Chapter 18
Nik
I’ve debated it for weeks. Stared at it for over an hour today. Still, the burner phone from my father feels radioactive in my hand. Every time I reach for it, something twists in my gut. I know once I press the call button, there’s no going back.
I tell myself it’s not about loyalty. Not about family. But that’s a lie. Isn’t Lina all of those things?
I power it on and call the only number saved: ‘V.’
Volk answers on the second ring.
“Nikolai.” His voice hasn’t changed. Still ice and gravel, like the sound of iron doors closing.
How the fuck does he always sound like a threat?
“Volkov,” I greet, my tone flat and clipped. “I need information. About something Rutledge is funding.”
There’s a pause on his end. The kind that doesn’t come from surprise, just calculation. Volk is my cousin, older by ten years. He’s also my father’s enforcer. His executioner. The sharp edge to the Russian family blade. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t speak unless it’s in threats or orders. So, when hedoesspeak, you listen.
“You’ve been quiet a long time,” he says at last. “Why now? You finally decide to remember where you come from?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I snap. “This isn’t about you, and it’s not about my father.”
He exhales a sound that might be amusement. Or disdain.With him, it’s hard to tell.
“Ah,” he drawls. “Personal, then. Always the sentimental one. You always were ruled by your emotions. Such a novice mistake. It makes you weak, Nikolai.”
“And you’re a fucking asshole,” I snap.
He chuckles. “No more so than you.”
That’s debatable.But, I let it go.Be the bigger man…
“There’s a property,” Volk continues, calmly. “Not officially listed. Operates under a shell charity called ‘Women’s Transitional Housing.’” He pauses. “The kind that doesn’t transition anyone, if you catch my meaning.”
I do. And my stomach turns, bile climbing up the back of my throat.
“Address?” I ask.
He instantly rattles off a number and street name and gives me a time.
Then, just to be a dick, he adds, “You gonna play hero now, Nikolai?”
I grind my teeth. “I’m planning to put a stop to it.”
“You always were soft. Thought you could build a life outside the family. Pretend blood doesn’t stain.”
“Better than bathing in it like you do.”
“You’re a disgrace. Your father deserves a better heir than you.”
“Like who? Someone likeyou?”
“You and I both know I would be the better choice. You’ve been out too long,” he warns, voice sharp now. “You’ve forgotten how this world works. If you go sniffing around, you better be ready. You don’t get to half ass this.”
“I’m not,” I snap. “I’min.”
“Doubtful. You’re not built for this life anymore.”
