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“Sit with us,” Aleksander adds, his expression a mixture of emotions. “Please.”
“We appreciate you bringing Kata,” Mikhail says. “Father hasn’t stopped asking for her.”
“She’s not my prisoner anymore,” I tell them. “She decided to come.”
At those words, the three brothers exchange looks. My brows furrow, not liking their expressions but also unable to pinpoint what’s bothering me.
“I heard several versions of the story,” I start, glancing at Igor. “I’d like to know what happened.”
“And then you tell us what you want in return for Kata,” Mikhail ventures.
“But surely you won’t dare to ask for the sky,” Aleksander interjects.
I chuckle softly. “I don’t think you’ve heard me. Kata’s not my prisoner. She stays with me because she wants to. She’ll marry me of her own free will.”
“You mean your willing prisoner,” Igor interjects. “Was she even allowed to refuse you?”
“At the beginning, no,” I admit. “But things have changed.”
“Let’s not speak of this,” Mikhail comments, and gives his older brother a piercing look. “Igor, sit down. Behave. This is on you to begin with.”
I take my eyes off Igor, his scowl becoming more pronounced. The fact that Mikhail commands Igor makes me respect him a bit more. There’s potential in this young Sokolov.
“Long story short, Igor came across Anastasiya again, argued with her, got the attention of the Gargarins, brought the heat to our home, and involved Father in a shootout,” Aleksander summarizes, confirming the second version of the events I’d heard.
Mikhail stands up. “If Kata marries you, you’ll be family. Surely that means something to you.”
“I guess that depends on how much I like the members of said family,” I respond.
I’m impressed by their bravery. Most would tremble before me, knowing I’d beat everyone within an inch of their lives, but the Sokolov brothers refuse to back down.
Igor keeps his gaze firmly fixed on the ground. For what it’s worth, he at least has shame about his behavior. He may not have inherited his father’s good sense, but at least he can recognize his mistakes.
“Please, Nikolai,” Aleksander pleads. “We need your help. The Gargarins are regrouping as we speak. We should plan our next move.”
I watch all three Sokolov boys before me, recognizing the passion and fierceness in their eyes. Then there’s a more somber thought that brings me closer to seeing the brothers as men.
“Why did you try to have me killed?” I demand. “I wasn’t hunting you down, I wasn’t targeting any of you.”
The air is stagnant, and there’s not a sound to be heard. It’s almost as if we’re in a vacuum, or maybe just outside of time, as I wait for an answer.
After an agonizing silence, the oldest brother opens his mouth. “Everyone knew Katarina was off limits. I’m sure you knew it too, and yet, you went after her. You asked for her.”
“Father wasn’t going to allow it,” Aleksander confirms.
“But that’s changed now because, as you said, she’s not your prisoner anymore,” Mikhail adds. “If she chooses you, then there’s nothing any of us can do. No one will dare to stand in her way. Not even Father.”
I allow myself to exhale. Katarina wouldn’t want her family to get hurt. She’d never forgive me if I just stood by while the Gargarins finished them off one by one.
“Okay,” I say at last. “I’ll help you.”
The three brothers exchange looks again, but this time I recognize relief on their faces.
“But,” I add, before they can form their own ideas about what my help would entail. “I don’t plan on waging war with them. We’ll do everything we can to resolve it. Those are my terms.”
“And it’ll make her happy,” Mikhail observes, his brown eyes piercing. “Which will make you happy.”
I shrug at that. He’s not entirely wrong. I’m no fool to pass up an opportunity to earn brownie points with my bride-to-be. I also see the benefits of not having to look over my shoulder every time I leave the house.
