7— Are you okay?

Nikolai

I'm not the kind who wastes his time on things. I go straight to the fucking point. That's how life works. You don't waste time.

And Adrian? The pretty boy gets me hard. My dick is fucking hard, if you look closely at my towel, you'll see the bulge.

My men brought me two women after I arrived home and they couldn't get my cock hard. Not even with a blowjob. But I became painfully hard just at the sight of Adrian.

He's a turn-on for my cock, that needs to fuck. So that's why I asked my question, to know how to get him.

"No, I don't." He replies with a stern look on his face.

"I had a girlfriend." 

"Before you killed her. Sexual preferences change." I point out and notice the change of look in his brown eyes. Mentioning his dead girlfriend sparked up something within him.

When my men cleared Igor's place, three bodies were found and when I ran my check, I found out she was his girlfriend. Larisa. She was fucking Igor. How pathetic.

"Seeing your appearance, I figured you must have liked men in college and high school." I point out, taking a good look at him. At first glance, anyone will think he's gay. That's how pretty he is.

Brown hair, brown eyes with soft features. He looks like a posh boy. The Bratva is clearly not made for him, he'll do much better working in a company as a manager. I can't help wondering what made him such a good sniper.

"Well, I'm not. I've never fucked men. Don't find them attractive." He replies, gritting his teeth hard.

"I see." I hum, blowing out smoke from my lips. That's a fucking lie. I'm observant enough to notice the way he got caught up staring at my naked body and the way his cheeks flushed at the sight of my dick.

"What's all this question, Nikolai? You asked me here because you had something to tell me. What's that?" He inquires and I notice that he already drank up his vodka.

"Want more?" I offer pointing at my bottle. I expect him to refuse, but he nods his head.

I extinguish my cigarette in the ashtray before picking up the bottle as I pour him some vodka.

"I asked a question. It seems you're avoiding it on purpose." He says as I drop the bottle back in place.

"I'm not." I say curtly and he looks at me in confusion.

"I called you here to ask a question and I already did." I already got my answers. He has never fucked a man, so there's a big possibility Adrian is straight.

Or no, he's not straight. He just hasn't embraced the part of him that likes men yet. Or rather no man has made him discover that side of him.

I knew I liked both sexes the moment I turned sixteen. I had a threesome with a girl and a boy when I was sixteen. I remembered the way my parents looked at me when they found out. They looked at me with pure contempt, like fucking the same sex was a big crime. That didn't stop me from fucking both sexes. I embraced that side of me.

In fact, I fucked a man just three days before I captured Adrian.

"To ask if I like men?" 

"Yes." I reply, gulping down my remaining drink.

"And why will you ask that kind of question?" He inquires, confusion written all over his face.

"Why do you think I asked?" I retort, filling up my cup with more vodka.

He already had a change of clothes, gray sweatpants, and a black shirt that's like a second skin on him.

I lick my lips and my eyes trail down to the outline of his dick. He's not hard, but I am. Like fuck! I need to get off!! 

His eyes follow where my eyes are staring directly at. They land on his dick and his eyes widen in realization.

"Are you?" His words die in his mouth and he blinks in confusion.

"It's exactly what you think it is." I shrug. The corner of my lips curves as I lift my gaze to look at a bewildered Adrian. There's a hint of color in his cheeks as he begins to move uncomfortably.

"You–" His voice trails off. Adrian's eyes darts, searching for an escape. His lips parts, but words falter. He takes a step back, his face a mix of confusion and unease."

He didn't see that coming, did he?

"I fuck men, pretty boy. And my dick happens to be so hard right now." I don't bother to hide anything. Why hide it when I plan on fucking him soon? 

If I fuck him once, my cock will get tired of him and it wouldn't get hard just at the mere sight of him.

"I don't do men." He stammers, with a flushed look on his face and he begins to head towards the door.

"We'll see about that." I mumble under my breath. He arrives at my door, waiting for me to permit him to leave as he stares at me like a person he needs to avoid.

"You can go, pretty boy. We're done for today." He does not waste another second as he dashes out of my room. I already told him what I wanted him to know, now the real fun begins.

Like I said, Adrian is a mystery I want to unravel and I'm going to do just that. My cock wants him and it will get him. I trust my charms and it won't take long to get Adrian on my bed.

The plan was for him to work for me for a year, I only hired him because of his shooting skills. Now my fucking sexual desire is messing up. Just once, if I get to fuck him once, there'll be no need to get hard like a teenage boy without control each time I see him. Besides, I get bored after the first fuck.

*****

Adrian 

Two fucking days later, I still find it hard to forget what happened with Nikolai back in his room.

What he said about being gay and wanting to…no..no..I can't think of that right now. It's been so hard trying to get it off my head and the picture of his naked body. Why did he have to be so hot? It was taunting me and hell, I had a sex dream last night. It was about him and I actually woke up hard. Shit! I'm seriously straight.

"Fucker," I mumble under my breath, putting on my leather jacket. I'm wearing jeans trousers and a black shirt beneath the jacket. Most of Nikolai's men wear suits, but suits really aren't my thing.

I step out of the room and head to where Kuzma asked to meet. Ilya is present there, standing by an SUV.

"Finally you've come." Ilya mumbled under his breath with distaste. He rolls his eyes, getting into the passenger seat of the SUV. Three SUVs are packed there.

"No suit? This is business man." Kuzma points out, shaking his head meaningfully.

"They look terrible on me. I look much better in this." I shrug as Kuzma laughs.

"I agree." He states, passing a gun to me. 

"You can drive right?" 

"Yeah, I can." I reply and he gives a key to me. Guess, I'll be turning into the driver today.

"Which of them am I driving?" 

"The first one." He answers. I pat him on the shoulder before walking away. Before I get to the first SUV packed in the front, I tuck the gun Kuzma gave me at the back of my trousers, before getting into the front seat.

"Took you long enough." I hear a deep voice the moment I settle in.

"What the he-" my voice trails off. I turn in shock, only to see Nikolai sitting by the passenger seat. Looking as noble as always, a perfectly fitted suit. His hair is packed this time, but not in a bun.

"Hey, pretty boy," he says, flicking a glance up from his iPad before returning to his screen, accompanied by a casual wave.

"What's going on?" I can't help but ask, looking around in confusion.

"What's going on is that you're driving. You better start now. We're going to Shatura, that's about an hour and a half away from here. You better start moving." He informs, without lifting his head from his iPad.

"And the others?" 

"Kuzma and Ilya have other errands to run. We're going alone." What the hell? I had not seen him for two days, but that didn't mean his nude didn't remain plastered in my head. And seeing him again, I can't help but picture him naked.

I slowly shake my head, starting the car, and driving out of the compound.

The ride to Shatura is strangely quiet, he's invested in his work until we arrive at a building.

As we pull up to the building, I recognize the elegant facade of the Shatura Museum of Art. The silence between us remains unbroken until he finally looks up from his iPad.

"We're here," I announce, stating the obvious.

He nods, tucking his iPad away. "Good. Let's go."

"We?" I pause, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Yes, we." He deadpans, stepping out of the car. I roll my eyes and step out as well. Wondering what he's doing at a museum.

"What's going on here?" I can't help but ask as we walk into a building.

"An auction. A special one." He replies. So that's why he came all the way here? 

Inside, the museum's auction hall buzzes with anticipation. Collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts mingle, sipping champagne and admiring the showcased art pieces. We make our way through the crowd, Nikolai exchanging nods and greetings. I don't know anyone around.

Nikolai's eyes scan the room, staring intently at a specific piece – a rare, stunning 18th-century portrait, 'The Whispering Lady' by Vladimir Borovikovsky. I seriously had no idea he liked these, so I ask, "You like paintings?" 

"Who doesn't?" He says with a small laugh.

"Me." I bluntly reply and he scoffs, shaking his head.

"You have bad tastes, pretty boy." I want to say something but I hold back and look back at the painting.

"I have an art studio back at home. I have lots of amazing paintings." He suddenly says to me and my eyes widen. He paints as well?

"So you paint?" 

"I use it to kill time. I'm super talented." He deadpans with a proud look on his face and his eyes settle back on the painting.

"Auctioneer's notes indicate it's from a private collection." he whispers, his voice low and focused. "Estimated value is 10 million rubles."

I raise an eyebrow. "You think it's worth it?" I ask, wondering if he will spend that much on a painting. 

He nods. "The provenance is impeccable. This piece will be a crown jewel for my collection."

"Come on, pretty boy." He gestures at me and I hold back a scowl. That name!!

The auction begins, and we take our seats. The room falls silent as the auctioneer's voice rises, calling out bids.

As the auctioneer's voice fills the grand hall of the Shatura art museum, Nikolai's eyes fix directly on the painting.

"Auction lot 37, 'The Whispering Lady' by Vladimir Borovikovsky, a stunning 18th-century portrait," the auctioneer announces in Russian, "bidding begins at 30 million rubles."

The crowd murmurs, and bidding paddles rise. Nikolai's paddle, numbered 123, shoots up.

"35 million rubles from paddle 123!" the auctioneer declares.

A wealthy businessman, Evgeny Ivanov, paddle 27, counters with "40 million rubles."Nikolai's eyes narrow. He raises his paddle again with a smirk on his face.

"45 million rubles from paddle 123!" the auctioneer calls out.

The room erupts into a flurry of bids. Paddle 27, 42, and 91 join the fray. Nikolai's determination grows. From the look in his eyes, he won't give up. He wants the painting and I will not be surprised if he kills everyone in the hall to get it.

"60 million rubles... 65 million rubles... 70 million rubles!" the auctioneer chants yet again, his face fills with excitement as the hall erupts with roars from the people around.

The bidding war intensifies. Nikolai's competitors begin to falter, not being able to keep up with him.

"75 million rubles from paddle 123!" Nikolai declares, his voice firm.

The room falls silent. Paddle 27 hesitates, then lowers. I catch him shooting a glare at Nikolai who smirks nonchalantly. He knows he won.

"Going once... going twice..." the auctioneer pauses.

Nikolai does not flatter as he proudly waits for his name to be called. "Sold! 'The Whispering Lady' goes to paddle 123 for 75 million rubles!"

The room erupts into applause. Nikolai smiles triumphantly, his eyes locked on the painting. As he approaches the auctioneer to finalize the purchase, Nikolai is congratulated by fellow art enthusiasts and collectors.

"Congratulations, sir." They all speak in Russian. I roll my eyes at the boring show in front of me. I can't believe I drove all the way to Shatura, all because of a painting. And how exactly rich is he? He just spent 75 million rubles without batting an eyelid.

Seeing that Nikolai's painting is ready, I stand up and walk up to him, collecting the painting.

"We're done here." He announces, climbing down the stage. I grunt carrying the heavy painting behind him as we walk back to the car.

As we walk out, I catch sight of Evgeny speaking to some men. The man looks angry as hell. After so much bidding, he still lost to Nikolai. I don't think much about his hateful gaze and just walk away.

After getting to the car, I carefully place the painting in the backseat. It's already evening and it will be around 8 when we finally get back to Moscow.

I join Nikolai in the car. I'm about to start the car when he speaks.

"Hungry?" Fuck! I've not eaten anything since we embarked on our journey and I'm starving.

"Yes." I reply.

"Stop by any restaurant." He informs, reaching for his pocket. He brings out a pack of cigarettes. Pushing a stick into his mouth, he lit it up as I begin to drive the car.

I hate cigarettes, just as much as I hate the smell. And the man sitting beside me is an avid smoker. A hot one. He looks so fucking sexy when he smokes. Focus Adrian. Focus. Fuck!! I tighten my hold on the steering wheel as I try to get his nude off my mind.

As I drive to a restaurant, I notice a car behind us. I've actually noticed it before, but I felt it was nothing. But the car takes every turn we take. As far as I'm concerned, we're being followed.

"Are you seeing that?" I ask, my foot stabs at the accelerator, urgency coursing through my veins.

"Yes. Fucking Evgeny!!" He curses in Russian, throwing his cigarette out the window. Then he reaches out for his gun, clocking it.

"You think he's the one?" I look at my rear window again. We're in a hot pursuit.

"I know he's the one." 

"Fuck." I curse, bringing out my gun as well.

The car is gaining on us and they will definitely catch up in no time. We're on a deserted road and there are hardly any cars around. 

"I'm going to kill that bastard once I lay my hand on him!!" Nikolai curses in Russia at the top of his voice. He looks so angry.

I slam the brakes, only to notice that it's not working. He tampered with the car and for what? A fucking painting. When did he even mess with the brakes?

"I'll have to stop the car." I inform Nikolai. If I don't stop the car, we'll get into an accident.

The car comes to a screech as I manage to stop it.

The car that's following us, stops as well. And three men step out. I remember them as the men Evgeny was speaking to. I knew that bastard was up to something.

Nikolai's eyes blaze with fury as he mutters. "You made a really bad choice, Evgeny. You're dead."

The car behind us screeches to a halt, it's tires smoking. Three men leap out, guns drawn, their faces twisted in menacing grins.

"Get down, sir!" I yell, instinctively shielding Nikolai.

Nikolai swung open the door, using it as cover as he swiftly gets down from the car. "Cover!" he barks at me.

I mirror his move, getting out of the car as well. This is a surprise attack that none of us expected.

The attackers close in, their weapons raised as they start firing bullets.

Nikolai crouches down behind the open car door, his pistol poised.

The air erupts with gunfire, it seems the men are so intent on killing us, too bad we won't be dying.

Bullets rip through the air, shattering windows, and punching holes in the car door we're using as a shield.

Nikolai grunts, raising himself up a little as he aims at one of the men. He takes the perfect shot, shooting him in his chest and he drops dead immediately.

The other men fume, seeing their friend dead, they begin to shoot with so much fury. I groan, aiming at one of them. The bullet hits his head, his body falls to the ground. The last man groans in pain, that's when I realize that Nikolai shot him.

"Fucker!" Nikolai hiss under his breath as he finally stands to his feet. He's pissed and there's a look of bloodlust in his eyes.

I'm dusting off my clothes when I notice the last man pointing his gun at Nikolai who's unaware. The man's not dead.

"Watch out!" I shout as he pulls the trigger.

Too late. The man took aim.

I throw myself in front of Nikolai, attempting to push him away, but a bullet sears my right shoulder, its impact sending a shockwave through my body. Fuck! 

I grunt, pain coursing through my veins. Nikolai's eyes widen in horror. "Adrian!" he screams.

In a flash, he takes down the attacker with a precise shot. He quickly holds me, resting me against the car as I sit on the ground. Damn! It hurts.

*****

Nikolai 

"Are you okay?" I ask, tucking my gun away as I kneel in front of Adrian. He got shot. I had no idea that fucker was still alive.

"Yeah, but it hurts." He grunts through gritted teeth. My eyes land on his shoulder which is bleeding badly, he's losing blood 

"We have to leave from here." I announce, looking around. It was already dark and there were barely any cars around.

"To where?" He groans through pain and he shuts his eyes close.

"Anywhere." I reply, pulling off my jacket which I press to his wound.

"That will stop the bleeding for now. We need to move to get you treated. We're unharmed and I'm pretty sure Evgeny is still sending his men after us." That bastard. I'm going to kill him once I lay my hands on his but first I need to get Adrian treated.

I can't use the SUV seeing he tampered with the brakes.

"There are no houses around." Adrian swallows deeply as he slowly opens his eyes. His breathing is ragged and sweat is gathering on his forehead. He seems to be in a lot of pain.

"We'll surely find a house. Come on. There's no time." I urge him, slowly helping him up to his feet, he grunts as he stands, holding my jacket to his injury with his other hand.

I go to the car, grab my phone, and send a text to Ilya. They'll find us and take care of Evgeny. I can't wait for them to come, Evgeny may get to us before them. That old fool has no idea who he's dealing with.

"Let's go." I wrapped my hands around his shoulders, guiding him to walk, but then he suddenly paused.

"What, pretty boy? I'm sure you don't want to die yet?" I draw out as he's seriously delaying by making us take a pause.

"Your painting?" He grits his teeth. Oh, that? That's the cause of all this.

"What about it?" 

"That's the reason I got shot. And you're just leaving it behind." There's annoyance on his face as he speaks and I smile.

"Evgeny will keep it safe for us. Now come on before you actually die." Evgeny wants the painting, I'll let him get it. Then, I'll kill him and get my painting back. 

We walk for what feels like an eternity and finally, I see a house. Adrian already looks so weak. If I can get a few things, I can get the bullet out of him.

I quickly usher him to the small house, the lights are on, which means that people are living in it.

"You think they'll just let us come into their house? An injured man?" Adrian groans softly, shutting his eyes close once again.

"Shut up." I say to him, his weight bearing down on me, and then proceed to knock on the door. After a few knocks, the door clicks and it opens, revealing an elderly woman. 

She gasps, the moment she sees us.

"Please help us." I say in a pleading tone. Adrian is too weak to open his eyes, as his head rests on my shoulders. The lady looks at me with a strange tone, and that's when I realize that I just spoke english. Not everyone here in Russia can understand english.

"Please help us," I plead again in Russian, desperation creeping into my voice.

Her eyes widens, taking in Adrian's injured form. "What's going on here?" she asks tremulously.

"My brother's hurt," I explain. "We need shelter. He's been injured, and we can't find help anywhere else."

The woman's gaze darts toward the street, her hands trembling. "I...I don't know," she stammers. "My husband will be home soon. He won't approve."

Adrian's weak moan escapes his lips, and his body sags against me. I struggle to keep him upright. Damn! He's heavy.

The elderly woman's expression softens afterward. "Wait," she whispers, stepping aside. "Come in." 

"Thank you." I mumble. We stumble into the cozy home, relief washing over me. She helps us to a small room, where Adrian collapses onto a soft bed.

"How did he get shot?" She asks, observing his wound after I help her pull off his shirt. 

"We're travelers. We stumbled upon thieves. They stole all our money and phone and when my brother tried fighting them off. They shot him." Gosh, I'm bad at pretending. I have to give her my most pitiful face to make everything sound convincing.

"That's bad. Thankfully for him, my husband is a retired doctor and I know how to deal with injuries like this. I'll be back." She disappears almost immediately.

"Adrian," I call, hitting his face slowly to make sure he has not fallen unconscious. He groans as I touch him. 

"You'll be fine. We've gotten help." I assure him. I'm the reason he's hurt, the least I can do is make sure he gets well.

The lady returns later with a kit and she begins to tend to his wound.

"You're lucky the bullet did not go far." She smiles after successfully removing the bullet. 

She treats his wound and wraps a bandage around his shoulder.

"I'll make him something to relieve the pain. You both can stay here for the night. I'll talk to my husband once he comes." The friendly lady says and I couldn't be more grateful.

"Thank you–" 

"Yulia." 

"Thank you, Yulia." I flash my most friendly smile at her. Then my eyes settle on Adrian, who's already fallen asleep. He doesn't seem to be in too much pain anymore.

"Wait here, I'll talk to my husband." She exits the room and after about thirty minutes, I hear the voices. It's Yulia arguing with her husband. He's not in support of her bringing strangers in. 

About twenty minutes later, I hear footsteps and I know they are coming. 

"Where are they?" I hear a male voice as Yulia opens the door.

"This is the brother. The injured one is asleep." The man stares at me for a long time, before saying.

"My wife told me about your situation. You both can stay here. I'm Boris."

"Kolya. Thank you so much for your help." I sincerely appreciate their help. 

"You're welcome. I'll send some clean clothes." Good relief. I need it. 

"You should rest too. My wife will prepare medicine for your brother. We'll bring food as well." 

"Okay." He gives me one last reassuring look before leaving with his wife. After I close the door, my eyes land on Adrian, who's sleeping peacefully. The bastard risked his life for me, what a dumb move and to think he just started working for me. 

I shake my head slowly as I sit on the chair beside him, I don't know why, but I find myself staring at his pretty face as he sleeps.