And all because of a peace treaty.
Who would’ve thought?
Chapter 31
Dominic
There were pain relievers and a huge electrolyte drink on the nightstand when I got out of the shower. I don’t even like the red drinks, but I drank it with a smile because she brought them for me.
At least we know my wife isn’t trying to kill me. I thought it might be a possibility after our morning activity. Death by running. But she left out these to help me.
When I walk to my office, the door is ajar. I’m furious and ready to fire someone, until I step inside. Until I see who, or rather what, is inside.
Vova is sitting on my desk with a mischievous grin. Since when can cats open doors? What the fuck?
I look around the room for any shoes that could get pissed in since he’s done it with every pair I leave out. He doesn’t do it to Katerina’s, so I know he’s purposefully targeting me. It’s unacceptable to have such disobedience towards me in my own home. But Katerina won’t let me get rid of it, so I just endure silently. Well silently except when I bitch to her about it.
When I don’t see any shoes, I take a deep breath. I approach my desk slowly, apprehensively. I don’t want this day to get worse by having a cat attack me.
But he just looks at me cockily.
This little bastard did something in here. I’m certain of it.
I continue to survey my office, but nothing seems to be amiss. I finally take my seat, but only after patting it down for piss. I’m pleasantly surprised when there isn’t any.
After only a few minutes, there’s a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I mindlessly say.
Stefan walks in, then smiles at the cat. He pets the damn creature behind his ears, and the motherfucking traitor purrs for him.
“You’re such a sweet boy, Vova,” Stefan coos at the fucking cat. And the cat preens. What a bastard. I’m the one who’s giving him such a lavish lifestyle! Why doesn’t he like me!
“What do you want?” I spit out at Stefan.
“I wanted to remind you that Viktor will be here in half an hour.” Stefan’s smile drops as he steps away from the cat.
“Fuck. I forgot.” This day just went from bad to terrible. Viktor is the last person I want to see.
“You need to have this meeting. It should be a quick one. Just a post-treaty check in,” Stefan reminds me.
“I know,” I grumble.
“Does Katerina know he’s coming?” Stefan asks after a moment.
I search his eyes for a deeper meaning. Why is he asking about my wife?
“Why would she know?” I’m skeptical of Stefan now.
“Because she may want to see her father?” Stefan gives me a confused look, probably trying to decipher my irritation.
“Oh.” He’s right. I should tell her. But something in me doesn’t want to. We’ve gotten into a good rhythm, and I don’t want Viktor messing that up. I don’t want his presence to remind her that this all started because of a treaty.
My watch pings that Viktor’s arriving early.
“Let’s go,” I tell Stefan as we walk to the front door.
I take a deep breath and put on my stoic mask. I can’t let it crack. And I know I won’t. Viktor doesn’t have the power over me that his daughter does. She’s the only one who can evoke my true feelings.
