Page 5 of Bound to the Bratva
"You do your job the way you want to, and I'll stick to doing my job the way I want."
Vera smirks and giggles lightly, "Didn't realize I was getting under your skin, brother."
"You're like a parasite, Vera. You manage to get under everyone's skin."
Vera's lips curl into a sinister smirk, "Yeah, it's necessary for my own protection. You don't understand the difference in being a man versus a woman. You don't see what's right in front of you, and how if I act like a normal woman it's dangerous for me." This unsettles me greatly, making me wonder about the things she's experienced that I don't know about.
"You're a Volkolv, Vera. No one in their right mind will mess with you."
She whips her head around and locks her gaze with mine. "Do you think that being a Volkolv protects me? No, it puts an even bigger target on my back." Most people wouldn't be able to notice, but Vera's voice is trembling with anger, mixed with fear. I never realized how dangerous being the daughter of Ruslan Volkolv could be.
I decide it's best to change the subject, "So, why are you sneaking into my office? You need a break from some bullshit?"
Vera is the one who handles the board most of the time, keeping them happy while we still complete the tasks our father requests of us. For the most part, the two of us work together and he keeps his head out of our business, focusing on his other branches of income, and prevalent mafia issues.
"I'm here to give you a heads up. Father called me an hour ago and said he's in town." It's like my heart physically stops beating. Why is he here?
"He's in New York?" My mind races with all the possibilities for his sudden arrival.
She nods, her eyes focusing on one of the newer art pieces I added to my office. "Yes, he is. Without any warning in fact."
"Don't you think it's odd he's randomly showing up here?" A chill runs through me as I try to figure out the sudden reasoning behind his arrival.
"I do, and it's making me wonder what he wants. He never just shows up. He always gives us a week's notice, at least."
My father and I never had a great relationship, especially when I was growing up. He was much more present in Vera's life, but even then, she didn't have a great experience either.
I grit through clenched teeth, "That isn't like him. What the fuck does he want? What sort of game is he playing now?"
Vera shrugs and gets up from the chair, walking around my office, running the pads of her fingers along every surface. "All he told me was family business. I was hoping you'd have some idea,"
I don't. I don't have the slightest clue. I wasn't expecting him for at least a few more days. He tends to fly in right before Christmas to spend a day with us, then returns back to Moscow shortly thereafter.
I shake my head, "I don't have any clue. He usually gives us both a heads up, so this strikes me as odd."
Vera stops all of a sudden and looks right at me. "Do you think he's come all this way to get your help?"
I furrow my brows, not understanding what she's trying to say.
"Does he really think you'd help coerce or convince me that a marriage is the best choice?"
Ah, now I get it. My father could easily be using me as a pawn. She's twenty-six and it's well past time most Russian women have their husbands chosen for them. Her arranged marriage is overdue, two years overdue. It wouldn't surprise me at all if our father is using me to push his agenda. Although, the thought of him springing this on me does make my blood boil.
"It's possible. Do you know when he's coming?"
Vera shakes her head, "No, only that he'd be in town today. I suspect he's already landed."
"Okay, then leave for the day. Go do something fun and when he ultimately reaches out to me I'll handle it and let you know what the reason is."
She raises both her brows, shaking her head in protest. "You're serious? You want me to leave for the day?"
"If I didn't, I wouldn't have said it to you."
"Okay, I'll see you later. Let me know what happens." Vera heads for the door of my office and stops, turning back to look at me. "Thank you, Maxim."
I chuckle lightly. "Don't thank me yet, I don't even know what's going on."
Vera leaves my office and shuts the door behind her. I spend the next couple of hours going through the plethora of emails I have, responding to them, and making sure all of my t's are crossed and my i's are dotted. By the time I'm finished, it's around lunch so I take the first break of my day.
