Page 28 of Kneeling for Daddy
We all know what happens when there’s suspicion of weakness at the top. They’ll come for Alek. They’ll come for the bargaining chip that ties him to us.
My little pet.
The mere thought of Brighton Beach’s restless dogs circling with so much as a thought of putting their hands on Ani makes me want to strike first.
“Then maybe it’s time we remind the Armenians down in Brighton who the fuck we are”—I can’t believe I’m going to say this—“And that Alek is one of The Kings.”
The bed is cold when I reach across it, my fingers brushing empty sheets. “Nik?” I call into the silence of our apartment, only for my question to go unanswered. As I open my eyes and allow them to adjust to the early morning sun, my gaze catches on the crisp, folded slip of paper on the nightstand.
Rolling across my pillow, I stretch for it and flip it open. His handwriting is sharp and neat, every line deliberate.
Ani,
I had to take care of last night’s problem. I’ll be back before lunch. You can visit with Madison or Eavan, but don’t leave the building.
Be my good little pet.
– N
PS: Don’t skip breakfast. And no, coffee isn’t breakfast.
Staring at it longer than I should, the corners of my mouth tugging upward as I reread it. I can practically hear his voice—barking commands to hide the fact that he’s tender. It’s like he doesn’t know how to be soft without incorporating something tough. I toss the note aside before I think too much about it. My phone busses as I’m about to slide from bed. “Jesus,” I mutter to myself as I reach for it. “I’m still being good. I haven’t even pulled myself out of bed yet.”
When I swipe it open, I’m surprised to find a message from Madison.
I’ll be down in an hour. Since the boys are busy, I made plans.
Madison is prompt, and I’ve barely finished getting ready when she knocks at the front door. My appropriate outfit selection has hidden most of the evidence of last night, but it took a little longer than expected to cover over the bruise Nik left on my neck.
Waiting at the door, Madison has a huge smile plastered across her mischievous face. “We’re going out,” she states matter-of-factly, looping her arm through mine.
I glance at the security camera in the hall and swallow down my hesitation. “Nik said?—”
“These boys are all so bossy,” Madison cuts me off with an over-exaggerated eye roll. “You need breakfast and girl time. That means nails and coffee.”
The thought of slipping past his invisible leash makes my stomach twist—equal parts dread and thrill—and I stand on the threshold.
Madison tsks her insistence. “I won’t take no for an answer from you, too. Besides”—she gestures to the linebacker of a man waiting in the elevator with a wink—“with this big oaf following me everywhere, it’s perfectly safe.”
I know she’s right. It’s perfectly safe. Still, when we walk through the lobby and slide into the black SUV waiting at the curb, adrenaline sparks through me, knowing I’m disobeying him.
The nail salon is sleek and glowing, glass chandeliers casting soft light over velvet chairs. Lavender drifts in the air as the manicurist shapes my nails. I sink into the chair, exhaling the tension I didn’t realize I’d been carrying.
Madison smirks at me from the next chair over. “So… You and Nik, huh?”
“What about me and Nik?”
“Oh, please.” She waves her now-manicured hand. “You’re glowing like a woman who’s been properly ruined. And regularly.”
Heat scorches my cheeks. “I am not.”
“You are,” she says playfully, grinning with confidence. “Don’t waste your breath denying it. I know the signs.”
“The signs?”
“I’m just saying you look happy.” Her tone softens as she smiles at me warmly. “Nik is a great guy. He has been nothing but loving to both me and Eavan. Well, except that brief period where he wanted my head on a stake. But that’s water under the bridge?—”
“I’m sorry? What?”
