Page 24 of Ruthless Lullaby

Kevin senses my hesitation. "Listen, Mindy. We've known each other for how long?"

I scratch my head. "Five years? Or more?"

"That’s right. And you know, I would never put you in danger. You'll have our security guys watching you, and I'll be there too. You’ll sing, pocket your share of the cash, and we’re both happy. What do you say?"

I take a deep breath, weighing my options. The responsible part of me screams caution. The desperate part - the part thinking about my mom - is already reaching for this lifeline.

Fifty thousand dollars. For one single night. Maybe those esoteric woo-woo people are right, after all. The Universe has a way of helping when it’s needed the most. With fifty grand,I’m just about five thousand short to pay for my mom's cancer treatment. And the rest can come out of my savings.

"I'll do it," I say before I could change my mind. "I trust you, Kevin."

Kevin leans against the counter, smiling. "Then, you’ve got yourself a deal, young lady."

I’m lost for words.

“Thank you, Kevin,” is all I say. A wave of relief washes over me. “I won’t let you down. You have no idea how much this means to me right now."

He grins widely and we shake hands. "There’s my girl. I'll text you the coordinates later." He pats me on the back enthusiastically. "Happy to have you back, hun. Just like old times, huh?"

I smile, nodding in agreement. "Exactly like old times, Kev." I glance at the time. "I better go and get ready for tonight."

Chapter Eleven

Maron

"So, Elena just run off, huh boss?" Pavel asks furrowing his brows. He slumps down on the chair and stares at me. "Why the fuck would she do that?"

I stretch myself and suppress a yawn. "Found herself another guy, apparently."

I slept in my office on the couch, which I do sometimes when things get busy and I'm simply not in the mood to go home.Like last night.

But last night, I didn't bother with the usual website to order a girl for a casual fuck. The days I brought random women into my office, fucked them on the couch, and dismissed them with a wad of cash, are gone. It's been a while since I've indulged in that kind of pleasure. Life has been too chaotic and demanding, and somehow, fucking random chicks hasn't crossed my mind in some time.

The problem is, ever since I stumbled upon my head accountant's unexpected nudes, my libido has gone through the roof, raging like a fucking beast. Speaking of my head accountant, Mindy has been away from the office since Friday. I can't help but wonder if there's a connection between her absence and those photos.

I'll find out.

I shrug nonchalantly. "I’m done with Elena anyway," I tell Pavel. "If she wants to be with her new boyfriend, so be it. Suits me fine."

Pavel shakes his head in disapproval. "Still, this is highly disrespectful to you and the entire Bratva. For an arranged bride to simply run off with some side piece..."

"Her loss," I interject coolly. "Elena was nothing more than a means to an end - solidifying ties with the Kubikovs through marriage. I barely knew the woman. Only met her a few times and none of those times did she move anything in me. And it was pretty clear that she felt the same about me."

Pavel lets out a scoff and looks away. "You and I both know that a leader without a spouse or children is seen as vulnerable. It makes people question your ability to lead us."

"You know well why I don't want children, Pavel," I growl. "I've lost a kid once. Never again."

He nods, his eyes flickering with understanding. "I know, boss. But you can't keep living in the past, grieving over Cordelia. She was a special kid, sure. But we both know that the Bratva doesn't give a fuck about your losses. A childless leader? To them, that means you're weak and a perfect target. Fucking wolves like Leonid Shrikov are constantly sniffing for opportunities to make moves against our territory."

I clench my jaw. "I know that, Pavel. You don't need to give me a fucking lecture."

"Listen to me, boss," he persists. "Cordelia will always hold a place in your heart and I get that. But you gotta move on. Find yourself a good woman. Fuck her senseless and put some babies in her. They'll love you and you'll love them. They'll help youforget about your loss. And it'll only strengthen your position in the Bratva."

I lean back, steepled fingers pressed against my lips as I consider his words. As much as Elena's abrupt departure means little to me personally, Pavel isn't wrong about the optics.

"I'm not as stupid as you think I am, Pavel. I know I’ll need an heir sooner or later. But right now, this is the last thing on my mind. I have a lot going on."

"Like what?" he asks.

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