Page 34 of Crimson Fury

“Had a good time today?” Anton asks Nikolai, his voice gentle but guarded. He’s always that way around me. Though I suspect he’s that way around most people. Probably more so around people he randomly fucks.

God, I’m such an idiot!

“Da, Papa,” Nikolai beams. “Miss Scarlett taught me cool things!”

“Did she now?” Anton says as he frowns around the room. There’s no sign of our usual puzzles or workbooks.

“I picked a lock!” Nikolai blurts.

Crap!

My heart skips a beat, wondering if Anton will be angry about the unconventional lessons. But instead, he crouches down next to his son, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“I see. Well, as long as you’re happy and learning, that’s what matters,” he says, squeezing Nikolai’s shoulder affectionately.

For real? I taught the kid a criminal skill and the guy thinks it’s okay? There’s definitely something different about this family’s background. Just like mine, I guess.

“Come on, Nikolai, let’s get you cleaned up for dinner,” Anton says. As they leave, my eyes follow Anton’s retreating form, and I wonder how much longer I can be around this man without self-combusting – or worse, developing feelings for the asshole. The thought makes me grit my teeth.

Don’t let your guard down!

But as Anton’s laughter echoes from inside the house, intertwining with Nikolai’s giggles, I can’t help but fear that it’s already too late.

Because despite our differences, I can’t deny our attraction. Yes we might be getting on each other’s nerves, but I can’t deny that I’m holding my breath every time he’s around. Nobody has affected me this way before.

And I fear it just may be my downfall.

Chapter 13

Anton

Night has fallen and I’m doing my best to clear my head of the events of the day. Events that have left me wondering.

Lock picking?

Scaling buildings?

What the hell kind of woman have I brought into our world?

A sudden ringing cuts through the silence of the room, snapping me out of my thoughts. I pick up the phone, glancing at its screen to see an unknown number. I feel my jaw clench.

“Da?”I answer, keeping my voice steady.

“Anton,” the voice on the other end replies, a familiar tone that makes me grit my teeth. “It’s Ivan.”

“How did you get this number?” I bark. I’d been sure this burner line would be secure.

“That’s not important,” Ivan says. “I’m calling to warn you.”

“Speak,” I say, my jaw clenched.

“Your past… it’s catching up to you. The Bratva isn’t happy you left. They’re coming for you.”

“Chert voz’mi!Is this why you called? I already knew this,mudak,” I say feeling my temper rise. He should know better. It’s why I’m on the run, after all.

“Listen,bratok,” he continues. “I heard talk among the men.”

My grip on the phone tightens. “What kind of talk?”

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