He chuckled, leaning back in the chair. “Hawk, certainly you don’t think I’d harm my sister?”
“I’ve learned not to assume anything about anyone.” He didn’t need to know I wasn’t aware of his presence or that I hadn’t known who she was with. After my behavior at the restaurant, I didn’t need to give him a reason to report to his father that I couldn’t keep her safe. But it was true I couldn’t decide if he would use his sister if he meant getting what he wanted.
“I love my sister, my friend. And it’s nice to see you do, too.”
A mix between a laugh and a cough erupted from my throat. “Well, my word is important, and I promised to protect her life with mine.”
That fucking grin of his was about to set me off.
“She is a remarkable woman. I imagine any man not related to her would find it difficult not to fall for her.”
“Why did you come, Petrov?” I asked with a heavy sigh.
He sat up again and smacked his hand on the table, still grinning. “I wanted to check on my sister. We haven’t heard much from her since she left. When I asked Klara and she said the same, I figured I’d pop in. And I’m glad I did. Trouble in paradise?”
“What?”Who the fuck is he to ask me that?“There’s no trouble. She probably hasn’t reported back much because we’ve been busy, if you must know.”Don’t ask questions you don’t wanna know, asshole.
“Hmm. Curious. She was crying when we arrived. She thinks I do not know, but I’m her big brother. I know.”
Crying. Fuck. “Not sure about that but I’ll ask her. She was enjoying a cup of coffee when I headed out this morning.” I leaned in closer. “After I fucked her all night.”
Petrov chuckled. “Thank you for that. Good to know you’re getting along well. Especially since you didn’t consummate the marriage right away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Hawk, please. I’ve had my share of virgins. Your little smear of blood can’t fool me. But don’t worry,” he said with a wide smile. “You seemed to fool my father.”
I only did that for her, so I wasn’t confirming or denying anything. I wouldn’t lie to the man’s face, though.
He tipped his head. “How can we fix this, my friend?”
“Petrov–”
“Niko. Please.”
“Look, this is my club, my clubhouse, and Kat’s mine now, too. I wouldn’t show up unannounced to your restaurant, much less your home.”
“I understand. You’re right.”
“You’ve overstepped plenty of times, but this was nothing short of disrespectful. You didn’t even try to speak to me at my own club,” I said, pressing my finger to the table on each of the last few words.
“You’re right. Very disrespectful. I apologize, Hawk.” He put his hand to his heart. “Can you forgive me?”
“Don’t fuck with me,Petrov.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re very distrusting.”
“Yes. I am.”
“Hawk, I apologize I dropped in. I apologize for not waiting to speak to you. Like I said, I was just missing my sister and worried since her friend was, and I took her for a drink because she looked like she could use a breather. But I will respect your authority here, and I hope you accept my apology.”
I stared for a few beats, then drew in a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. “We go way back, Niko.” I finally tossed him one. “And Kat’s only spoken highly of you. If you agree to respect my role and my club from now on, we’ll put this behind us.” I stood, putting my hand out. He stood as well and took my hand. I pulled him closer and gripped his shoulder while the other hand had a firm grip on his. “But just know, I’m being cordial for her and for the history our families have. I won’t be as forgiving the next time you barge in here.”
“Any other man who spoke to me that way would be dead in less than twelve hours.” His smile slowly stretched. “But you’re not just any man, Hawk. I can’t think of anyone else I’d want my sister to be with. Let’s go have a drink on it, shall we?”
I had to give it to Petrov. He was a smooth talker. We left the room and headed down the hall.
When I opened the door to the bar and saw Kat sitting on a stool, smiling and talking to Klara and Ma, my muscles relaxed. I went straight to her, but simply kissed her head before taking my normal seat.
