Page 18 of Cashmere Ruin

I cover Nugget’s ears. “It’s okay, baby. Daddy’s gonna be okay.”

I say it for her benefit as much as mine. Whatever our differences, whatever our problems…

Please, Matvey, don’t get hurt.

I know the universe hears me. I know, because in the next second, Matvey’s voice rises in a howl of pain.

“MATVEY!”

I dart out from behind the desk.

Matvey’s sprawled on the floor, back against the wall, hand covering his shoulder. Blood is gushing out rapidly, staining his shirt and darkening his suit jacket.

Carmine stands by the door, one arm equally bloodied. “It appears we’re tied.”

“We’re not. My men have the area surrounded. Yuri and Grisha are already on their way.”

“Yuri?!” Carmine cackles. “After all he’s done, you still trust him?”

“He’s still my brother,” Matvey grits. “He’s still my blood. And I would never betray my blood.”

“… I see,” Carmine comments. “‘Never’ is a bold word, Matik.”

“Never,” he snarls in defiance.

Then he raises his gun and shoots again.

But Carmine is already at the door, easily taking cover against the outer cabin wall. The bullet lodges between the boards. Matvey swallows another cry of pain.

I put down the baby and rush to check the wound. “Keep still,” I order. I almost don’t hear Carmine’s parting words.

“I look forward to playing with you again,” he yells from the door, “…son.”

Then he flees into the night.

7

APRIL

My hand stops midair. “‘Son’?”

Matvey doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t need to say anything. One look at his face tells me all I need to know.

Carmine is Matvey’s father.

“Matvey!” Yuri storms in, followed by a panting Grisha. “Are you hurt?!” Then he sees the blood. His face pales. “Motya…”

He makes to move closer, but Matvey stops him with a glare. “He’s still nearby,” he growls. “Go, both of you.”

“But Matvey…!”

“I saidgo!”

“He’s fine,” I add, taking pity on Yuri. “It’s just a flesh wound. I’ll patch him up.”

“You will do no such thing.”

“Yes, I will.”

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