Page 52 of Cruel Russian Pakhan
Artyom lunged for us, but Zahkar and Yegor held him back, their arms locked around his shoulders as he fought like a man possessed.
“Get out!” Yegor barked. “Now, Lev! I’ll make sure the gate is open. Move!”
My arm tightened around Katya’s chest, as she trembled beneath me as she sobbed. I backed her out of the room, never taking my eyes off Artyom as he shouted promises of death in our direction.
“This isn't over, Safin. You'll fucking pay for this! And I'll get Katya back in this house one way or the other!”
The moment we hit the hallway, I grabbed her wrist and stormed toward the front door, throwing it open, and we made our way to the SUV.
The gate was already open as I shoved Katya into the vehicle, climbed in beside her and slammed the door. Only then did I holster my gun.
Rocco didn’t ask questions. He hit the gas and peeled out of the compound.
No one was taking her from me.
She was mine.
And I'd burn the world down to keep her, even if I burned with it.
Chapter 18 - Katya
I was livid!
As soon as Lev shoved me into the vehicle and holstered his gun, I tore into him. I didn’t care if Rocco heard. I didn’t care about anything anymore.
I glared at him. “Are you certifiably insane? How dare you put a gun to my head and then drag me away!”
Lev’s eyes blazed. “Did you not hear Artyom say he was going to marry you off? Do you think for one second that a man who wants you to have surgery so he could fulfill his need of sleeping with a virgin is going to treat you properly? He isn't going to put up with half the shit that I do, Katya! A lot of these Bratva men aren't like me!”
“And you’re going to marry Vera!” I snapped. “I’m sure we could’ve talked to him, but no, you felt the need to act like a caveman! There could be worse things than being married to a man who wants me to tighten my vagina, Lev. I could have a husband who kidnapped me! Or one who locked me up like I was a freaking prisoner! Or one who put a loaded gun to my head! Oh, that's right, I already have one of those!”
My voice darkened. “Lev, you ruined today for me. I was scared I’d say or do something wrong that would make them not like me. Never in a million years did I think you would be the reason they wouldn’t!”
“Artyom wanted me to kill you,” he growled.
“He’s angry! He respected his father. If you found out your father had an illegitimate child, I’m sure you’d be pissed, too. But he would’ve come around eventually!”
Tears streamed down my face, my voice cracking. “You knew how much this meant to me.” My voice dropped. “You’re just like him…Artyom. Pig-headed and controlling. As long as you get what you want, you don’t give a damn about anyone else. If they don't want anything to do with me after today, I'll never forgive you.”
The car stopped in Lev's compound, and I didn’t wait. I flung the door open, jumped out, and stormed to my room. My hands shook as I locked the door behind me—not that it mattered. Lev had a key.
I curled up in bed, wrapping my arms around a pillow, and cried, praying that after the stunt Lev pulled that my siblings still wanted to get to know me.
About an hour passed before I heard the door unlock. I faced the wall, refusing to look at him. I was still furious and didn’t want to see or speak to him.
His footsteps approached the bed, and the mattress sank beneath his weight. I hugged the pillow tighter, trying to make myself small.
“Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes,” he said quietly.
I said nothing.
“In case you forgot, Artyom may be your brother, but I’m still your husband.” His voice was strained as he continued, “He had no right to suggest you stay there without consulting me. And then disrespect me by saying he already had a husband for you? The least he could’ve done was wait for the damn annulment.”
I stayed silent. Lev was right. Legally, he was my husband. But in everything else, he was just a roommate. I didn't understand why he was fired up about me staying and gettingremarried when he and Artyom made a deal that included him marrying Vera.
I let the silence stretch out between us, determined not to speak to him.
I heard him blow out a breath, frustration clear. “Fine, then, stay here. Suit yourself.”
