Page 110 of Under Control

Anton clears his throat. “I’m still back here,” he mutters.

“Thank you, I’m aware.” I ignore him and let Karine lean against my shoulder. She keeps me centered in a way I’ve never experienced. Normally, in the moments before a battle, I’m a wreck of overflowing energy, but suddenly it’s like a rough ocean’s gone totally flat.

I feel centered and in charge.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I took Karine as my wife because I wanted to save face when Oleg’s daughter ran out on me, and because I thought I could use her to get closer to her family. It was always about business with her.

Until something changed.

Maybe it was gradual, or maybe it was all at once. I don’t even know for sure. But I find myself obsessing about her constantly, and the only times I feel like I’m truly at peace are the moments when she’s touching me.

Those are the times when I know without a doubt that she’s safe.

Time drags on. Anton makes small talk and Karine indulges him. Normally, I’d tell him to shut the fuck up, but I guess she’sbringing the best out in me. An hour passes and I’m looking at the clock like it can’t be right, but there’s no message from Arsen, and the restaurant is still quiet.

“I’m going in there,” I announce and draw my gun.

“Absolutely not.” Karine shoves it down and glares at me. “You know the plan.”

“Something’s gone wrong. It’s been too long.”

“He said it wouldn’t be right away. He told us to wait.”

“We waited. Now I’m done waiting.” I gently push her back. “You stay here and don’t move until I’m back.”

“Hold on.” She looks at Anton for help, but he only shrugs. What can he do? I am thepakhan, and my word is law. If I say we’re going in, then we’re going in.

Karine tries to hold onto my arm, but that’s barely a nuisance. I push the door open, and I’m about to step out onto the sidewalk, when the front door of the restaurant opens.

Arsen and another young man come storming out.

I hesitate but slip back into the car and quietly close the door.

“That must be his brother,” Karine says, staring at the pair. They’re talking quietly and it looks like they’re having an argument.

Arsen gently pushes Tigran and points down the street. Tigran glares back and shakes his head. It’s obvious that Arsen’s trying to get his brother to leave, but his brother’s being stubborn.

“Now it makes sense,” Karine says, almost whispering like they might overhear. “This is why he didn’t call us in earlier.”

“Because he’s having a fight with his brother?” Anton asks.

“No, because he wanted to get his brother out of danger first, and his brother’s being a stubborn asshole.” Karine leans forward, watching intently. “Come on, Tigran, go home.”

I watch her, unable to peel my eyes away. It’s the intensity of her face, like her entire body is bubbling out and totally engaged in what’s happening. She’s beautiful, and the street lamp light makes her hair almost glow. It strikes me hard, how deeply in love with this girl I am.

The drama on the sidewalk finally ends with Tigran storming off. Arsen watches his brother go, his expression hard, before turning in our direction.

He nods once and disappears back inside.

“Tell the men to get ready,” I say to Anton.

And the text arrives moments later.

It’s time.

Chapter 42

Valentin

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