“I need to go to the gym. You coming?”
“I can’t. I have to head down to the shop before the morning rush.”
I finish my coffee, then grab a quick shower to rinse last night and this morning off my body. Then, after I borrow some of Nicole’s gym attire, I head to the gym to get a workout in. I notice there’s a boxing class this morning, so I join it, hoping to relieve some of the built-up tension, thanks to Kane’s demands.
When I arrive at my brother’s place a couple of hours later, sweaty and a bit lighter from my workout, I find everyone in the playroom. Peyton is on the floor, reading the twins a book, while Damien colors at the kids’ table.
“Hey,” she says when she notices me standing in the doorway. “I was hoping you wouldn’t leave without at least saying goodbye.”
“It wasn’t my choice,” I tell her.
“What do you mean, it wasn’t your choice?” my brother barks from behind me. “Kane said you requested to have your stuff sent to his place.”
“He requested it, not me. You didn’t even bother to text me to confirm, so …” I shrug. “Anyway, it’s for the best. Now you can use the room when you undoubtedly knock up your wife again.” I chuckle, but even to my own ears, I sound petty.
God, when did I become this bitter, angry person?
“You know you’re welcome here anytime,” Peyton says with a frown. “And we’re done with three, so the room isn’t being used for anything.”
“It’s fine.” I wave her off. “I’m just going to make sure Daniil grabbed everything.”
I turn on my heel and make it a few steps before Dominick catches up.
“It’s not too late,” he says. “Say the word, and I’ll call the expansion off.”
“And set you back millions, possibly billions, of dollars while pissing off several bigwig investors? It’s fine. You and Matteo did a lot for me, growing up, so this is the least I can do.”
And it’s the truth. They might think they failed me because of what happened with Anthony and Andrey, but that was only one incident in a sea of hundreds.
When I messed up, Matteo would step in between Andrey and me, not allowing him to hurt me. When I wanted to join the cheerleading team, they helped me hide it from Andrey. When I wanted to go away to school, they went to bat for me.
We might not be close, but they’ve always had my back in their own way, making sure I was as safe as I could be. Now, it’s my turn to protect them.
“If you need anything, we’re here,” Dominick says as I step into my room.
It’s been cleaned out, only the queen bed and furniture left behind. I don’t have much stuff because I didn’t bring anything with me when I moved back here from Russia, and since I’ve been home, I’ve just been kind of coasting.
“It took an army of men to box up your clothes,” Dominick says dryly. “And I’m not sure you have enough shoes. I think he lost count after a hundred.”
I laugh softly, imagining the look of horror on Kane’s face when he sees all the clothes, shoes, and makeup I have.
I should move into his room just so I can take over his closet.
And with that thought, an idea forms.
Brielle
Change of plans. Put all my stuff in Kane’s master bedroom.
Daniil
You’re lucky I kind of like you.
Brielle
You mean, I’m lucky I pay you well.
Daniil
