Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 147734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
My father, Kirill Morozov, is a fair man who’s dedicated to his family, but he’s also the leader of the New York Bratva, and that comes with certain shackles.
As I sit across from him, I notice once again just how similar we look. Mom always says her genes never really fought back. Except for my eyes that look like hers, I got everything else from my dad—the sharp jawline, the dark hair, and the same expression.
Dad is the older, wiser version of me, and one of my role models—the other one is my mom.
He places his phone next to him, his other hand wrapped around my mother’s back as he pins me down with his eyes. “I’m waiting for an explanation.”
“For what?”
“Don’t play dumb. We both know tonight is the second time in two weeks you’ve taken a sudden trip outside of our territory, where you’re the safest.”
I let out a breath, but it does nothing to expel the weight that’s pressing down on my shoulders due to his words. “I just wanted to pay the guys a visit.”
“You’ve always told us beforehand when you wanted to visit your friends, but not this time. We’re both aware that this is out of the norm, but it’s irresponsible of you, Vaughn. Without the right security in place, you could’ve gotten kidnapped, or worse, assassinated. Have you thought of what that could entail for the family? For me and your mother? Have you thought of the consequences?”
“I’m sorry.” The words feel heavier than the air.
He’s right. I could’ve gotten killed. Yes, the Heathens have good security in place on the island, but traveling there and back had less security than I’m used to.
I didn’t plan this accordingly.
Not like I usually do.
Because two weeks ago, I wanted to see him, so I just went. Earlier today, I also needed to see him, so off I went.
It doesn’t matter what excuses I told myself—so that he wouldn’t get involved with Niko, so I could teach him a lesson.
The fact remains, I indulged in an impulsive action because I wanted to see Yulian.
And what did that get me?
More confusion.
More regrets.
More fucking hunger.
“I don’t want to scold you.” Dad releases a sigh. “And I certainly don’t want to treat you like a kid, when you’re more adult than some middle-aged men in the organization, but you and I are fully aware this isn’t like you, son. Care to tell me the reason?”
An asshole with mismatched eyes I can’t seem to erase from my head.
I can’t tell Dad that, though, so I remain silent.
“Is it because of the breakup with Danika?” He softens his voice. “I know you’ve been together for years, so whatever misunderstanding you two had can be worked out if you want to try.”
“There’s no misunderstanding here, Dad. She cheated, and I’ll never get back with her.” My voice is firm and clear, but then I peek at him. “Do you want me to?”
“Doesn’t matter what I want when it’s your love life, but I will say I wouldn’t be thrilled if you were with someone who wasn’t loyal to you.”
I smile. “Then you won’t have to worry, because she’s history.”
“Good.” He nods. “If it’s not Danika, then what is it? What’s the reason behind this change?”
“It’s not…” I trail off because if I said there was no change, I’d be lying, and Dad would figure that out in a heartbeat. “I’ve been thinking about transferring to The King’s U.”
He raises a brow. “All of a sudden?”
“It’s not all of a sudden, really. All my friends are there, and Danika, for whom I stayed in New York, is a footnote.”
“Don’t let your mother hear that. She thinks you stayed for us.”
“I did,” I say softly.
“But?”
“But I want something different. Even if only for a year or two. Will you…allow it?”
“There’s no reason why I wouldn’t if that’s what you want. Besides, it always struck me as odd that you didn’t follow Jeremy and the others there. Your mom might need more convincing, though. You know she’d hate not living on the same continent as you.”
“It’s not that I want to go right away…”
“You want to have the option,” he finishes for me, and I nod, smiling.
I’ve always loved how Dad and I get along, to the point of finishing each other’s sentences, because we’re both thinkers and very much goal-oriented.
Only, right now, the path to my goal, inheriting his position, is being muddied by a complication that I should’ve squashed a long time ago.
But I didn’t.
And now, it’s there to haunt me.
“Let me know when you want to go, and for the sake of all that’s holy, do inform us of your visits to the island.”
I nod.
He stands up and lifts Mom in his arms bridal style. “I’ll get your mother home.”
“You can stay in the guest room.”