Page 134 of Bratva and Betrayal: Kirill

Picking up Violet an hour later, I sit in the passenger row of my Bratva-armored SUV. My guard sits next to the driver as usual. Another SUV with two more guards follows behind us.

I blow out a breath, wondering if Kirill gave them specific instructions to return right home today? Regardless of what I say?

We reach the school, and when I get out, the guard from my car and others in the SUV behind us get out as well. I glance at this show of force and wonder what people think. At the very least, their presence might signal it’s not worth even trying anything with the pakhan’s daughter.

Children’s laughter drifts from the school steps, pulling me out of my stupor. I turn toward the sound and look for Violet. For the little human I made and didn’t remember.

She skips out of school holding Emily’s hand because the little girl is a bit on the impaired side. She’s adorable, and I think of me in the early months of my recovery when I had walking issues, sight issues, and even had trouble speaking.

Emily’s mom waves to them from down the block and then to me. The girls reach me first, and I plant one swift kiss on Violet, who already doesn’t want to be fussed over in public.

“Happy Birthday, cutie pie.” I boop Emily’s mouse headband with sequins. “I like your ears.”

“I got them at Sisney.” She adjusts thick glasses up her nose.

I laugh, but don’t correct her.

“Hi!” Emily’s mom reaches us and looks at me with stress lines, worried I’ll back down from the party. “So can you and Violet come to our house?”

Knowing Kirill will flip if I take Violet to a strange house, even if the guards will let me walk into a stranger’s home, I consider if somewhere public might not get me into trouble.

“How about we take the girls to the ice cream shop on Salem Road?” I suggest.

“That’s a great idea.” Gale holds her chest. “I have balloons in the car. Maybe if we tie them to the chairs, it won’t look like it’s just us.”

That breaks my heart.

“It’s okay if it’s just us.” I touch Gale’s arm. “I don’t tell a lot of people this, but I have a traumatic brain injury.”

Gale’s jaw dropped. “No, I didn’t know. You’re so…”

“I had very good care.” I don’t mention Lakeshore. “It’s okay if Emily has one friend. Too many people at once can be overwhelming.”

“I know. You’re right.” She picks up Emily, who still wants to be held. “Thank you. Follow me.”

I crouch down and take Violet’s backpack.

“Am I going to Emily’s birthday party?” she asks with pleading eyes.

“Yes, but we’re having it at an ice cream shop.” I fix her purple bow. “Just us. It’s invitation only.”

“Ice cream before dinner?” Violet scrunches her nose.

“Just this once.” I kiss her on the forehead. “And don’t tell Daddy.”

Chapter 43

Kirill

Ihate fucking Las Vegas.

Drago sits next to me in the rented SUV as we drive to meet Ares at Nico Scava’s hotel. It’s been six weeks since the encounter in Arizona where Scava was last seen hauling Sandrine’s cousin away to his car.

I’d heard Lourdes tell her sister that the brunette was all right. But Ares is worried, so worried that he flew here with all his guards.

We reach the hotel, and in front of the Millennium Plaza, three black SUVs idle on the curb. Their formation is familiar and a warning to anyone who understands the ways of the mafia.

“I hope this is quick,” I say, already looking forward to fucking Sandrine when I get home.