Page 26 of Ruthless Lullaby

Whatever it is that he’s doing, it seems to be working, because I suddenly feel like speaking up. I clear my throat and start talking, without allowing my surfacing emotions to control me. "My mother isn’t getting better, Pavel. Every day, she keeps losing her grip on reality. She'll get up in the middle of the night, wandering around the house, looking for Cordelia. Or she'll sleep through the afternoon and then be wide awake at 3 AM, insisting it's time for breakfast." I squeeze my eyes shut briefly. "And she never fucking stops asking about Cordelia. Calling out for her all the fucking time, like she's forgotten she's dead."

"Blyad." Pavel says, "I'm sorry, boss. That fucking sucks."

I scoff. "It is what it is,bratok. You think you’re tough and prepared to face anything, but man…" I shake my head. "Never let yourself go demented like that. It will drive your entire family up the fucking wall and turn the people around you into nervouswrecks." I let out a harsh exhale, running a hand over my face roughly. "Fuck… you satisfied with my answer to your question about my mother?"

Pavel's hand lands on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. It’s strange to think how much the camaraderie we formed through Bratva wars and bloodshed is in contrast with him listening to me pouring my fucking heart out.

"I’m here for you, boss,” is all he says.

"You know I know," I nod, steadying my breath. "Enough family shit for now." I shoot him a sidelong glance. "Let's go hit that club and have a good time."

Chapter Twelve

Mindy

Just a few hours to go till my gig tonight.

I'm lying on the couch in the living room, wearing comfy loungewear and staring dumbly at the ceiling. I already prepared my outfit for my performance. All I need to do is apply some makeup, and I’ll be good to go. Right now, I’m just giving my body a short break, as I try to wrap my head around everything that happened these last few days.

As I lay here, I feel like my body is slowly drifting away from me. I can't help but wonder if it's possible for me to truly levitate and spend the rest of my life like that, far from the challenges of everyday life. The term ‘when it rains, it pours’ perfectly describes the fiasco the last few days have been. First, the photos, then Maurice, then my mom, and then, Alexis. And let’s not forget about the icing on the cake, getting fired from Global Media. Not bad for a few days’ work, huh?

But then again, the Universe has decided to come to my rescue. Maybe I am starting to believe in that kind of stuff. Either way, I just need to do well at Kevin’s gig, and my sorry ass is saved. At least for now. And of course, I’m going to do well tonight, right? Why wouldn’t I? I’ve done this before, and I’ve done it well. All I need to do is give the audience the best I got, and walk away with a fifty-thousand paycheck, and maybe some tips.

Fifty grand.

I haven’t even seen that much cash in one place.

It could be the easiest and biggest money I ever made.

You can do this, Mindy!

The sound of the lock turning startles me out of my thoughts, and soon I hear Betty's familiar footsteps approaching. She was away this weekend, so she hasn’t experienced anything from the shitstorm my life has turned into since Friday. Lucky girl. She stops at the door to the living room with her trademark grin on her face.

"Hey girl, what's up? I was searching for you at the office earlier, but you seemed to have vanished! I wanted to share some big news: Global Media just landed a contract with a major Hollywood film studio. Soon we'll be rubbing elbows with famous actors and celebrities..." Her eyes meet mine, and it dawns on me that I must still look like a ghost with my pale skin and tired eyes. "Oops, sorry for rambling. Are you alright, Mindy? Did you take a personal day?"

I look up from my daze. "I’m not with Global Media anymore, Bets. I got fired."

Betty's eyes widen in shock. "Fired? Who would fire the chief accountant?"

"Probably Maron Korolev, making it look like the head of human resources fired me," I say bitterly.

Betty's eyes widen like saucers. "What are you talking about? Mike fired you?"

“Well, he’s the one who sent the email,” I sigh. "I couldn't even get through the gate this morning. My swipe card was blocked."

Betty plops down next to me on the couch, her eyes wide with shock. "Are you serious? What the hell happened?"

I run a finger through my hair. "Well," I sigh and look at my bestie. "I accidentally sent some nudes to Maron Korolev. And a few more important people in the company."

Betty covers her mouth with her hands. "What?!"

I nod. "That’s the explanation."

Betty looks at me in disbelief. "You really need to bring me up to speed here, girl. You sent nudes of yourself to your boss? What nudes? Like photos? Tits, pussy, the whole package?"

I nod. "That. And a video."

"Are you kidding me?" Betty says with a wince, shaking her head in disbelief. "A video? With… with you on it?"

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