If Dima wanted to apologize, he could, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to.
When Kirill and Matvey turned expectantly to him, Dima narrowed his eyes. “It would be good for both of you to remember who you are speaking to. Maksim and I are your pahkans. From what I remember, the two of you never questioned Father’s authority. We expect the same treatment.”
Silence hung heavy in the air after Dima’s declaration. Finally, Kirill cleared his throat. “My apologies if we overstepped.”
Although it appeared to hurt Matvey, he replied, “Yes, I apologize.”
“As we move forward, we will remember your allegiance and your sons,” Dima said.
“We appreciate that,” Kirill replied.
With those words, Dima rose from his chair. “We look forward to seeing you at Mila’s engagement party next month.”
At the mention of being anywhere near the Kavanaughs, both their expressions soured. “Of course,” Kirill replied.
“We wouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate with all of our family,” Matvey said.
After shaking their hands, I nodded to the butler. “Please show our uncles out.”
Once we were alone, I headed straight to the liquor cabinet. “Fucking hell,” I muttered as I poured a tumbler full.
“They’re going to be trouble,” Dima mused as he joined me.
“Like pain in our ass or we end up p-putting them under?”
With a laugh, he replied, “It’s a toss up.”
“Great. I guess we’ll have to throw our psychotic cousins a bone to keep the peace.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Grinning, I held up my glass. “Thispahkanshit is for the b-birds.”
He grunted. “Don’t you dare think of ditching and leaving it all to me.”
“Never. We’re in this b-bullshit together.”
He clinked his glass with mine. “To us.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE MAKSIM
Once Sarah had gone to check on her parents, I texted Oleg and Vasily to come into the house. Since the door was wide open, they didn’t bother knocking. As they stepped into the archway of the living room, Vasily gave a low whistle. “Jesus, he obliterated this place.”
With a grimace, I replied, “Sadly, yes.”
Shaking his head, Oleg asked, “How the hell was it possible considering he looks like he barely weighs a hundred pounds?
“Probably drug-fueled,” Vasily replied.
“He needs to detox and get evaluated for the right meds,” I remarked.
Vasily nodded. “We’ll get him to the compound.”
I clapped him on the back. “Thank you.”
The two made their way over to Silas’s sleeping form. Although they were used to roughing up men, they delicately lifted Silas off the floor. “I’ll get him, and you get the car door,” Oleg said.
Nodding, Vasily eased Silas into Oleg’s arms. Immediately, Oleg’s face crumpled, and I could tell he was fighting his gag reflex. “It’s okay. I know he smells horrendous. Make sure they get him cleaned up as well.”
