Page 17

Mikhail

Between Arielle’s anger at me, recruiting all my resources to find the suicide bomber, and the growing tension from being around my family for an extended period, I didn’t know what was currently responsible for the tension and restlessness I carried around, but my money was on the first one.

Threats to my business, no matter how bad, were not uncommon. My family tearing down each other’s throats was equally not a cause for alarm. What was new was Arielle’s attitude and the knowledge of the fact that the rest would be remarkably easier to beat if I didn’t have to come home to her cold demeanor and single-word replies.

Over the course of our relationship, I’ve scared her, I’ve rushed her, I’ve been imposing on her, but not once had I met the angry side of her, and I was currently running short of ideas. From elaborate flower arrangements to unlimited shopping sprees, I had no idea what to do anymore. Even Maya wasn’t making it easier. She moved around the house, sending me narrowed glances whenever our eyes met.

“If this was a targeted hit at the port, we’re going to need something to draw them out, but if the shipments are the target, then we’ll need to set a trap. It’ll be useless sitting around and waiting for him to magically fall into our arms. What say you, Mikhail?” Benjamin’s gruff voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“I don’t think the shipments are the target. Anyone who seeks to control the port must control the business that happens in the port, and disruption is exactly how this person intends to harm the business so they can swoop in and play savior,” I replied, gently massaging the scruff that had built overnight.

Arielle would’ve pointed it out or made comments about how the roughness was irritating her skin and making me look like a Neanderthal. I shook the thoughts of her away, forcing my attention on the present conversation.

“So, we lure them out with the shipments?” Enzo questioned.

“I’ll be traveling with the shipments, and I intend to distribute it at the charity gala. All the clients will be there, and it’ll be disguised as auction materials. While that will guarantee a seamless transaction, it’s sure to draw out the rat. You can’t control a business without knowing the clients,” I replied, turning to Igor.

“I need you to secure the hosting of the gala. I want microphones and cameras stationed in every part of the building. I want to hear everything that’s being said and catch the slightest movement.”

With the plans laid out and everyone had a clear-cut duty for them, I excused myself from the gathering and made my way upstairs. I was barely contributing a lot with my mind constantly wandering. I was surprised to find Arielle curled up in bed with a book when I entered our room. I had selected a few activities she would love and instructed Canaan to make sure she had a fun day.

“You were supposed to go horse riding with Canaan today,” I said, closing the door behind me.

“I figured there’d be no way for me to get on a horse without his help, and I happen to appreciate his fingers complete and his palms without a hole in them,” she replied, not taking her eyes off her book.

I tried my best to explain to her the significance of what happened during dinner, including the fact that Ivan would’ve done the same if it was me messing with his woman, but she maintained it was barbaric.

I sat on the foot of the bed, watching as her eyes darted from one page to another, pretending to be reading. “Arielle.” I tried to get her attention and was met with a flat “mmh.”

“Arielle, look at me.” This time, she slammed her book shut and turned to me, her eyes still holding the same stormy look they had that night.

It was better than no reply.

“Things are very different in my world, and while I don’t expect you to agree with all of them, I expect you to trust me. I would never do anything to put you in danger, and if I have to end a life to keep you safe, that’s exactly what I’ll do, and I won’t be sorry about it.” She held my gaze for a while before releasing a deep breath and lowering her gaze.

“The knife barely missed my face, and before I could make sense of what was happening, there was blood. One mistake, and that could’ve been my face.”

“I’ll never make a mistake like that, sweetheart. I just need you to trust me,” I said, scooting up the bed and taking her hands in mine. This time, she didn’t pull away.

“I’m going to need some time to get used to all of this,” she muttered.

“You can take all the time you need, and for the record, I don’t expect you to get used to it.”

Silence hung over us for what seemed like hours, but I was sure it was only minutes. I waited for her to say something. This was the most we’ve spoken without anyone flaring up since the event.

“I don’t like to see the blood,” she finally said, resting her head on my shoulders, and I visibly relaxed.

While I might be a lot of things, a liar wasn’t one of them, and one thing I never did was make empty promises and build castles in the air. Bloodshed was inevitable in my family, and I wasn’t going to promise otherwise.

“I can’t promise they won’t be there, but I can try to limit the events you witness,” I replied, softly threading my fingers through her hair.

“While we’re on the topic, there’s somewhere I’ve been meaning to take you,” I said, and her head lifted from my shoulder in a flash.

“Where’s that?”

“Just somewhere that played a big role in my upbringing, and since you won’t go anywhere with anyone, I was thinking I could get you started on that.”

“Alright. I’ll just freshen up and be with you shortly,” she replied, swinging her feet off the bed.

“We don’t have to go today.”

“Nonsense,” she called out from the bathroom. “I’ve been in here for ages. I need some fresh air.”

A smile tugged at my lips following her little outburst. My girl was back.

*****

“You were brought up in a military boot camp hidden in the middle of nowhere?” Arielle asked, staring at the facility in horror.

“This is where the male children in the family are trained. We were brought here at the age of thirteen and taught everything we need to know about the family business and trained on how to use weapons.” I said, leading her to the main entrance. “We stayed here till we turned eighteen and are only allowed to return home after we’ve passed the tests. Training is more vigorous for first sons.”

I pricked my thumb and placed it on the little screen on the door. The sensor worked with both fingerprint and DNA from fresh blood to make sure access wasn’t gained from severed thumbs.

The door opened, and we were ushered into the dome-shaped interior of the facility. Since neither my cousins nor I had deemed it fit to start bearing children, and available kids were still underage, it was mostly empty now with just the caretakers, who I had instructed to make themselves invisible during the duration of my visit.

“Woah,” Arielle exclaimed with wide eyes. “Is this soundproof?”

“Yes, it is. Come on now, you wanted to know about my life, didn’t you?” I replied, holding out my arm for her.

She slipped her slender fingers into my hands, her eyes not leaving the robots at the entrance. “I do. There’s just a lot to take in. Some of us only went to school and got a job after college. Nothing exciting.”

“You think my life is exciting now, huh? A few hours ago, you were barely speaking to me,” I teased, and she shot me a glare.

“I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you, Mr. Ivanov. The issue of your forgiveness is still very much under probation.”

I snorted out a laugh, and she playfully swatted my shoulder, causing me to laugh harder. This was what I missed, the ease that came with being around her. It wasn’t something one could find in my world.

Our tour started from the reception to the dormitories, the game rooms, the refractories, the classrooms, and finally, to the spot I was aiming for—the defense area. Ever since the explosion happened and we had to come to Russia, I’ve found myself growing increasingly worried about Arielle’s safety. While I could assign bodyguards to her, she needed to know how to hold her own if it ever came to that.

“There are more guns here than I’ve seen in military movies. You guys are way scarier than the president.” Her eyes bounced from one corner of the wall to the other, taking in the weapons displayed on them.

“Did you learn to use all of these?” she asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Part of the test was hitting a steady and moving target with every weapon you can see here,” I replied, coming to stand behind her.

The direction our visit takes would heavily depend on my ability to convince her to use a weapon. I had to bring her here to gauge her reaction to weapons before suggesting the idea. And while she appeared curious and full of questions, I noticed her hesitance to move closer to walls or inspect the guns.

“There’s a growing threat on my family, and I’m yet to figure out who is responsible,” I admitted, keeping my eyes glued to her.

Her eyes widened briefly, and the glint of curiosity was replaced with a soft look of concern. “Is this about the explosion?”

“Not just that. Remember the guy from the club?” I asked, the incident leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

She nodded wordlessly, gesturing for me to continue.

“I don’t know how, but I think it’s all linked.”

“I thought you already took care of that?”

“Not quite. I have this strong feeling that they’re linked somehow, and if they’re coming for my business and family, it’s only a matter of time till they figure out what I care for the most. A weakness, as some would call it.”

Her lips took an ‘o’ shape, and her brows slightly lifted. “If this is about protecting your family legacy, I’m sure you can do that,” she said, cupping my face in her palms and slightly wincing when she felt the stubbles.

Her clueless statement brought a small smile to my face.

“I’m talking about you, princess. I’ve always had to only look out for myself. My family can handle themselves, but you—” I trailed off, leaving the statement hanging between us. “I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you, and Ivan’s little trick opened my eyes to that.”

She went silent for a moment, her fingers still caressing my jaw.

“I’ll be fine, Mikhail. I don’t think anyone sees me as a threat.” She finally said, and I felt my heart clench. She was right. She was harmless, sweet, and really caring. I dragged her into this, and like the selfish fuck I was, I have refused to let her go.

“That would’ve made perfect sense a few months ago, but you’re with me now, and I have lots of enemies, sweetheart, and you could easily become a target.”

She let out a soft gasp, and a look of panic flashed through her eyes so fast I would’ve missed it if I wasn’t paying attention. “Are you trying to break up with me?”

I couldn’t contain the laughter that rippled through me, and if looks could kill, I’d be lying lifeless with the look she was currently shooting my way. Did she really think there exists a world where I’d let go of her? I’d haunt her down if I were a ghost.

“I’m not breaking up with you, princess, nor would I let you break up with me,” I said when my laughter finally calmed.

“Then, what are you saying? You’re making me anxious.”

“I want you to start self-defense training. I was hoping we could start with the guns,” I finally said, and a look of horror engulfed her face.

“I’m not shooting anyone, Mikhail,” she said, taking a few steps back, and I wrapped my arms around her to keep her from moving further.

“I’m not asking you to shoot people. I just need you to know how to defend yourself. I’ll always protect you, but it’ll make me feel better if you could hold one down if things ever got bad,” I said, and I could feel my heart thudding as I watched the conflict in her eyes.

This was a huge change for her, going from being a regular girl to taking self-defense classes because your boyfriend is a mafia Don, hence your life might be in danger by association is not exactly how I imagine a girl like her pictured her future. I could imagine her dreaming of picket fences, a family cookout, and a cooperate 9 to 5 husband who worked for a credible firm. Ending up with a guy like me was certainly not in the cards when she made lifelong plans for herself.

“I’ve never touched one of those,” she muttered softly, casting an unsure glance at the weapons.

“I know, baby. That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to be the one to teach you.”

“Alright.” Her voice was barely audible, and I could feel her heart thudding against my chest.

“So, pick a gun,” I said after giving her a moment to collect herself.

“The slender one by the extreme left, second row,” she said, pointing at the Taurus GX4. Somehow, I knew it was going to be her pick. It was the least intimidating.

“Alright.” I walked to the showcase, unlocking the glass with my thumb. I pulled out the gun along with the bullet.

“First, you’re going to learn the parts of a gun,” I said, holding out the gun to her. She was hesitant at first, but after I assured her it was not loaded, she took it and proceeded to inspect it like an object under the microscope.

“It’s really cold and light,” she observed, balancing the metal on her hand.

“Here’s your trigger. You click it to shoot,” I said, pointing at the trigger. “The button above is your safety and should always be turned off, and finally, the part below your grip is the magazine. The bullet goes in there.”

She nodded as I pointed out the parts, her eyes rapidly moving from one point to another as I explained the function of each part.

“Now, I’m going to show you how to load a bullet, then, we can finally work on your grip and aim. Is that okay?”

Her reply came out almost squeaky. “Yes.”

I proceeded to give her a step-by-step tutorial on how to load a gun and fire the first shot. She flinched at the sound, and I stifled a laughter at the act.

After three two tries, she was able to correctly load the load, and it was finally time for her to fire her first shot.

I positioned her body, squaring her shoulders and keeping her legs shoulder-width apart. She’ll try out more relaxing positions as she gets better.

“Now, you grip the gun tightly and brace yourself. It’s not like the movies. There’s a recoil force, and every time you fire, the force of the explosion pushes back at you. I could see beads of sweat coating her forehead as she squinted her eyes to get a better view of the target. “Ready?”

She nodded, maintaining a strong stance. I walked around her, taking a stance behind her and making sure her posture was correct before I gave the final order. “Fire.” Just as I predicted, she almost lost her footing and fell backward and straight into my arms as soon as she released the trigger.

“Woah!” she panted, “That was…that was something.”

“You did fine, princess,” I praised, letting her calm for a while before trying again.

It took about five tries for her to finally get used to the whole thing and fire a steady shot. None of them hit the target, obviously, but at least she could shoot, and I found some relief in that.

We spent the rest of the day driving around and going to some places I felt she needed to know. I had every intention of keeping her in my life long-term, and it was only natural she got acquainted with some of these things.