Page 82 of Deceitful Vows

When I refused to eat until someone told me where my mother went, Mikhail’s meals were served to the dogs guarding the prison-like mansion we were forced to call home.

When I begged for one of my numerous brothers to take my spot at the top of the pyramid, Mikhail was pushed further and further down the ladder of importance.

He was treated like shit so I would grow up years before I was close to being an adult. I refuse to do the same now that I am one.

The remembrance sees me offering a rare lenience. “She will know the truth soon.” When he attempts to interrupt me, I talk faster and with authority. “As will you. But not until I am ready, and not until I am sure you are both protected from any possible downfall it could inflict.”

There’s no dishonesty in my tone. No deceit. So Mikhail shockingly accepts my word. “All right.” He wets his lips like he’s preparing for them to be split before saying, “But I want to stay close until then. I want to make sure with my own two eyes that she’s okay.”

“I won’t let anything happen to her.”

“I know,” he instantly replies, easing my rapidly surging fury. “But still, I want to stay nearby.”

My first thought is fuck no, that I have enough issues to deal with without adding my little brother cozying up to the woman who will be mine no matter what, but there’s a gleam in his eyes I can’t misplace. It is the same glint that formed in them every time he found me in my hiding spot when we were kids.

We sat in my closet some years for hours on end. We didn’t speak or play with the hundreds of toys our grandfather bribed us with. We mused over a possible life outside those walls.

It proves he’s looking at Zoya now as more of a sister than a prospective bed companion, and that alone eases my hesitation.

“All right,” I parrot.

Mikhail looks as shocked as I feel.

This isnothow I envisioned our next meetup going.

“But not here. Not in this building.”

It drove me insane with jealousy when Konstantine announced Mikhail had kicked out the men Daniil had placed in the apartments bordering Zoya’s so he could lay down roots.

Just knowing he was under the same roof as Zoya longer than me last night had my arrogance at an all-time high.

“I’ll organize you another apartment?—”

“I can find somewhere else to stay. You don’t need to go out of your way to accommodate me.” For the first time ever, he gives me a bit of leeway on the numerous tasks I undertake each day. “I’m sure you’ve got enough on your plate.”

I huff like his dart didn’t hit the board before putting on my shoes and tying the laces.

Once I’m ready to go, I commence climbing down the emergency fire exit stairwell. “Give her some space. She’ll forgive you when she’s ready, not because you try to force her to. She’s stubborn as fuck.” I could leave it there, but I’ll have to kill someone to maintain my reputation if Mikhail were to see my smile. “And buy some fucking underwear. You’re meant to garnish their appetite with a sneak peek of what is about to come, not bring out all three courses a second after they sit down.”

Mikhail’s laugh is still ringing in my ears when I slide into the back door of one of the many maintenance vans siding Zoya’s building.

With the amount of coin KADOK Industries has been throwing into this side of Myasnikov, a late-night inspection from a building supervisor was an easy cover. I just had to keep Zoya’s moans to a minimum.

That wasn’t easy, and the remembrance tightens the front of my pants.

I try to downplay it, though. The last thing I need is for my crew to think I am weak. We’re putting in steps for the biggest coup of the century. I can’t lose their faith now.

“Anything?”

Konstantine peers up from a laptop he is rarely without. He takes in my crumpled shirt and trousers before slowly shaking his head. “Not a peep.”

I sigh, relieved. I took a risk coming here last night. My grandfather is in town, which means the top-tiered members of the federation are only steps behind him, but it had been too long since I’d heard Zoya moan my name and had her heat wrapped around my cock. I couldn’t set aside my needs for a second longer.

I ticked off the first half of my wish list within minutes of arriving at her apartment. The latter will have to wait. I want Zoya floppy with sexual exhaustion, not alcohol. Last night, part of our exchange swayed toward the latter.

As I slot into the driver’s seat of the van, I say, “Keep ears close to the ground. If news of my visit to this part of town circulates, I’ll have Kolya organize a press release.”

My father’s pledge last election was more affordable housing for his less wealthy constituents. His promise got him elected, so it is only right his favorite son helps him uphold his pledge.

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