Page 85 of Doc

“I do not care about his employment status,” Cristian replies. “He could quit tomorrow and it’d be no issue. He is more important to us than a simple job.”

My heart flutters a little at Cristian’s words. Doc shifts beside me and wraps an arm around my waist, as if solidifying the words the Boss just uttered.

David openly studies the way Doc holds me, before meeting my eyes and smiling. “You really need to learn Russian,” he signs. I roll my eyes at the age-old argument, and it only makes my cousin grin wider. “Nico said you were seeing the doctor, but I wasn’t sure, since last I heard you weren’t looking for anything.”

“I wasn’t,” I reply in English. “But sometimes it just happens.” Before he gets a chance to respond, I say, “Do not tell the trips a damned thing, David.”

He laughs. “They already know, but sure, if that’s what you want.”

Before I think better of it, I switch to Russian Sign Language, so I don’t out my cousinorbest friend. “I didn’t think you were speaking to Nico?”

My cousin makes a face and looks away, shifting from foot to foot before replaying in the same language. “We’re not… Or, at least, not anything meaningful.”

“Glad to know my life isn’t meaningful.”

David looks at me again, but he doesn’t respond further, as if there are things he wants to say but can’t with our audience, despite the switch of language.

“Leave it alone, Sory,” he signs. “Maybe we can have lunch soon, but…just pretend I didn’t say anything.”

“I will. For now.”

“As fascinating as this all is,” Tennant says. “Was there something you needed, Mr. Petrov?”

David looks to the Second in Command and smirks in amusement. “I was just checking up on my cousin. Surely you can understand that, Mr. Mason?”

Tennant gives David a bland stare before turning to his Boss. “Perhaps we should ask if the young Petrov would like to sit with us. That way he can be content in the knowledge that Soren is well taken care of.”

Cristian seems to consider his suggestion for a long moment before nodding. “Yes, I think that’d be a great idea. I particularly want to hear why Nikolai is here in place of Ivan. I was looking forward to catching up with him.”

David gives an apologetic look. “My father was called away at the last minute. I did not know my uncle would be taking his place. Otherwise, I would have warned you, Soren.”

“It’s fine,” I lie.

The look I get from everyone in our group calls bullshit, but luckily, no one says anything.

“I think we all need a drink,” Cristian says. “Are you staying, Mr. Petrov?”

“David, please. Do not put me in my father’s place before my time. And yes, I would love to join you.”

“I’ll go. James?” Tennant looks to the bodyguard. “Accompany me?”

“Yes, sir.” James checks in with me and Doc, but we wave him off, and he follows his boss to the bar.

“Shall we sit?” Cristian gestures to the table.

“Before we do,” David says, a sly grin on his lips. “I am not sure I’m familiar with everyone in your party.”

“My mistake.” Cristian gestures to me. “I’ll let your cousin go first.”

“This is Doc.” I set my hand over his for a moment as it rests against my side. “He’s my boss, my partner, and whatever else you want to call it,” I say, knowing I don’t have to elaborate.

While I may have been scandalized knowing the trips somehow figured out my…sexual preferences, David and I are close enough in age that we discovered our sexual identitiestogether. Plus, I needed someone to help sneak into BDSM clubs with me before I was of age.

David steps forward and, for a moment, I don’t think Joel is going to let him get close, even though we just agreed to sit together, but he moves to the side, closer to Roman. My cousin takes it all in his stride, and I know he doesn’t blame anyone’s precaution. Not when his own guards are hovering over his shoulder, watchful and waiting.

If anyone here understands what it means to be next in line to a Family, it’s David. Though, from what I hear, he and Roman go about their positions in life very differently.

“David Petrov,” he says as he shakes Doc’s hand. “I look forward to getting to know you better. Provided you take good care of my cousin.”

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