Lev

  Igor went rigid. “I told you never to come back here.”

  Cora scoffed. “As if I would willingly. Get a clue, old man.” She smiled slyly. “I’m here for Lev.”

  Igor jerked his chin toward Lev. “Take him, then. We’re done.”

  I watched in amazement as Cora chuckled lightly. “Wow, you really are a tool.” She walked over to the leather lounge and sat. “You don’t want Lidiya. You’re just pissed that your golden child is gone. And I get that. I miss her too, but what you’re doing is disgusting.” She sat up straight and looked Igor dead in the eye. “You want to play hard, Papa?” She smiled a Mona Lisa smile. “Maybe you should check your safe spot; find your ledger.”

  Igor’s face went slack.

  Cora’s smile faded and was replaced with mock-concern. “Your search will probably be futile though.” She shook her head in uneasiness. “So many thieves out these days. It’s a shame, really.”

  Igor’s face paled as he whispered, “What have you done, Corinna?”

  Cora stood. “I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I’ve made four copies of that ledger.” She paused momentarily. “You can have the original back, but if you want to go ahead with this petty custody battle for a child you don’t want,” her voice lowered a notch, “I will air all your dirty laundry, all over. Every news network will know the ins and outs of Zakon.”

  Her father stepped forward and looked like he was ready to strike, but he stopped himself. “I’ll be killed.”

  She shrugged. “So you’ll be a martyr to the cause.”

  I wasn’t sure I was seeing right, but Igor’s forehead began to glisten with sweat as he choked out, “You’ll be killed.”

  Cora folded her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I thought about that already. See, if anything happens to me, I gave strict instructions to release a copy of the ledger to the FBI. The other three copies…” She looked so pleased with herself as she sighed, “Who knows where they’ll go?”

  Igor looked ready to roar.

  Cora leaned forward and stage-whispered, “By the way, does Mama know you were the one supplying Irina meth?” At her mother’s pained gasp, Cora turned to us, cringing. “Shit.” She spoke through the side of her mouth, “That’s awkward.”

  A thick silence enveloped us. We stood there, soaking in what Corinna Alkaev had just dealt her father, when finally, she clapped and stated, “Okay, so we’re leaving now, and you’re not going to see us again. Not ever. If you even try to look Lidi’s way, I will crush you like the fucking insect you are, you sad, bitter man.” Her harsh expression wavered a moment to reveal a deep sadness. “I loved you once.” She turned to her mother. “You need to leave him, Ma. He’s insane.” She warned her mom, “Get out while you still can.”

  Igor’s fists balled and he uttered through gritted teeth, “You disrespectful whore.”

  Cora ignored him, still looking at her mother. “Call me if you need me. I’ll support you in whatever you choose.” She smiled at the quiet older woman who now had tears in her eyes. “I love you, Mama. Always have. Always will.”

  She turned on her heel and motioned for us to leave. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  Cora walked us to our car and murmured, “Go. I’ll meet you at Nastasia’s.”

  Lev didn’t stop to ask questions.

  We got in the car and drove.

  Cora and Nas were waiting for us as we stepped out of the car. I held out my arms. “What the hell was that?”

  Nas turned to Cora and nudged her shoulder. “That’s what you call having game.”

  Lev approached cautiously. “Please tell me that was not a bluff.”

  Cora smiled at him. “No. Nas has a copy, and so does Sasha. My lawyer has one, and the last ledger is in a secret location.” She sighed. “Pappy will be royally fucked if he messes with you again.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Why are you helping me?”

  Cora looked down at the ground before speaking softly. “You said I was like family once. And families look after each other, have each other’s backs.” She paused. “I always felt more at home here than I ever did over there.”

  Then Lev did something odd.

  He stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Corinna, and hugged her. And this was no short hug. It lasted a full minute, at the very least. Cora slumped into him, reaching up and gripping his jacket tightly as she accepted the rare show of affection from a man who seldom gave it.

  And I stood by, smiling like a loon.

  He pulled back and cupped her cheek. “Thank you, Corinna. I’m in your debt.”

  But she shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything. I just want Lidiya to be happy, and she’s happy here.”

  That she was, the little munchkin.

  A thought crossed me. “Are we sure Igor will heed the warning? He’s so cocky. Doesn’t seem like the type to worry about a threat.”

  Cora’s brow rose. “Oh, he’ll listen.” She chuckled. “I emailed him back a copy of the documents just so he knows I’m not playing around.”

  “Whoa,” I stated in awe. “You’re a badass motherfucker, Cora.” I smiled in appreciation. “I like it. It’s a good look on you.”

  Nas cut in then, “Cora’s going to be staying here for a while, just until she gets back on her feet.”

  Cora blanched. “Unless you don’t want me to.”

  Lev replied sincerely, “Stay as long as you like. We have plenty of room.”

  Nas nudged Cora and whispered, “Ask him.”

  Cora’s brows bunched, and she shook her head discreetly.

  Nas rolled her eyes. “Just ask him.”

  “Ask me what?” Lev enquired.

  Cora shook her head, looking mildly embarrassed. “It’s not important.”

  Nas sighed loudly. “You realize she’s officially cut off now, right?” Lev nodded, but shrugged. Nas muttered uncomfortably, “She kind of needs a job, you know, to live.”

  Lev looked down at Cora. “Can you serve drinks?”

  “I don’t know. I never tried,” she replied.

  Ooh! Ooh!

  I raised my hand like a first-grader, not even bothering to mask my excitement. “I can teach her.” I looked to Cora with a smile. “I can teach you.” I shrugged. “If I can learn, so can you. And I was terrible when I started.”

  Nas tilted her head in thought, half-chuckling at the memory. “You really were.” At my indignant, “Hey!” she then turned to Cora and shrugged. “She really was.”

  Lev nodded. “Okay, it’s settled then. You’ll work at the club.”

  Cora’s shoulders slumped in relief and she let out a sincere, “Thank you.”

  Lev merely responded, “We’re family. We look after each other.”

  Oh, man, he was so getting laid tonight.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Mina

  Cora’s first night went off without a hitch. She was a natural, and thanks to the two of us being the same size, she was able to wear the Red Riding Hood outfit Birdie had bought for me. I told Birdie to put in another order for costumes in my size, but different to the ones I had. Birdie told me that it would take a couple of days, and that was okay. I didn’t mind sharing with Cora until then.

  When I went to tell her about the subtle flirting for tips, I noticed she’d already been doing it. When I thought to mention the house blend bottles full of iced-tea, Cora had already figured it out. And when I saw her lean over the bar to place a kiss on a big spender’s cheek, I was a little miffed. It was clear I wasn’t needed.

  The girls on stage were dancing out a routine to Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money”, and I was mesmerized. They swayed their hips delicately, their breasts hidden behind sparkling pasties, and their expressions were sultry. They really were beauties, our Diamond Dozen.

  Halfway through the night, I turned to find my brother sitting at the bar right in front of me, wearing a slight grin. I squeaked in surprise then threw myself over the bar to wrap my arms around him. I laughed i
n his ear, “How long were you watching me stare into space?”

  He hugged me back then kissed my cheek. “Only a minute.” He pulled back and began, “I need to t—” But he stopped midsentence, losing his focus when his gaze landed on Cora. His brow furrowed. “Who’s that?”

  I turned to blink at Cora then turned back to him. “Corinna Alkaev. She’s new. Started tonight. She’s a friend of the family.”

  But Alessio was lost to her, and I hid my grin. He shook his head lightly before starting again. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  I looked around the bar. There were a lot of people waiting, and with Nas, Cora, Anika and me all working our tails off, I grimaced. “Any chance you could wait five minutes, just until I help with this crowd?”

  Alessio smiled at me, and I could’ve sworn I saw pride there. “Take your time. It can wait.”

  He waited ten minute without batting a lash, and finally, when the intermission crowd slowed, I motioned to Nas that I was stepping out. She winked at me and I walked around the bar, linked my arm through Alessio’s, and made our way to the only free space in the club by the bathroom walls. “What’s up?”

  He hesitated, and when he started to talk, it was cautious. “So, you have to know that Enzo was loaded, right?”

  I thought about this then shrugged. “I didn’t know that, no.”

  What did that have to do with me?

  Alessio nodded. “He was. And I got his inheritance.”

  I looked up at him. “And so you should have.”

  He shook his head. “But I’m not his only kid. You’re his kid too. And I want to share it with you.”

  Oh. I understood. He felt an obligation to me.

  My heart swelled and I warmed with happiness. I smiled up at him, reaching up to cup his scarred cheek. “You’re sweet, Alessio, but no. I don’t want it.”

  He took my hand from his cheek and squeezed it. “Too late, Mina. It’s already in your bank account.”

  I pulled back, my brow furrowing. “What?”

  Alessio held onto my hand, refusing to let go. “I spoke to Lev last week. He agreed that you could use the money, and the freedom this kind of money brings. He wants you to be set, and so do I.” His grip on my hand gentled. “He was a shitty father, Mina. The money isn’t everything, but he owed us at least that much.”

  Okay. He wanted me to have the money. He was adamant about that.

  “How much money are we talking here?” I asked quietly.

  Motioning with his fingers, I brought my head close to his and he whispered the figure into my ear. My eyes widened and I pulled back with a gasp, shoving him in the chest. “Get out!” My mouth gaping, my head swam. “Oh, my God. Shut up!”

  And Alessio’s body shook with silent laughter. “Yeah.”

  My mind was a mess. That was more money than one person would ever need in a lifetime. I couldn’t think. I was a mess.

  Then suddenly, I blurt out, “What if I wanted to donate it to charity?”

  Alessio’s brows rose. He clearly wasn’t expecting that response. He thought a moment before answering, “It’s your money, Mina. You can do what you want with it. If you want to donate it, then go for it.”

  “Hey, Mina?” someone spoke from behind me. I turned to see Cora staring patiently up at Alessio, her eyes grazing over the scarred half of his face. She didn’t look at me when she spoke again, but remained fixed on the tall, brooding man. “Lev’s looking for you.”

  “Cora, this in my brother Alessio. Alessio, this is Cora, our new bar girl.”

  That broke Cora out of her state. Her brows rose and she smiled. “You have a brother?” Then suddenly, it was as if Alessio’s scars had disappeared and she only had eyes for the man behind them. She stepped forward and held her hand out. “You’re a lucky guy to have a sister like Mina,” she finished with a wink.

  Alessio stared down at the pocket-rocket that was Cora then slowly, carefully, he took her hand, shaking it lightly. “I know.”

  She bunched her nose adorably. “I’m sure you’re not so bad yourself though.”

  I added on a chuckle, “He’s not.” I smiled softly up at Alessio. “He’s kind of awesome.”

  Alessio released Cora’s hand and she placed that hand on his arm. “Would you like a drink? I can bring it over.”

  Oh my.

  Cora was giving all her attention to Alessio, and he looked as if he wasn’t sure how to handle it. He lowered his gaze and shook his head. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

  I was sure it had been a long time since Alessio got the kind of attention he used to, and from the way Cora was looking at him, he’d just gained an unlikely admirer.

  I didn’t want their one-sided conversation to end, so I did something I probably shouldn’t have. “Hey, Cora, you’ve done so well this evening. I don’t want to push you too hard. You’re off for the rest of the night.”

  Cora’s brow furrowed. “Oh, okay. So what do I do now?”

  “Sit. Have a drink. Enjoy the show,” I told her.

  “By myself?” she questioned, looking a little uncomfortable.

  “No,” I stated then blinked up innocently at my brother. “Hang out with Alessio.”

  They both went silent.

  I had made my move; it was time for them to connect four. Alessio spoke first, and he glared at me while doing it. “I should go.”

  I blew him a teasing kiss. But then Cora looked up at him with wide eyes. The regret she wore was genuine. “You need to go?”

  Alessio’s neck flushed. “I don’t need to go, but I should.”

  Cora looked mildly devastated, but she played it off coolly. “Oh, okay. Sure.” She laughed quietly, and uttered graciously, “You have better things to do than babysit.”

  Alessio looked down at her and blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion, and he asked slowly, “Unless…do you want me to stay?”

  Her shoulders slumped in relief and a real smile appeared. “Would you?”

  No hesitation. “Fuck yeah.”

  And that was how it was done, people.

  Cora beamed, stepping forward to link her arm through Alessio’s, and I watched them walk away to find a table.

  I watched them for the rest of the night, and when Nas questioned where the oompa loompa was, I pointed out to the floor, and we both spotted them laughing together, sitting thigh-to-thigh.

  Alessio turned his face to talk directly into Cora’s ear, but she turned to him at the same time. They stared into each other’s eyes a second before Cora closed hers and leaned forward a little. Her lips connected with Alessio’s, and after his moment of stunned disbelief, he closed his eyes and let it happen. They kissed so sweetly, so tamely, that my heart skipped a beat.

  Nas wore a look of shock, and I seconded that expression.

  Well, that was fast.

  Cora reached her hands up to cup Alessio’s cheeks, and Alessio pulled back as if he’d been electrically shocked. He lowered his face and said something before standing and leaving Cora sitting there on her own.

  She slumped into her chair and shook her head, looking miserable. Alessio was a proud man. She needed to give him time. His scars were a plague on him.

  I looked to Nas, and she returned my sad look. I hoped Alessio would give Cora a chance.

  After all, time healed all wounds. Or so they said.

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Nastasia

  I stood by the windowsill looking out at the moon, lost in thought. Dressed in the black and red kimono Vik had bought me, my gut clenched from nerves.

  It was time.

  I turned to where he lay on my bed, naked as the day he was born, and reached up to grasp the gold cross hanging around my neck—another gift from Vik— before I swallowed hard and spoke quietly, “Vik…honey…I need you to do something for me, okay? No questions. I just need you to do it.”

  His face turned up to look at me and he frowned. “For you, baby? Anything.”

  And he meant it too. br />
  Goddamn it.

  My lips quivered. I took in a deep breath before exhaling slowly. “I need you to go home.” The first of my tears fell and I inhaled brokenly. “I need you to go home and not come back here, okay?” My chin dipped and my arms tightened around myself. “It needs to be you. You have to leave. Because I’ll keep doing this.” I averted my eyes when I looked up again. “Because I’ll keep loving you, and I can’t do it anymore.” I swallowed hard, swiping at the tears on my cheeks, and tried to pull off calm. “So you need to go.” When he made no move to leave, my face crumbled and I begged through a whisper, “Please.”

  There it was, out in the open, and I was shocked by how shitty it felt. There was no relief, no weight off my shoulders. If anything, the weight had tripled.

  I was losing myself.

  He blinked at me a long moment before he sat up. “What are you talking about, baby?” He held his arms out and my heart cried out to be wrapped up in them. “Come back to bed,” he uttered.

  I shook my head. “No.” My voice was rougher than I wanted it to be.

  I walked over to the bed, sitting with my thigh grazing his. I looked him in the eye and uttered the words I dreaded to say. “Tell me you love you, Vik.” My hand shot out to grip his and I almost pled, “Just tell me you love me.”

  His thumb grazed mine for a long moment before he muttered, “What’s this all about?”

  At my silence, he asked, “For real, baby? You gonna let me go? Just like that?” His brow furrowed in confusion.

  I understood the confusion. I’d never done this before. I wasn’t a drama queen, and I never demanded anything from Viktor Nikulin.

  He was my heart and soul, and I loved him with everything I had, but I was officially worn out by our non-relationship. I wanted more. I needed more.

  It was all or nothing.

  My face impassive, I stated, “I can’t do this anymore, Vik. I can’t be the woman you call at three a.m. for a nightly booty call. I deserve better, like a man who isn’t afraid of loving a woman.” I shook my head. “I don’t understand you. One minute, you’re hot, and the next, you’re cold.” My voice shook. “I’m almost thirty years old. I can’t wait forever.”