“He’s my best friend. Of course I love him. But I love him like a brother.” I won’t lie about who Nik is to me, but Dominic needs to understand it’s platonic.
“He’s not your brother! No red-blooded man would see you as their sister!” He’s shaking with fury, but I preen at the compliment.
“Nik isn’t attracted to me!” I finally spit out the truth that’ll put this to rest.
“Katya!” Nik warns me with his tone.
“No, Nik. Let me tell him! He’s clearly irrational,” I reason with my best friend. I know his secret wasn’t safe with the Bratva, but I think the Syndicate will be different. I think Dominic will be different.
“No, Katya. You can’t. You swore.” His voice shifts to begging, and it breaks my heart.
“Tell me what?” Dominic demands. I look at Nik, begging with my eyes. “Say it!”
“Nik isn’t attracted to me because he’s gay!”
I hear Nik exhaling next to me and turn to face him.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper to him.
He just shakes his head.
“Is this true?” Dominic’s voice turns skeptical.
“Yes, sir.” Nik swallows, then continues. “I understand the consequences but know I would never betray Katya in any way nor let my sexuality ever get in the way of protecting her.”
It breaks my heart that he thinks he has to defend himself. So what if he likes men? What’s the big deal?
I search for Dominic’s gaze to plead with him to be understanding. To be accepting. But his eyes never find mine.
After what feels like an eternity, Dominic’s body releases its tension.
“This is wonderful!” He claps his hands together as a smile breaks across his face.
“What?” I’m dumbfounded. Surely, I couldn’t be married to a man so brainless.
“I don’t care that you’re gay. All I care about is her protection.” Dominic points at me as he says it.
I can’t comprehend the emotions his words evoke in me. I feel special. Someone worth being cared for. Someone precious.
I’ve been guarded my whole life by Viktor, but it was never with my best interest at heart. The way Dominic says it… it’s different with him. He cares.
“The same goes for me.” Nik interrupts my spiral. I smile at him, knowing he means it. I’ve never had to question Nik’s loyalty.
I walk over and give him a hug. He pulls me into his side and relaxes into me. After a moment, Dominic growls, and Nik pushes me away. Seems being gay isn’t quite enough to warrant touching me.What an idiot.
“Who are you loyal to?” Dominic’s question throws me off guard. But Nik seems to be expecting it.
“Katerina. Whether her last name is Sokolov or Montclair, she will always have my loyalty.” Nik’s voice is final.
I gasp and turn to him. Why wouldn’t he lie and tell Dominic he’s loyal to the Syndicate? What if Dominic sends him away?
But instead of being upset, Dominic’s grin widens.
“This is perfect. Thank you!” I don’t think I’ve ever heard my husband thank someone. It’s out of character for him to be this cheery and excited.
He walks to Nik and holds out his hand. Nik grasps it, then Dominic pulls him in for one of those back pats men do.
“You are the only one I trust with her. More than even my men. Because they are loyal to me, not her. And your priority is Katerina.” Dominic keeps his eyes level with Nik’s when he says it, and Nik nods.
