Page 38 of Our Blood, Our Pain

“Step-nephew. Not blood. Yes we know,” Dima says, rolling his eyes at me.

“Anyway, D and I have decided to take on a new guard. After everything that’s happened, we’re more open to snakes than before so we need extra security. Our cousin, Ivan, will be joining us this weekend when he gets back from Europe,” Lev says.

“Ivan? Fuck I haven’t seen him in, what, it must be ten years since he was last here?”

“Yeah. We speak every now and then and he wants to put down some roots, so we said we needed extra guards, and his contract with the security team he works with has ended, so he’s coming home,” Dima says.

“What’s gonna happen with rooms? We’re full out back, unless you want me to move out?”

“Nah, Ivan can stay in one of the spare rooms here for now. We’ve also contacted an architect in New York. It’s time we expanded, so we’re planning to build on the land at the side of the house. There’s enough acreage for you all to have a single story home each,” Lev says.

“You kidding me? Wow. That’d be amazing.”

“Its gonna be a fucking nightmare. Can’t deal with shit like this, so we’re letting Ivan oversee the actual work after we’ve had the designs drawn up,” Lev says.

“You’re such a caveman, Lev. You’d be happy with just a shed,” Dima says.

“Yeah, I would. I don’t give a shit about the spoils like you. Such a materialistic princess.”

“Shut the fuck up, brother. Does any princess you know look and act like me?”

“I only know you. And you and Seb are princesses who like nice things from nice places. Fucking snobs.”

“I ain’t no snob! Nothing wrong in wanting a nice home.”

“If you say so, princess.”

“I’m gonna fuck you up,” Dima says, rising to his feet.

“You’re such a drama queen. You know I’d beat your ass.”

“You’re really pushing it, Lev.”

Just as I think war is about to break out, the door opens and in walks Seb.

“D, I need you if you’re done here?” Seb asks.

“Aww has it been longer than an hour since D bred you, Seb? Missing him already?” Lev jokes and I can’t help but chuckle. Dima however, doesn’t find it funny, judging by the downright murderous scowl he turns towards Lev.

“Fuck off, Lev. Aaron’s looking for you and he doesn’t look too great,” Seb says.

“Where is he?”

“Gone back to your room. I told him to go lie down. I think he had a flashback or something, I found him in the gym with his headphones on.”

“Fuck,” Lev says before stomping off in a hurry. After Aaron was taken, we found out from Lev that he uses his headphones and music to help him when he goes through an episode of flashbacks or when his mind gets too full. While he seems perky, I suspect these attacks will happen from time to time, no matter what Lev does.

“D, my bike won’t start and I need a ride to work. Can you take me?”

“I’ve got a meeting with Carlos, but Jules will take you,” Dima says to Seb.

“Jules, can you stay at the bar with Seb until I get there? Should only be a couple of hours.”

“No problem. You ready, Seb?”

“Yep. Let’s go.”

25

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