บท 6: I'll Be a Step Ahead
(SERGIO)
The bedroom door opens and my body goes alert. Much as I hate to admit it, I've been listening, trying to hear any sound that might give me an idea of what Ivanna is doing in there. I'm eager, like some schoolboy. Disgusted by myself, I shake my head. Even if I weren't much older than her, she is engaged to my son.
I need to pull my head out of my ass and start thinking straight.
All my men turn to watch as she makes her way to an empty seat. Her chest bounces with each step. She has long shapely legs, with waves of brown hair that reach her back. Her face alone can make angels weep. Lord! She is hot.
I'm forced to drag my gaze away when I meet Maksim smirking at me. How come he's read me so easily? I'm so good at hiding what's going on in my head. How did he decipher it that fast?
When my father died and I automatically became capo ten years ago, I appointed my cousin to be my right hand. There is no one I trust more than Maksim. I'd bet my life on him. We grew up together, played together, killed together and rose through the Bratva ranks together.
But that doesn't mean he has the right to read my mind and smirk at me.
"You have something to say to me?" I ask with a stern look on my face.
He doesn't look shaken in the least. "What? Are you going to shoot me if I don't say it?"
"Probably. Once we land."
Maksim holds up his hand in surrender and remains silent. I return my attention to my phone to scan the notes and emails that I had been reviewing before Ivanna distracted me. They are for legal businesses. The ones that I use as public fronts for Sakharovs' wealth. My cousin Viktor handles most of the Sakharov corporation for me. But I'm always involved.
Earlier today, I had texted Karlen to make sure that he stayed home tonight. I want him to meet Ivanna as soon as we land. The earlier they meet, the sooner she gets accustomed and agrees to the marriage. In the meantime, Karlen can look after her wellbeing and show her to acclimate her to life in Tyva.
Even though my son is just eighteen, I need him to get married and settle down as soon as possible. It is about time for Karlen to fulfill his role and duty as my heir. That means he must have sons. I'm an only child. And he is my only son. Therefore, until I have grandsons, the future of the Sakharov family will remain at risk.
That snaps my thoughts back to Ivanna. She is staring out the window at the night sky. Is she on the pill? I need to inform Karlen about Alexei. If she was sleeping around with that boy, there is a high chance that she might be carrying his child. It is best to wait until she bleeds before they wed.
Her gaze meets mine through the reflection on the window. But she doesn't cower. That is one of the things that I like about Ivanna. Most women fear me, and don't even dare to look at me because of the reputation that I have built for myself. But Ivanna seems to not have that problem. In fact, she shows more spirit than most women have shown in the past 10 years. I wonder if she has the same spirit in bed.
I have to stop with these lewd thoughts. They aren't productive and I can't afford to be distracted now. Besides, even if she wasn't marrying my son, she is too young for me. I already have a mistress that doesn't hassle me and I have no interest in replacing her.
Resolved to ignoring Ivanna, I return to my phone. For the rest of the flight, Maksim and I talk matters business. We go over all that needed my attention over the trip. The criminal is coming up in a few weeks, where all the men will meet to discuss the Dvina River operations. All capos will be attending, and that means that all the debts need to be collected.
I rub the back of my neck as exhaustion pulls at me. I close my eyes, knowing quite well that I usually don't relax in planes or in hotels. That is why I rarely leave the castle in Tyva. At least there, I know that I'm safe and I do not have to watch my back all the time.
"You should test in the back now that she is awake." Maksim says.
"We're almost there. I'll wait till we're in Tyva."
"It's unfortunate. I bet the bedsheets smell like her."
"Fuck you."
Maksim snickers. "Do you think Karlen can handle her?"
I arch an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting that he is weak?"
"No. That's not what I mean. He just isn't like you. He doesn't have them eating from the palm of his hand. I've never seen a meaner bastard get more pussy like you."
Of course, I have a temper. But Karlen is more even tempered. Just like his mother. "She will come around."
The pilot announces that we will be landing soon. Silently, Ivanna puts on her seatbelt. I secure mine too. The way she is suddenly quiet bothers me. She should be yelling or panicking right now. Throwing things at me maybe? Trying to overpower the pilot? That very instinct has kept me alive for nearly thirty-eight years of my life. Right now, it is screaming inside me, telling me to be on the lookout around Ivanna. She is up to something.
I grin. Whatever vile plan she has cooked in her head, I will be on toes with her. She doesn't stand a chance against me.
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