Harold opens the door and in walks Viktor. I approach with my hand out and shake his.
“My son-in-law. How’s married life treating you?” His grin is laid back. There’s no threat or concern in his words. It’s like he doesn’t even care about his daughter.
“We’re doing well. Katerina’s been,”perfect,“more than I expected.”
I keep my face neutral despite the smile threatening at the thought of my beautiful wife and just how unexpected she’s been.
But Viktor’s eyes darken. He doesn’t seem happy with my response.
“If she’s not behaving, I will talk to her. Sometimes she requires tough love for obedience. I can tame the wench.” The glint in his eyes has my hackles raising. I know something’s not right between them.
“That won’t be necessary.” I take a deep breath and unclench my fists before I’m tempted to meet his face with them. He called my wife a fuckingwench. That’s unacceptable.
But she’s his daughter. I probably just don’t understand a father-daughter relationship. But I just can’t picture Roman ever speaking of his daughters in such a way.
“Hmm,” he hums in acknowledgment.
I don’t like that he didn’t agree to leave her alone. I don’t want him anywhere near her. But he’s her father, so I won’t stand between them. I just don’t trust him. Not even with her.
“Let’s go into my office.” I lead us there.
When I open the door, the cat jumps out with a fierce battle cry. I sidestep, but it’s unnecessary. He’s not coming after me. He launches himself at Viktor viciously. He’s biting and scratching. My good boy.
“This mudak!” Viktor curses, trying to get free.
I guess when she calls me that it isn’t a compliment.I almost smile at my wife’s crude, Russian nickname for me when Viktor kicks the cat.
Vova shrieks and runs behind my legs.
“Don’t touch my cat,” I bark at Viktor. I’m oddly protective of the feline. I bend down and pick him up. He curls into my chest, but keeps his eyes pinned on Viktor.
Viktor sneers at him as he brushes off his suit.
“I’m relieved to be rid of that pest. Get it out of here!” Viktor marches intomyoffice after orderingmearound.
I pet the good boy behind his ears a few times until the hair on his back lays down, then I place him on the ground.
“Go find Katerina. She’ll take care of you,” I tell him softly, then stand.
I follow Stefan into my office and offer Viktor a drink. Unfortunately, he accepts, so I pour three glasses.
I offer his guard one, but he remains stationed outside the door, so I hand the third to Stefan.
“Let’s talk business, son,” Viktor says in a condescending tone.
“Dom will do,” I tell him through gritted teeth. I am not his son, no matter my relationship with his daughter.
“Alright. Dominic, I–” Viktor starts, but I cut him off.
“Dom,” I correct him sharply.
The only person who calls meDominicis my wife. I don’t think she even realizes it. I didn’t mean to introduce myself with my full name when we met, but I’m glad I did. Now the name is reserved for her.
“Dom,”he hisses out, “I wanted to meet in person as a sign of good faith. We’ve upheld our end perfectly. I’m glad this alliance has been mutually beneficial.”
“We’ve noticed your behavior, and we appreciate it.” I nod my head in agreement.
As we discuss trivial details, I notice Viktor become more tense. His eyes keep darting to the window as if he’s looking for something… or someone.
