take this call. And I’m going to be somewhat offline for the evening.”

He gave me a nod and took another sip of his drink before placing it on the credenza and heading toward my office door. “One piece of advice, my friend. Follow that cold, black heart of yours before it’s too late.”

“Isn’t that the point? I don’t have a heart?”

He was smirking as he walked out.

“Daniella,” I answered, instantly hearing an edge in my voice.

“Dad. I wanted to call and check on you. Did something happen?”

I gave my men explicit instructions not to say anything to my daughters at this point. “What was said and by whom?”

“No-nothing was said by anyone. I had a feeling.” She was never nervous around me, which meant she had conned the information out of someone.

“You and I both know different. I’m fine. Caroline was almost killed.”

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