Page 84 of The Pakhan’s Hidden Heir

Today, when Felix was using the toilet, I snuck Bastian in.

He has to hear what his right-hand man is doing or he will never believe it.

“What did you tell me, huh? That you’re a violent monster who has no self-control?” I won’t put words in his mouth, and I hate that this is happening in front of Felix, but I have no choice. Bastian has to hear this.

“I had everything,” he snarls quietly. My eyes flick to Felix who watches with fear on his face, but he hasn’t moved since I got up. “I was set to take it all. He was months away from giving up and giving it all to me, and you screwed the fuck up. You couldn’t just stay hidden. I said no phone calls to that bitch friend of yours.”

“Language,” I hiss, angry that he’s exposing Felix to the vulgarity. This alone should give Bastian the proof he needs to step out and punish Akim for what he’s doing, but there’s no movement behind me. The door stays shut and the room stays quiet except for Akim’s threats.

“You think I care if that kid hears me swear? Honey, I’m going to kill you both. I’ll slit your throat and then I’ll boil the kid in hot metal. You’re nothing to me.”

Before I can react, Akim lunges, wrapping his hands around my neck.

The grip is crushing and I instantly feel lightheaded.

Then the door opens and Demid struts in behind Akim, who is so intent on choking me he doesn’t notice.

“Stop,” I choke out, clawing his wrists as Demid wraps Felix in his arms and lifts him up. The closet door bursts open and Bastian steps out with his gun raised.

Akim lets me go instantly, and I fall to the ground on my knees, gasping for air, sucking in great gulps of oxygen to my starved brain.

Demid carries Felix out, though I don’t catch what comforting words he says to my boy, and Bastian’s weapon presses against Akim’s temple.

“You sick son of a bitch,” he snarls, backing Akim across the room.

“Boss, I,” he stutters, hands raised in defense like he’s surrendering. “This is mistake. She provoked me.”

“Do you want to lie to me again?” Bastian growls, still pushing that gun to Akim’s temple.

My whole body trembles from the close call, but I push myself up, tears stinging my eyes.

This bastard is the reason for all my troubles.

If he hadn’t gotten in Bastian’s head years ago, I have no doubt we’d have never had to run.

Bastian believed lies about me, and it’s all Akim’s fault.

“Bash,” I whimper, clinging to his back. My arms curl up around his chest as I bury my face in his backbone, pressing my eyes closed. I don’t want to see it, and I don’t want to know it’s happening. I just want Akim gone, however Bastian sees fit.

“You threatened to kill my wife and my child. You’re supposed to be my right-hand man.” I hear the pain in his voice, and my heart goes out to him.

If Lada betrayed me, I’d be heartbroken too. But this man nearly destroyed Bastian, all for money and power.

“Bash, we’re like brothers. You know I could never⁠—”

“Shut up!” Bastian hisses, shaking the gun. It knocks Akim in the head and he falls to his knees, pleading.

“Bastian, please. Forgive me. I got power hungry. I was drunk on the idea that I could have it all. You know me. I’m loyal. I’d never hurt you. I just wanted what came after… You’re older than me. I figured you⁠—”

“Shut up!” Bastian yells, louder than before. I’ve never seen him so mad his eyes are bulging out, but when I pull away and move toward the door—hoping to escape before this gets worse—I see it. His face is red, eyes wide with fury.

“What should I do to him?” he asks me, flicking a glance at me before I go. “He threatened to kill you. You are the victim. So what do you want me to do to him?”

That’s a heavy weight to hang around my neck, and I’m not about to carry it myself. “Do whatever makes you happy, husband,” I tell him, as I back through the door. And I hope he understands my meaning.

I turn, head hanging, and walk softly up the hallway, praying Demid has Felix far enough away that he can’t hear what’s about to happen. Every footstep farther away I get from that room, the voices fade, until I can’t hear them talking at all.

But when the shot comes, it shakes me from my core outward. Blood rushes to my face and tears to my eyes. Then my legs give out, and I find myself against the wall, sliding downward as I sob.