Page 75 of Viripotent

“Eat, we’ve got a flight in a few hours.”

I’m not under any illusion of a surprise honeymoon, it’s business or nothing with Vlad. But he hasn’t said anything about who we’re visiting. If they’re ballsy enough to freak him out, I’m fucked.

He stalks off, going to his office as I pick at the bowls of fruit and granola. I’m alone again. It shouldn’t bother me after spending most of my life alone. I’m an only child, but I like being in his presence and the huge kitchen just highlights that there’s no one here.It doesn’t matter where I go, I’ll always be alone, and I need that part of me to die.

Rushed little footsteps ring out until Viktor’s at my side and he kneels beside me on the seat, wrapping his arms around me. He’s the best kid, and Vartanov, so I wrap my arms around him, kissing his head. He’s excited, telling me all the things he’s done and how far he’s got on his languages.

“Guess what Nessa, Dima let me train with him and my dad for once and I made him tap. My dad had to help me, but he still done it.”

He falls silent as Vlad comes in followed by his brothers.

The usual scowl is missing from his features, and he stares at the luggage behind his uncle.

“Viktor.” The dickhead speaks, saying his name in a low warning that’s ignored. I don’t know what’s happening, but theusually bubbly child raises his voice for the first time, and it’s solely directed at Vlad.

“You said you wouldn’t go again.”

Hurt sticks to his small voice, making him appear younger when he’s usually mature.

Vitali limps to my other side, becoming part of the audience as Viktor faces off against his dad and uncle.

“Come on little man, we’ll go watch your program.”

Ignoring his dad, he perfects the deadly look and focuses it on Vlad.

“No, he’s a liar. He always says things he doesn’t mean, and it’s not fair.”

I tighten my arm around him when Vlad takes a step forward. I’ve already joined his side and let Vlad see I will kill him if he even attempts to hurt this little boy any more than he already has. Viktor doesn’t give a shit and his maturity shows in his anger.

“You lie all the time, you said the same about me going to school.” He turns to his dad and continues, “And you just let him, you’re both liars.”

Whatever has happened to piss him off is enough information for me to agree. There’s never been a bad word uttered from Viktor’s lips about his uncle, he’ll argue with Vitali until they’re both red in the face. But he adores Vlad and overlooks the bastard underneath.

Shuffling out of the breakfast nook, I keep Viktor at my side and walk with my spine straight, challenging any of these dumb fucks to try to stop me. He twists his head behind him to glare at the three of them and I ignore the eyes burning into the back of my head to guide him to the games room. Crouching down once we’re away from the other assholes, I hold his arms, trying to calm him.

“What’s wrong, rypka?”

Some of the anger leaves and he looks so much like Vlad with the anger coursing through his little body.

“It’s not fair, everyone is being different. Before they’d sit with me or play with me and they’re big, stupid liars. My dad said I was allowed to go to school when we moved but they don’t let me, and no one will sit with me now that Vlad’s going. Again.”

Dropping to my knees, I wrap my arms around the little boy who always seems mature. Keeping my voice soft, I stroke his head and promise, already forming my plan.

“I’m sure they’ll play with you again. It’s just been busy with moving.”

He shakes his head and hugs me back. There are no tears despite the sadness in his little voice.

“No, they won’t. I hate it here. I want Dima to be the guard again like the old house. Now it’s just Timo, and he said it’s because I’m annoying and a baby.”

Pulling back, I try to hide my own anger, and fail.

“You are not annoying or a baby.”

I’m going to fucking kill the guard who thought he had any right to try to fucking bully a kid, the stupid prick. Viktor’s bottom lip sticks out, and he shakes his head, not believing me. Straightening to my full height, I hold my hand out to him, ready to wage wars. He doesn’t lift his head fully and drags his feet as I walk him back into the kitchen.

All three Vartanovs stare at me with wide eyes, but they don’t deserve my attention. I make sure Viktor’s seated and push a plate in front of him as Valentin tries to get my attention to check up on his son. When he’s stood beside me, my hand moves automatically, taking his gun from his waistband and my heels click like gavels, declaring Timo’s death.

Two pairs of footsteps chase after me, but their rage is nothing compared to mine.

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