Bab 77: Loyalty

- DOMINIK -

"What are all the bottle girls for?" I ask Matvey, gesturing around the room.

One of the girls sits on my lap as if offering part of an explanation.

"They are here to pledge loyalty to their new owner, Nikita." 

"I will be owning the club, Uncle. Not them." I gently tug the woman's arms free from my neck, and help her to her feet. "Did Mark receive this same… welcome?" If he did, then obviously the blame for his behavior starts at the very top.

"No," Matvey chuckles. "Mark was not family. This also serves as an apology, Nikita. My gift to you." 

To refuse would be an insult, that's what he's implying. It would humiliate him, because it suggests I disapprove. Which I do, of course. I don't know what all these women pledging loyalty means, but I have an idea, and I'm not interested. 

"I accept the club, Matvey. I do not accept whatever this is."