"Anna, what are you saying?" My anger flared as well. "My behavior toward Tatyana was purely courteous. I love you!"
"Courteous?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "That kind of intimate courtesy?"
"Enough!" I exploded. "What do you take me for? Some plaything you can push away and pull close at will? We've just established our relationship, and already you're doubting me, treating me like this?"
"I'm not treating you like a plaything!" she shouted back. "I simplyneed to sort through my emotions, to understand my place in your life!"
"Isn't your place in my life clear enough?" I roared. "How much have I sacrificed to protect you both? I brought you into my home, introduced you to everyone. Isn't that enough?"
"But you never told me about Tatyana!" Tears finally spilled down her cheeks. "You never mentioned having such an accomplished ex-girlfriend, never prepared me for what I'd be facing!"
Our argument grew louder and more heated, loud enough that even Sofia in the adjacent room might hear. But I'd lost all emotional control.
"I don't owe you a report of my past!" I said icily. "Just as you never told me about Sofia's existence either!"
The words escaped before I could stop them. Immediate regret flooded through me, but it was too late.
Anna's face drained of all color. She stared at me, eyes filled with disappointment and anguish.
"Fine," she said, voice trembling. "Very well."
Then she turned and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door with finality.
I stood in the bedroom, listening to water running in the bathroom, experiencing a defeat unlike any I'd known before.
I knew I'd spoken wrongly, but my pride prevented me from apologizing immediately.
Ultimately, I chose to leave. I slammed the master bedroom door hard, the sound like a wall being erected between us.
In my study, I lit a cigar. Through the curling smoke, I attempted to calm myself, but Anna's cold expression and disappointed gaze filled my mind.
Our first fight had erupted just like that.
At midnight, Ivan knocked and entered to deliver his report.
"Pakhan," he placed a file on my desk. "Those small-time threats against Miss Anna have all been eliminated. Director Black and the Salvatore family members retreated after receiving our warning."
"But?" I detected the qualifierin his tone.
"But the true mastermind remains at large," he frowned. "Slippery as an eel. Every time we close in, he vanishes. Our people have uncovered some leads, but he's cunning."
I fixed him with a cold stare. "Continue the hunt. When you find him, eliminate him directly. No need for prisoners."
"Understood." Ivan hesitated. "There's another matter, concerning Miss Romanova..."
I looked up at him.
"She approached Miss Anna at tonight's reception. Our surveillance confirmed they exited the restroom in sequence."
My heart sank. So Tatyana had indeed spoken with Anna.
"I need to know exactly what they discussed," I commanded. "Also, increase security for Anna and Sofia. I suspect our troubles are far from over."
Ivan nodded, then regarded me hesitantly. "Pakhan, you and Miss Anna..."
"It's nothing," I cut him off. "Simply a minor misunderstanding."
After Ivan departed, I wearily massaged my temples. Rising, I gazed out at the profound darkness, worry mounting in my chest.
