Page 42 of Ruthless Lullaby

"Ponyal.I will do.”

As I hang up, I can't help but feel a surge of optimism. With Tramoxine showing such promise, maybe this shitstorm I've been weathering is finally about to clear.

I get up and pour myself a shot of vodka. It's the least I deserve after a week of hard work, and ending on such a high note. As I lift the glass to my mouth, ready to savor the moment, my mind drifts to the guilty indulgence I've developed: Mindy's nudes. I know I should delete them, rid myself of this forbidden temptation, but I can't fucking get myself to do it. They've become an obsession, my escape from the mundane reality of my life.

Each night, I pull up the images, zooming in on her body. I scrutinize every curve and crevice, imagining the taste of her skin and the feel of her clean-shaven pussy against my lips. And then, I give in to the primal urges and jerk off. And fuck me ifthose aren’t the best orgasms of my life. They’re more satisfying than ordering an escort girl and fucking her senseless. I’m not even interested in that anymore. But I crave the rush Mindy gives me, and I already can't wait to indulge in tonight's private ritual.

Except the day’s not over yet. My secretary's voice reminds me of that, crackling through the intercom, interrupting my thoughts.

"Mr. Korolev, your brother Maurice is here to see you. He says it's urgent."

Blyad.

Maurice again. What the fuck does he want from me after that childish temper tantrum he threw the other day? If he’s coming here to act like an idiot again, I’m fucking throwing him out the window.

I close my eyes and exhale slowly, feeling my newfound good mood evaporating. I didn't expect to see him again, especially not so soon. And I know well that the only reason he'd show his face here is that he needs something from me.

I down the vodka in one gulp and brace myself for whatever bullshit Maurice is about to drop on my lap. "Send him in," I growl into the intercom, steeling myself for what's sure to be another exasperating encounter with my wayward brother.

It takes less than a minute for my brother to waltz in, looking completely fucked up, like he's been run over by a truck. I shoot him a glare from my seat. The stench of booze radiates off him like he's been marinating in it. He hasn’t even opened his mouth, yet I’m already feeling impatient.

"The fuck you want, Maurice?" I bark, not even trying to hide my frustration. "You look like a steaming pile of shit. As usual."

Maurice fidgets like a little bitch, his hand raking through his ratty hair. "I'll get straight to the point, Maron. I need your help.”

I roll my eyes. "Oh, isn’t that a surprise? I thought you came to check in on my well-being."

He pleads with me, closing his eyes in desperation. "Maron, please. Let’s not do this. Not this time."

I put on a fake frown. "Do what? And what are you here for this time,bratok? Need help planting daisies in your garden? Oh wait, you don't have a house." I tap my chin in mock contemplation. "Maybe your car needs an oil change? Hold on, I recall you losing that in a poker game."

"Are you done?" He lets out a heavy sigh. “Just listen to me, please. It's about Mindy. You know, the girl I told you about."

Fuck.

That’s the last thing I want to talk to him about. Especially after what happened between Mindy and me the other night. And the offer I made her. The offer she still hasn’t accepted.

Maurice shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting around before meeting mine. "Look, I know I stormed off last time. That wasn't wise of me."

"Right. And?" I say, tapping my fingers on my desk.

"I... I've had some time to think, and I realized I screwed up. I'm sorry about that."

I lean back, crossing my arms. "Fine. You’re sorry. Now what?"

He swallows hard. "I still need your help, Maron. I really do."

"So, what does this have to do with your ex? What's her name again?" I say, playing dumb.

"Mindy. I want her back."

Double fuck.

I’m washed over by jealousy as my evening with Mindy floods my memory for once again. For the tenth fucking time today. Or more. What she was doing with Maurice for over two years is fucking beyond me.

"Chert Voz’mi,Maurice.” I cut him off harshly. "Get your shit together first, then start thinking about women." I scan him up and down, taking in his sloppy appearance. "A shower would be a good start. You stink, like a skunk’s ass. It doesn’t take a genius to see that you’re fucked up. What makes you think that your ex-girlfriend would want to take you back?"

He holds up his hands defensively. "Nah, nah, it's not like that! I fucked things up with Mindy, I know. But I’m determined to fix it and start rebuilding our life. All I need is a bit of your help from you to start with."

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