Page 28 of Slipping into the Dark Side

Tatianna stepped up to him, whispering in a hiss. “Papa, what are you doing here? It’s so late.”

Nevsky gripped her arm and spoke low, “This is highly inappropriate and dishonorable of a woman your age. Get your belongings; you’re coming home.”

Yakov reached for her. “Mr. Nevsky–”

Nevsky pulled Tatianna out of his reach. “Sir, I apologize, but this is my daughter, and it is terribly inappropriate of you to have her at your house this late.”

“My sister and her are friends.” Yakov turned to the servant and ordered, “Get Luerna. I assure you, Mr. Nevsky, there was nothing inappropriate going on.”

Nevsky held up a hand. “I’m sorry again, but my ill-gut feeling is hard to ignore. This isn’t a big deal, I just would like to bring Tatianna home.”

“Fedor has just fallen asleep, papa. I was about to get to my own room. What do you think of me? Just because of the women you chose to hang around with would go to bed with anyone–”

Nevsy slapped her hard, and it jerked her head, her hair falling in her face. “You will get in the car—”

A gun cocked, and all movements ceased.

Nevsky slowly shifted toward Yakov. The weapon was at his side, pointed at the ground, but the warning was enough. Yakov bit through clenched teeth, “Let go of her arm.”

Nevsky released her, keeping his back straight even as fear crept in. He kept his eyes on Yakov, flicking between his devilish blue eyes and the gun.

“You need him,” Tatianna quickly reminded, if only to save her father from Yakov’s impulsiveness. “It’s okay, I’ll go.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Yakov assured. “Your father has overstayed his welcome. And was just leaving.”

Nevsky hesitated, glancing between the two of them. “I’m not wrong, am I? You are going about it behind Fedor’s back, aren’t you? Or does he know and allow it?”

Yakov raised his arm. How was he to let Nevsky live now? If he gave away their secrets, it could ruin the potential of business. He needed Fedor and Nevsky to both be compliant with his plans.

Luerna and the servant returned. “Yakov?”

“It’s fine. Nevsky was just leaving.”

Nevsky stepped toward the door. But he whipped his head toward Tatianna. “I never knew you were capable of such depravity. I am more than disappointed. I am disgusted. You are not welcome at home any further–”

Yakov shot the ground at his feet, and Nevsky’s attention swiftly moved back to him. “That’s right. I’m your problem, so you better be looking at me. I want you to think long and hard, Nevsky, about the next step you wish to take. I assure you, being my enemy is not a pleasant place to be.”

Yakov took a step forward and then another until he was in Nevsky’s entire view, eclipsing the daughter behind him. He grabbed the man by the neck and pressed him against the wall as he put the pistol against his temple. The fear that it ignited brought Yakov the satisfaction he was looking for. “I’m gonna fuck your daughter tonight.”

The way Nevsky’s eyes widened only encouraged him.

“She is going to–”

But Tatianna’s soft whisper stopped him.

He clenched his teeth. “You owe her an apology.” Yakov yanked him off the wall and turned Nevsky to his daughter. He kicked his knee, forcing Nevsky to the ground, and pressed the gun to the back of his head. “Apologize.”

“I’m, I’m sorry.”

“Louder.”

“I’m sorry!”

Yakov grabbed a handful of Nevsky’s gray hair and tilted his head to whisper in his ear. “I will take everything you own. I will put your children into poverty where your sons die of starvation, and your daughters whore themselves for bread. I will leave you with nothing but that cheap suit. I think you are under the false assumption that I am not like my father.” Yakov tightened his hold, making Nevsky cry. “But he chose me because I’m fucking crazy.”

“Yes,” he panted, swallowing harshly. “Yes.”

“You’re only alive because of her. But if I find out that you’ve laid hands on her or looked at her wrong, you will know what it feels like to be an enemy of the Morozov line.” Yakov shoved him and stepped back. “Get out.”

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