Page 21

“There you are.” Fyodor. Fuck.

“Oo! Did you stop in for turndown service? Chocolate mints on my pillow are my favorite,” I snark. But the fact that he was in my room, waiting for me has my blood boiling already for some reason. Was he planting shit on me? Or just going through my nonexistent stuff?

“Keep running mouth, Shakal.” He kicks my table over first, backing into the room, waving for me to enter.

I chance a look at Vanya, watching her take a deep steadying breath.

“No, no. You do not ask her for permission. I am your captain,svoloch.”

“Greeeat.” I step to attention, saluting condescendingly.

No surprise when he drives an insanely fast and brutal fist into my stomach, doubling me over. Leaving me to stagger to my knees, he proceeds to trash my room, dragging out the drawers, flipping the mattress and sheets onto the floor.

Classic domination tactics.

“Enough, Fyo.” Vanya growls from the doorway.

I pull myself back to my feet, a snarl on my lips as I face off with Fyodor. His eyes flare as he squares up to me, grinning menacingly.

A fit of laughter spasms at my lips, shuddering out as I try to suppress it.

“Are youcrying, Diamante?” he taunts.

“Nah, just trying not to laugh in your face.”

“I will break you in half.”

“Big words from a big man. Sure, you got a few inches on me, but I’m willing to bet I can even that score by knocking a few inches off that stupid ass flattop.”

His smile drops to a grimace.

“You will learn respect, worm.”

I feel my blood pressure skyrocket as he gets right in my face. This motherfucker thinks he can intimidate me?

Regardless of whether he’s my captain or not, he doesn’t get to come in here and treat me like shit. A lifetime of being at the top of the food chain in my family still has me trained to fight back, to retaliate against somebody who steps up to me.

“I will be here, every day, to check on you, traitor. If I find anything I don’t like, I will punish you. So watch out what you keep. No contraband,da?”

“I got your contraband right here, assh—” I start, raising one fist, but Vanya is between us in an instant, pressing her body back against me and pushing a palm into Fyodor’s massive chest. He takes one step back, his expression softening as he looks down at her. And then immediately looking even more pissed off as he realizes how close the two of us are.

Me?

I’m suddenly pretty distracted by the sweet, round ass cheeks cradling my crotch.

Still, as Fyodor heads toward the door, my body reacts, lunging one last time after him. I wanna kick his ass so fucking bad.

Vanya turns around, bodily blocking me.

“Fucking prick,” I grumble, letting her push me back.

“You’ll pay for every infraction, boy. See you tomorrow. I will have job for you.” He sneers as he looks around at the mess in my room. “And stay away from my girl.”

At this, Vanya rolls her eyes, sighing.

Which only makes me want to beat the guy’s face in even more.

Until fingernails graze up my thigh, sending shivers through my body. Along with a shake of her head and a gaze that makes me swallow hard.