Ivan’s POV
“…Triads are trying to negotiate with The Randazzos. The chaos will be over soon. Are you even listening to me, Ivan?” Maxim’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Yes, of course,” I lied. I couldn’t concentrate on anything, my mind was stuck on what had happened last night. I hadn’t slept. Sophia had occupied my mind and I’d let it happen. I had stroked my cock furiously in the shower last night and this morning, yet I was still hungry for her.
I tried to get some work done. But I couldn’t, my mind kept thinking of all the ways I wanted to wreck and dirty her up until she didn’t look innocent anymore.
Fuck, I was losing focus again.
“…we have to discuss with The Randazzos to confirm if they are willing to settle or not,” he continued.
I hummed in agreement. “Is that all?”
He hesitated like he was trying to decide if he should tell me what he had in mind or not.
“What is on your mind?” I urged.
He let out a sigh like I’d exasperated him, “You’re drifting away from our plan and goal. I’m speaking to you as a childhood friend now, not my boss. If I don’t tell you the truth, no one else will.”
I leveled him with a stern look and even though I knew what he was talking about, “What are you trying to say here, Maxim?”
“It’s been almost two months since we captured Smith’s daughter and we haven’t used her for what we planned. And let’s not forget how you’ve been acting weird around her lately. You’re like a different person altogether. What’s going on?” He asked.
I stared at him, wondering if I should lash out at his audacity or ignore him. I didn’t owe anyone explanations on how I wanted to live my life.
“I don’t see how this is any of your business, Maxim,” I said at last, deciding to be calm about his confrontation.
Deep down, I knew he was right, actually. But I don’t want to give her up, not yet. I didn’t even want to use her as a pawn anymore if I’m being honest. I could handle her father, whether or not we kept her hostage, but I just wanted to keep her.
“You’re doing the wrong thing,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone. Not caring that I was now giving him a death stare, “We both know Smith is a fucking pussy, one of these days he’d willing to speak to the police. We have to act fast.”
“He won’t speak to anyone and you know that he will lose a lot if he does.”
“But Ivan, anything can happen. Smith’s could be unpredictable, I’m sure you didn’t expect him to send those bastards after you. You’re risking too much for nothing.”
“Maxim!” I barked, causing him to flinch. “Leave my office if this is what you want to talk about. I know what I’m doing and I’ll do what I want, do you hear me?”
Maxim nodded, finally keeping shut about the matter, but his pursed lips and tight expression let me know that this topic was far from over. He was only letting it go today.
He knows he could get away with questioning my authority unlike most people, so he does it most of the time. But I needed him to stay out of this issue.
When he didn’t make any attempt to leave after a while, “Is there anything else?” I asked.
“Anna is back, she’ll get the clothes for Smith’s daughter today. And your sister, Sasha, she called. She’s quite upset, you’ve been ignoring her.”
Sasha was my immediate younger sister. She handled most of the KLV corporation for me, but I kept involved in the background. She was one of the few people I could trust.
“I’ll give her a call, if that’s all, you may go.”
He turned and left.
I lit up a cigarette and forced myself to continue my work. I pulled out my iPad and unlocked it to review emails, notes, and documents. These were for the legal businesses, the ones I used as a public front for my family’s wealth.
Time flew by as I totally forgot about Sophia and got engrossed in work.
Then my phone rang, and I glanced at the screen.
Sasha.
I groaned, I had forgotten to call her and I knew she wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. Especially since she thinks I’m ignoring her.
“Sasha,” I said as I answered the phone.
“Really, Ivan? So you ignore me now?” She asked, obviously pissed off.
“I wasn’t ignoring you, mladshaya sestra. I had a lot going on and I was going to call you today, but I forgot,” I explained calmly. Sometimes Sasha could be as scary as a pissed-off kitten when upset and you don’t want to be on the receiving end. [Little Sister]
I’m surprised when she bursts out laughing, “You’re getting old, should we prepare for your funeral?” She asks, barely containing her laughter.
And I’m not sure what’s so funny. “I’m only thirty-two, Sasha,” I reminded her.
“And you think that’s not old? You’re literally getting closer to the grave,” she snorts.
I smiled fondly, even though she couldn’t see me. “Sasha, you’re going to miss me if I die, you wouldn’t be able to live without me,” I joked.
She started making gagging noises, “Ew, that’s a problem for your future wife or girlfriend. That is if you could actually keep a woman. If I wasn’t your sister I wouldn’t even look your way.”
“Don’t,” I playfully scolded her. “Now tell me why you’ve been trying to reach me, what’s going on?”
I don’t know how, but I could feel her mood change.
“I dunno, Ivan. Mama’s been acting weird and it scares me, have you spoken to her recently?”
It had to be serious if Sasha was this worried, “I spoke to her a few days back. You say she’s been weird, how do you mean?”
She inhales sharply, “She is somehow always quiet and sometimes I feel like she’s lonely. Ania is in school, I come home late from work and you live in a different country entirely.”
I could tell she wanted to say more, “But what?” I asked.
“Ivan, don’t get me wrong, it might just be me overthinking everything… but I think she also needs a medical check-up. I’m worried she’s ill again.”
I let out a long exhale, “Okay, set up an appointment with her doctor, please ensure she does it. Okay?”
“Alright, I’ll make sure of that. Also, I just sent an email about the deal with M & J Law firm. Please check it out and get back to me.”
“Sure, bye.”
“Bye, big brother,” She hung up. Neither of us wanted to talk about the one thing we feared.