Page 13

Arielle

“Did you forget the part where he has like a million CCTVs in his house? There’s absolutely no way I can take any of your calls without being caught on camera, and if I go out to make calls, that’ll be much worse.” An exasperated sigh left me.

We were over an hour into this meeting, and for some reason, Father was being particularly unreasonable today. I understand how sensitive Mikhail’s case is, but if we don’t exercise caution, we’ll be shooting ourselves in the foot. Between the time I first met him and this moment, I’ve seen him covered in blood, I’ve watched him take a life, and I’ve heard him order for lives to be taken without batting an eye. Mikhail wasn’t someone to be impulsive about.

“How about we all calm down a little? I’m sure if we take a moment and circle back to the issue, we can find a way or arrive at a common ground,” Viv said, looking between Father and me.

“I could build you software that helps you override the camera anytime you need to,” James offered with a shrug.

It was very easy to forget he was in the room or to forget he existed entirely. He was the last kid Father took in, and he took antisocial to a whole new level. Whatever activity he was feeling like, he made sure it left no room for anyone to join.

“That would’ve been a great idea if the person we were currently dealing with was an idiot. Do you really think Mikhail won’t notice his cameras glitching? Even if he doesn’t, Enzo will pick it up.” I was slowly running short on my very limited store of patience every time someone said something.

I had met Enzo once. He was a sharp contrast to Mikhail with dirty blonde hair, the classic beach boy looks with the charisma to go with it, but even that did not fool me. I could see how he observed the world around him. He had the ears of the greater wax moth and the eyes of an eagle. No detail seemed to escape him. The combination of him and Mikhail was lethal.

“There’s always the option of texting, and if it is absolutely important, I will schedule a meeting. You’re moving in with Mikhail,” Father said with a tone of finality.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Vivian beat me to it. I was glad she did because I would’ve said some very inappropriate things.

“How about we create some sort of code?” she announced, causing Father to raise a brow in her direction. “It’s almost impossible to continually hide your phone from your boyfriend, who you happen to be living with, without raising suspicion. So, I propose we come up with something that enables Ari to talk freely without the next person knowing what the conversation is about.”

That was a smart idea, and if I weren’t so angry about how adamant Father was being, I would’ve brought it up a long time ago.

“And what would these codes be?” Father asked.

I butt in before Vivian had the chance to say anything. “I’m currently working with the finance team of the Vanderbilts. I will come up with some finance terms that can convey our messages without giving out anything. That way, it looks like a regular work call.”

I was the one at the forefront of this project, and whatever was happening should be things I didn’t find heavily inconveniencing. I would be the one to get affected the most if this goes wrong.

“Alright then,” Father said, getting on his feet. “I’ll give you some time to come up with terms, and while you’re at it, be sure to inform Ivanov of your change of heart.” With that, he left the house with James hot on his heels.

“I swear he’s getting more difficult with the years. I held my breath the whole time he was here.” Viv heaved a sigh of relief, adopting a more comfortable position on the sofa.

She was right. Father was growing more difficult, less flexible, and heavily fixated on things. I attributed it to him wanting to achieve every deadline he set for himself before old age sets in.

“He needs to chill with it unless he wants to take over the project,” I hissed.

She scrunched her nose, looking to be deep in thought. “I’m certain Mikhail is not keen on gray, old men. I’m having a hard time conjuring an image of him cozying up to Father and revealing his secrets.”

I almost choked on my saliva with the wave of laughter that hit me following her comment.

“Where did that come from?” I asked between fits, and Viv only chuckled. My stomach was hurting by the time I calmed down.

“Feeling better?”

“Yeah,” I smiled softly. My work can get very difficult, and it was in moments like this that I appreciated Vivian’s company the most. I would’ve lost my mind if I had to do this on my own.

“I’ll have to go see Mikhail and make up a suitable excuse for my sudden change of heart,” I sighed, making my way into my room.

“Will you be okay?” Vivian asked, her voice heavy with concern.

“Would it matter?” I fired back and was met with no reply.

That’s what I thought.

******

“How do you have this much stuff?” Vivian stared wide-eyed at the moving truck in front of my house. Even I was shocked. I didn’t expect everything to be that much.

“I didn’t even pack anything from my kitchen,” I added, staring at the heaped truck.

My talk with Mikhail went very smoothly. He was excited to find out I changed my mind. We ran into a hiccup when I said I would be keeping my old house, but he dropped it when I figured out I wouldn’t change my mind on that.

I would eventually have to do away with the house sometime in the future. Something tells me I might have to disappear for a bit after putting Mikhail away, but till then, I was holding on to the little bungalow.

“Is that everything, miss?” the truck driver asked.

“That’ll be all, thank you.” I smiled back, rubbing my arms as an odd feeling of chill settled into me.

This was the first time a project was going as far as me moving in with the suspect. Most of the men from before were usually horny deadbeats, had zero interest in a relationship, and only wanted to get their dick wet and blow their trumpets. The most I’ve had were a couple of trips around the world, never an arrangement this serious. Things with Mikhail had gone differently, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t scare me a bit.

“He’s asking if you’re ready.” Vivian nudged me gently, pulling me from my head and returning my attention to the truck driver, who was staring awkwardly at me. An embarrassed blush climbed to my cheeks. “Yeah, I’m ready. Sorry about that.”

The drive to Mikhail’s house was a quiet one, with my head resting on the window and eyes shut for the duration of the ride.

Vivian didn’t say a thing, and I appreciated her leaving me to my thoughts. I knew how important my job was and how it had helped a lot of people in the past, but that didn’t make it easier. It could get very tasking and draining at times.

“We’re here,” Peter announced, and I cracked my eyes open to be met with a completely different structure from the penthouse I was used to.

“Where’s this, Peter?” I asked, my voice heavy with confusion.

His perpetually monotonous voice flooded the car with his response. “Don asked us to bring you here. This is his home.”

Home. The sound echoed in my head. I had suspected the penthouse was not his permanent house with how empty it always looked, but when he never mentioned anything about a second house. I had concluded it must be in Russia.

I stepped out of the car, taking in the marble monstrosity in front of me. It looked like it was straight out of an old money movie, with two giant pillars in the front and a porch that wrapped around the whole house. From the stone fountain in front of the house to the line of trees that flagged the driveway and the display of exotic cars in the outdoor garage, everything looked sophisticated and well taken care of. Even the marble structure on the fountain looked like it was polished daily and water replaced every week. The familiar chill snuck up on me again, and I fought the urge to wrap my hands around my body. This was it. I was finally in Mikhail’s world.

“This way,” Peter called out, gesturing towards the entrance, and I followed, looking back to make sure Vivian was behind me.

I had years of training to thank for the poker face I maintained when we stepped into the house. I know I thought the outside of the house looked sophisticated, but it was nothing compared to the inside. I had expected modern furnishings with lots of glassware and a soft aesthetic, but this was breathtaking. The whole place was furnished with expensive wood, polished to the extent I could use one of the surfaces as a mirror. The central fireplace had a large TV hanging above it and a huge grandfather seat on the side with blankets carefully folded on top of it. To the side was the most beautiful staircase I’ve ever seen, with intricate carvings and decorations. I heard Vivian take in a soft gasp behind me, slowly taking in the house.

My awe was short-lived, and in its place was a growing feeling of disgust. I mentally scolded myself for being moderately impressed by the wealth that was amassed from the blood of children. I turned to ask Peter to take me to my room when a high-pitched gasp from the left stopped me. A gray-haired woman who looked to be in her late fifties stepped out of the kitchen with an apron wrapped around her, wearing the warmest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Hello, ребено к . Can I give you a hug?” she beamed at me with a heavy Russian accent, and I couldn’t find the will to refuse her. She exudes so much maternal love and softness. “When the Молодо й масте р told me he was bringing home a woman, I honestly didn’t believe him, but here you are, and you’re absolutely beautiful.” She must have noticed the confusion on my face and took a small step back.

“Pardon my over-excited self,” she continued, “I’m Maya, the housekeeper.”

My lips formed a small ‘o’ in realization. Mikhail never mentioned anything about a housekeeper, but then again, I didn’t know about this house till about ten minutes ago. The man really had a lot of layers. I mirrored the smile on her face. It was hard not to smile back at her as I introduced myself, “Hello Maya, I’m—”

“Arielle. I could tell when I saw your eyes,” she interrupted. “Mikhail has told me all about you.”

“And who might you be, honey?” She smiled at Viv like she just noticed her presence while I struggled to picture Mikhail sitting at a table and telling Maya all about me.

“Vivian, Ma’am,” she replied, looking lost.

“Nonsense,” Maya scoffed, giving Vivian a small smile. “Just call me Maya.”

I swear this woman was the human version of a diabetic cookie. So sweet and warm, I wondered how she got to work for Mikhail.

“Take the stairs. I prepared the room to the right for you. I know we women always want our little sanctuary, but Mikhail’s room is the last door to the left if you’d prefer his. Go freshen up. Dinner will be ready at six, and Mikhail will be home by five,” she rambled off, giving us another smile before making her way back to the kitchen.

“That was—” Vivian trailed off, lost for words.

“Interesting,” I finished off, still staring in the direction Maya went.

“On the bright side, you’d have a female company with you,” she smiled.

“I wouldn’t so be sure about that. For all we know she could be their posè for luring little kids in,” I replied, making my way up the stairs.

“That’s a fair point,” she agreed, catching up with me on the stairs.

I got to the end of the stairs and turned right. Living under the same roof with Mikhail was enough pressure on me, spending every night with him would make me lose my head.

****

“She never mentioned a sister in any of our conversations,” Mikhail said to Vivian, casting me a look of accusation.

“You didn’t mention you had a world-class chef in your secret home either,” I shot back, nibbling on my chicken wings. Maya was definitely the best cook I’ve ever met.

A light chuckle left his throat as he watched me. “In my defense, we didn’t get into a relationship until a few weeks ago.”

“That’s my defense, too.” I retorted with a playful wink.

He looked so different at home. His jacket was casually draped over his seat. His tie was absent, and his sleeves were rolled above his elbows. He looked less cautious and more peaceful.

“Hopefully, there’ll be no more surprises or secret families in the way,” he said, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“That’s rich coming from the one who has a whole life in Russia,” I commented as he let out a hearty laugh. I always forget how beautiful his laughter was.

“Shit,” Vivian suddenly exclaimed, looking at her watch. “It’s getting late. I should get going.”

“I’ll walk you,” I said, getting out of my chair.

“I guess this is goodbye.” I turned to Vivian when we got to the front door, and she pulled me into a bone-crushing bear hug.

“Take care of yourself, Arielle, and don’t forget, once you sense the slightest bit of danger, get out immediately. Don’t try to play detective or anything.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I snorted. She finally released me, and I stood there, watching till she disappeared into the driveway.

I was welcomed back into the house by a freshly showered Mikhail casually surfing through the channels on the TV. Even the dining table was squeaky clean and held no evidence of the feast that was devoured on it moments ago. I must’ve spent a longer time than I thought outside.

“Done saying your goodbyes?” Mikhail asked, stretching out his arm for me.

“This is the first time we’re really separated,” I sighed, resting on his shoulder.

“That’s okay. She can always visit,” he replied, tracing soft circles on my arm. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” My pants should be flaming hot with all the lies I’ve spewed today, but oh well.

“Do you want to tell me why I couldn’t find any of your belongings in my room?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the TV.

“I’m here, aren’t I? And I think it’s healthy for couples to maintain some form of healthy boundaries between them.” I replied, watching his face for any reaction.

“I don’t believe that, but I liked the sound of your voice when you said couples, so I’ll let you take your time. You’re just down the hall,” he said, and I snickered.

His arm tightened around me when I tried to leave, so I found myself watching the evening news with him like any normal couple would after dinner.