Page 14 of Niko's Printsessa

“Prick. What do you suggest we do?”

Foko speaks. “We’ll just have to wait until he strikes again.”

My anger gets the best of me. “What a great idea! Let’s wait until he puts a bullet in her head or kidnaps her. What the actual fuck!”

Andrei’s tone is calm, “That’s why she’s with you.”

I grunt my response.

“How is she?”

I hesitate a beat and he notices. “Niko,” he warns.

“She’s a holy terror!”

Foko laughs, “All’s fair in love and war.”

“War. There’s only war.”

Andrei orders, “Explain.”

“She tried to run as soon as we got here.”

“And how did you handle it?”

“I disciplined her.”

Sergei coughs a laugh, “Did you spank Becca?”

Andrei interrupts, “Ino, Foko, get out!”

There’s shuffling and the sound of the door closing.

“Okay, it’s just us, Niko. Explain.”

“You said to do anything necessary to keep her safe, and words weren’t working, so I punished her.”

Andrei’s response is not what I expected. “Good.”

“Good?”

“Whatever you have to do to keep her safe.”

Sergei says, “I have so many questions, but this isn’t some random chick. It’s Becca, my cousin. With you, my other cousin.”

I don’t know what he’s implying. “Becca and I aren’t related you fucker.”

“Duh, you idiot. I’ve tried to push you guys towards each other for years.”

“Whatever.”

“I don’t want details, but I have to know. Did you guys finally do the nasty?”

“That is none of your fucking business.”

“That says it all.”

I don’t want them thinking my feelings will put her in harm’s way. “I won’t let anything interfere in my protecting her. Iwillkeep her safe.”

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