Page 12 of Viripotent

His pout is even more exaggerated as Valentin ramps up his tantrum and loses control of his tongue.

“You went too fucking far with that shit.”

We grew up with the same parents, but he’s forgotten what they’re like. He had a year longer with them than Vitali, so he has no fucking excuse. Ever since Viktor landed at the gym, he’s had this need to make me soften. Looking at him head-on as Vitali starts to drift, I keep my voice low not to disturb him.

“Would you prefer Len was allowed to speak? We both know he isn’t mute but only communicates with his hands.”

Before he can open his mouth without thinking again, I give my order, “Go sit with Inessa and make sure that cunt stays away from her. I don’t want Maximoff to hear that he’s already fucking grabbed her.”

His anger locks on to a new target, and I reassure him before he can leave.

“Viktor’s on my floor. He knows not to come down.”

He pats my shoulder in thanks before he leaves as I keep watch over the kid who isn’t mine.

It feels like I’m seventeen again as I pull a chair beside Vitali’s bed. All those nights, I’d check they were breathing inthe middle of the night, and it doesn’t change now as I stare at his chest slowly moving. His hair is matted, dirty with blood and whatever else they managed to put on him. I may not be their father, but I’ve raised three kids who aren’t mine from birth, changed their diapers, and fed them. I’ve done everything for them, and no fucker will take them out of this world.

He’s asleep, and I move silently, filling up a bowl with warm water and grabbing three washcloths to wipe the shit from his hair before he wakes up and bitches about it. He’s conceited and spends an obscene amount of money on every type of skincare or haircare product available, so he’ll be pissed about me only using water, but it’s better than leaving him dirty.

I’ve only got it off the front portion when his lashes flutter, and the morphine has fully taken hold, making him spew his hidden thoughts.

“I used to tell people you were my batya in Sankt Peterburg.” Stroking his hair back, I kiss his forehead, giving my own admission as I sit back down.

“You’re my kid brother, so still my kid.”

He can’t even keep his eyes open, but he doesn’t struggle to open his mouth.

“Ignore Val, he just imagines Vik in every situation, and I think it hurts with the whole Carly thing, you know.”

They’re both each other’s diaries, and I use the opportunity to get what I can. Crossing my ankles as I stretch out, getting comfortable, there’s no emotion in my voice.

“Did he love her?”

He taps his temple, and his words are delayed, making him look deranged.

“No, she fucked with his head. Said a little baby can’t live around us and that you’d probably kill him for crying in the middle of the night.”

The bitch deserves to die for a multitude of reasons, but blaming shit on me is low as fuck.

The devil doesn’t corrupt the young. There’s no challenge in it. Righteous do-gooders are the ones who prey on them. They want to save their souls by snatching the very essence of innocence away because they’re weak. The man who hides his sins is always more sinister than the one who wears them openly.

Vitali doesn’t offer any more, falling back into unconsciousness as I tap the edge of the armrest, soundlessly counting out what made me, what kept me, and what will sustain me.

I can’t force myself to leave until the last minute. Having the vultures here makes me wish I could fucking clone myself. Giving myself thirty seconds more, the door creaks but doesn’t open more than a crack, cutting my time short. It’s not Viktor. He knows not to leave until one of us tells him it’s clear. I’m expecting the worst of humanity to drag her body through the door, but it’s Inessa’s face that appears. Seeing that the patient is asleep, she gestures to the hall, fucking commanding me like I’m her junior.

Her need to feel powerful is going to cause her unnecessary pain, but she’s hellbent on it. I won’t repeat my earlier mistake, allowing Len’s predatory behavior to fuck with my head, and her fear comes back as I stand. It’s always muted. She’s not afraid of me but herself around me.I want to study her and find the exact reason that she can meet my eyes. It’s been my goal since I was thirteen, and I’ve never failed at it. Other than my brothers and nephew, every single person I come across is unable to hold direct eye contact.

Until Inessa.

I pull the door open fully, causing her to sway, but she doesn’t fall. Correcting her step, she walks with purpose andsends Dima a glare to leave. Nodding my head, he takes his leave, and Little Miss Bratva Princess comes out.

“You will come to an agreement with the Kadares and never involve any of the women who have not taken the oath.”

She’s strong and has a spine of steel. It will do her good once we’re divorced, and she has to put up with people’s comments.

Her tenacity is endearing. It almost has my respect growing, but it’s not earned. She was born with power and never worked for it, making her easy to crumble. Taking a step closer to test her spine, she moves back into the shadows. It’s intoxicating, and my lips curve up with twisted joy.The lack of fear is fake. She’s still looking into my eyes, though.

My words come out too low as I dip down so we’re eye to eye.

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