Page 21 of Scarred (Russian Sinners 2)

“First and foremost, I want to make sure you and your mother are safe,” his tone was strong and confident. “I will have to go back to the U.S. as soon as I drop you off at my home. Then I intend to have my team dig through every single transaction he’s conducted in the last fifteen years. The plan is to first hit him where it hurts the most… his money. Once he is vulnerable and can’t hide behind his money and protection, we’ll take him down.”

His jaw clenched at the end of that statement, anger evident on his face. It made me wonder again what Nikolai’s history was with Malcome. It was obvious there was something that went down between the two, something very bad.

He caught me observing him and a deep sigh left his lips. “Just know this, Olivia... you are under my protection till we finish him off. And I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you.”

With his earlier pledge to me repeated, I couldn’t help but like him a little bit more. Regardless of his history with Malcome, whatever it may be, I was grateful to him for getting me out of his dirty grasp. It seemed surreal that I was further away from Malcome Schmidt with each second that passed by. Selfishly, I wished I could see his face when he realized I was gone. Even my father’s face would be priceless to see right now. But then immediate worry for my mother followed.

Oliver was home and he’ll ensure nothing happens to Mom, I reassured myself.

“So tell me something about your niece.” I decided if we’d have an almost eight-hour drive, I might as well learn something about what I should do with his niece in his house. “What should I expect? What does she like to do?”

I babysat in my teenage years but usually it was three, four hours max while parents went out to dinner. I didn’t even know how old his niece was.

“How old is she anyhow?” I added.

“She’s six. Her mother was my sister. She died two years ago,” he replied and I detected carefully reined in rage in his voice at the mention of his sister.

“I’m sorry,” I offered my sorrow. It must have been hard for him to lose a part of his family. “Was she ill?”

“No.” Surprised at his curt answer, my eyes snapped to him. I hadn’t seen him like this. It told me that the wound was still fresh.

I was careful not to upset him more with my questions. It wasn’t my intent to hurt him more.

“Who watches your niece now?” I asked in a low voice, deciding to focus on the facts.

“I have staff at home and tutors that tend to her every day. But she needs a woman's touch. My work takes me away from her too often and for longer periods.” I noticed he didn’t mention a father. “I need to spend more time with her. That is my goal, as soon as certain things in my businesses are handled.”

I went to open my mouth but deciding it was not my place, I immediately shut it. But it was too late though, because Nikolai noticed it. This man truly noticed everything.

“What were you going to say?” he asked.

I gave him a side glance, his eyes never wavered from the road as he zoomed down the highway towards St. Petersburg quicker than the posted speed limit. During our visit to Europe over the summer, we decided people in Europe and Russia drove like maniacs. Nikolai just confirmed that theory. There was no other word or justification for it.

“It is none of my business,” I replied softly.

“Maybe,” he told me. “But I’m asking you anyhow.”

“I was going to say there will more than likely always be something pressing going on, and before you know it, your niece will be all grown up.”

Seconds ticked by as if he was evaluating my words. “You are right. But with this, I cannot risk it. It is for all of our safety that I take care of it.”

Wondering what that meant, I debated asking for more information. But I had a feeling he wouldn’t divulge anything further about it. Instead, I focused on his niece and finding out as much as I could about her.

“I don’t remember you telling me her name.” Her name would probably be important to know.

“It is Natasha,” he commented. “Although, we’ve always called her Tasha.”

“Tasha,” I murmured. “I like that. So what are your expectations? Because I haven’t babysat since high school and it was only for two-three hours tops.”

He didn’t seem concerned. “Like I said, she needs a young woman’s touch and probably some structure since she should be going to school soon. Currently, she is homeschooled by private tutors.”

“Scarlett, my friend, is a school teacher and always says that the social aspect for children is more important than the education.” I didn’t pretend to understand it but she was right. Social aspects and formed friendships help you get through hard times. Education and career would not be enough for most people. Although I didn’t confide in Scarlett and Anastasia about the things I endured, it helped having them there for me regardless. Their love, their friendship, and moral support.

“She’s probably right,” was all he said in a solemn tone.

“Aren’t you worried about leaving your niece with a stranger? After all, we just met.”

He chuckled. “No, I’m not. There are plenty of guards and I know how to find you.”

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