Page 2 of My Hunger, Your Soul

When I left here, I was certain of my choice, but when I look back, that was the naivety of youth. The restlessness led me to travel in search of satiating my dark heart's wants and desires. The lust for blood and control, to live a free and wild life where I could be who I was. The joke is on me as I found most of the time, acting the part of a normal person in society was fucking exhausting, even in the dodgy underworld dealings that I dabbled in on my journey. So, I’ve come full circle and returned to the calling of home with my cousins. Here I can be myself, and I can't fucking wait.

The car comes to a stop outside a large gate that protects a contemporary mansion that reeks of money, and it's a breathtaking sight. Just as the driver opens his window to press the intercom, the gate opens and we proceed up the driveway. I haven’t been here before, and I can't wait to get inside and see what the boys have done. They’ve achieved a lot in the last ten years, and I’m eager to start.

I pay the driver and get out of the car, moving around to the trunk to collect my suitcase. Just as the Uber leaves, the grand black door to the house opens, and Dima walks out—still as scowly as ever.

“You’re early,” Dima says as I approach him at the doorway. There is a slight smile that he tries to hold as he stares those icy blues like his father’s on me.

“Thought I’d take an earlier flight. Looking good, cousin. Nice to see you finally fill out your clothes,” I say, grinning. The old banter returns naturally, even though ten years separated the last time we were face to face.

“Fuck off, Ivan. At least my muscles aren’t jacked up with steroids.”

“Don’t be jealous. You know I’m all natural. But, I’ll take the compliment.”

Dima smiles and shakes his head from side to side. Already questioning why the hell they’ve allowed me to come back.

“Come on fuckhead. Let’s get caught up,” he says, gesturing with a nod of his head to follow him inside.

I let out a low whistle as I follow him into the lavish hallway. Everything is black and white and marble—masculine details with a shitload of no expense spared. I gaze up at the modern chandelier that takes up most of the room and look back at Dima, who is watching me and probably waiting for some childish comment.

“You’ve done good, Dima. You and Lev. Who would’ve thought ten years ago this is where you'd end up.”

“Yeah, we’ve done alright. Worked fucking hard for it. It would’ve been better if you’d stayed around to enjoy it with us.”

“You know I had to leave. I was getting restless.”

“And now?”

“Still fucking restless.”

“You have too much fucking energy. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you busy.”

Dima turns, and I follow him down the long corridor to his office and follow him in, taking a seat in front of his over the top ‘I have money’ desk.

“Not very tactful with the money spending, are you?” I say as I make myself comfortable in the stupidly comfortable leather chair.

“Why would I be? Flaunting what we have sends a message that we’re good at what we do. Besides, who doesn’t like a piece of luxury?”

“Lev. Unless he’s changed his personality since I left, I’m surprised he lives here.”

“He still moans about it, but enjoys it.”

“Where is he?”

“On the way back from the club. We have a burlesque bar called Starlight, which I mainly run, and Lev heads up the strip club, Desire.”

“Nice. And do I get to meet your husband?”

“Soon. And I’m pre-warning you. No fucking flirting.”

“Ooh so it's like that. Never thought I’d see the day you would settle down. But you nearly killed me when you mentioned that Lev is in a relationship. That's some weird ass shit.”

“Yeah, but when you meet Aaron, you’ll see he's not your average guy. He’s as deranged as Lev.”

“And what about Jules?”

“He’s around. But stay away from his guy, too.”

“Wait, what? I thought he was straight. Have you turned the entire crew into dick-lovers?”

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