9— Get out!

Nikolai 

I wake up the next morning to see Adrian sleeping soundly. He finally fell asleep after tossing around the bed repeatedly.

So, he was a victim of abuse? Interesting. I was too, from both parents. 

I get out of bed and walk to the bathroom, taking my phone with me. I send a text to Ilya, to tell him where he'd meet us later in the afternoon. He replies almost immediately.

My hand slowly moves to my mouth as my index finger slowly traces my lower lips. I kissed him and fuck, it was addicting. The kiss was short-lived and was fucking not enough. I need more. I need to kiss him again, longer, as I trace my lips down his jaw, to his neck, his chest, and bite his nipple while I stroke his hard dick. Now, my cock is hard.

I suck in a deep breath to get myself under control. I kissed him and I'll definitely do much more.

I walk out of the bathroom to see Adrian sitting on the bed.

"Good morning," he says in a clipped-off tone. He looks embarrassed about last night, of course.

"Good morning, pretty boy." I smile at him as he uncomfortably looks away from me.

"How's your shoulder?" I ask.

"Better. I still feel pain though, but not too much." He replies, still looking away from me.

"You'll get a week off once we get home." I inform him. I'm still surprised that Adrian took a bullet for me. Ilya and Kuzma would do it for me in a heartbeat, but Adrian? He just started working for me. Ilya and Kuzma had been with me since I was a teenager. 

"Thank you. I need it and about last night? Um..the-" His voice trails off. My lips curve up as it hits me what he's trying to talk about.

"The what?" I taunt, dragging out my tone.

"The kiss. Forget about it. I was not in my right senses."

"Well, I was. And I can't forget about it. In fact, I want to do it again, pretty boy. Maybe this time, we should take it to the next level." I smile, taking a step towards the bed.

"Stay away from me Nikolai. I was clearly not thinking. Who would kiss a man like you?" 

"You." I smirk at him and I notice the way his cheeks redden.

"I was–" He's suddenly cut off when the door opens as Yulia and Boris walk in.

"Good morning. How was your night?" I ask both elderly couples with a warm smile on my face.

"Good and yours?" Boris replies and I nod curtly.

"Good and thanks to you. My brother and I are so grateful for your kindness. You saved us." I place my hands on my chest as I say those words, making the moment feel more heartfelt.

"You're welcome. We were only helping. How's he?" Yulia points at Adrian who mutters a good morning at them, before saying.

"I'm good thanks to you."

"That's a relief. I'll check your wound and clean it up. Breakfast is ready. We have spare toothbrushes and towels so you can freshen up." She informs us with a friendly smile which I return.

They exit the room and Yulia returns minutes later. She dresses Adrian's wound and administers drugs to him.

After she finishes, I go to the bathroom and freshen up, I wear the fresh clothes Boris brought yet again. 

Adrian freshens up as well and after having breakfast, we get ready to leave.

"You'll need this." Boris utters, passing two hundred rubles notes to me.

"We don't have much, but please manage this." Aww, what a kind man. 

"You're a kind man, Boris. I admire that." I confess, collecting the money from him which I shove into my pocket. I actually need it to board a taxi to where I'll be meeting Ilya.

We bid our farewells and I tell them to take care of themselves. It doesn't take long to find a taxi. We go to my location and I meet two SUVs already packed by the road.

I pay the taxi off and the moment it drives off, Ilya and Kuzma run to meet us.

"What the hell happened?" Kuzma asks in alarm.

"We were attacked." I reply casually.

"And Adrian?" 

"Got shot in the shoulder." 

"Fuck." Kuzma curses, running his hand through his hair as he inspects Adrian.

"Are you fine?" He questions, touching Adrian all over and I seriously don't like that. That's inappropriate. I don't say anything and face Ilya as I ask.

"Where's Evgeny?" I feel bloodthirsty and that urge is not going to leave until I kill Evgeny. I'll kill him.

"In the dungeon." Ilya replies.

"And my painting?" 

"Safe. I tortured the location out of him." Ilya replies as Kuzma begins to lead Adrian to the SUV.

"Are you okay?" Ilya asks, concern written in his eyes. 

"Good as new. Adrian took the bullet." I inform and he scoffs.

"I still don't like him." He draws out as I smile.

"Don't." I state, he does not have to like him. 

"I have a job for you." I begin. I still have unfinished business to tend to.

"What's that? I'll get it done." 

"I'll send you an address. Go there and offer them some money. I don't know how you'll do it, but make it look like charity." I explain. I'm going to help Boris and Yulia. They're not rich and they still helped us.

"Okay." Ilya nods.

"Go there now. Kuzma will drive Adrian and me to Moscow. You'll catch up with us." I state. He nods yet again and I make my way to the SUV. I just can't wait to get my hands on Evgeny.

I go to the back seat, Adrian is already seated in the front seat with Kuzma, he's lucky he escaped me. Next time, he can try his luck. Kuzma soon starts the SUV as he drives off.

Adrian 

I took the bullet for Nikolai and if I was not so lucky, the bullet would have hit another spot. A more fatal one and I would have died. For who? Nikolai.

I hate him and only did that to gain his trust. He has to trust me and think that I can give up my life for him if I'm planning to kill him and his family soon.

I won't rest until I get revenge on those who hurt me. Zorya and her family will pay for my mother's death, and my father already paid for hitting me in the past. That man was a monster.

I was ten when I was sent to him in America and I finally understood why mom never married him. Every day, he made sure to remind me that I was born out of a mistake. Mom got pregnant by accident and according to him, she was just too stubborn and kept the baby.

At 11, he would throw parties and bring people in. They'd smoke, drink, fuck. I started witnessing sex at 11. That was so appalling.

And my father? The bastard did nothing. He would starve me and then beat me up. I became a helpless kid, who was always crying for my mother. If she was alive, I wouldn't have gotten harassed, beaten, and starved for days. Zorya Rostov took her away from me.

I suffered at the hands of my father for ten years. He did so many terrible things and I repaid him by killing him. He was the first person I killed when I was twenty. And I don't even regret it one bit.

I look around the room I've been staying in for one week now. And it's been the same routine. Sleep, the doctor treats the injury, I eat again, read books, sleep again, and like that, it goes on.

Nikolai gave me days off to recover and I've not left that room for over a week. I've not seen the bastard as well. The only person I've seen is Kuzma and the maids who bring me food.

I just can't keep sleeping in bed, I need to exercise my muscles and I feel much better than ever. My injury is almost healed up.

I get out of bed and head out of my room. The house is quiet as always. Everyone minds their business and only sends looks of contempt and hatred at each other.

I take a stroll outside and after a while, I find myself in the garden. I'm already exhausted, so I decide to sit for a while before going inside.

I'm about to take my seat when I hear a loud and angry voice.

"What are you doing here??" I shake my head slowly, knowing exactly who the voice belongs to, Irina. The hot-headed sister.

"To sit." I point out as I stare at her. Her green eyes blaze with anger and hatred as she stares at me.

"This is my space. Get out!" She snaps at me but I remain unfazed. I came to sit and I'm going to do just that. 

"And why should I? This is a garden. A public place. Anyone can come here." I point out as she scoffs.

"Everyone in this house knows this is my space. You just started working for my brother so you have no idea. Now you know, get out!" 

I gaze into Irina's blazing eyes, my smirk growing wider. She's furious, and I'm loving every minute of it.

"You think you can just waltz in here and disrespect me?" she spits, her voice venomous. Disrespect her? I just came to the garden to chill, she's just overreacting.

"I'm not disrespecting you, Irina," I say, my voice steady. "I'm simply exercising my right to enjoy this public garden."

Her face reddens further, and I can almost see the steam rising from her ears.

"You're pushing your luck, Adrian. And this is not a public garden. Leave." she warns, her words dripping with malice. "I can fire you with a snap of my fingers."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go ahead, try to fire me." I dare her. "But I think your brother will have something to say about that."

Irina's eyes flash with anger, and for a moment, I wonder if she'll lunge at me to kill me. She really looks like she will.

"You're just a pawn to him," she snarls. "A means to an end. And when you're no longer useful, he'll discard you like trash. Just like everyone else!!!"

"Maybe so," I utter, my smile growing wider. "But until then, I'll enjoy watching you squirm."

Irina's face twists in rage, her hands clenched into fists.

"Get. Out. Now." she growls.

I lean back, my eyes never leaving hers. "No."

The air crackles with tension as we lock gazes. I can feel the challenge emanating from her, but I'm not backing down.

I'm bored and I would really enjoy annoying the always-angry Irina.

My gaze drifts around the garden, taking in the meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant flowers. Irina's "space" is beautiful, I'll give her that.

"Did you plant this?" I ask curiously.

"And how's that your business? Leave!!" 

"I don't get why you're so angry." I honestly point out. She's always angry and her brother Nikolai is a cocky jerk. Pavel is the only one I've not really encountered, but I know he'll just be as annoying as the others.

"Irina." A voice calls from behind and we both turn to see Pavel standing there. Oh! Talk of the devil.

"Pavel." Irina calls in a low and scared voice. Scared? Why's she scared? 

"You bitch!!" He snarls, walking towards her.

"I knew I'd find you here in your stupid space." His voice drips with sarcasm. He suddenly grabs her elbow and she squeals in fear.

Okay, what the hell is going on?

"Pavel, you're hurting me." She winces in fear but Pavel's hold on her gets tighter, his eyes blazing with fury.

"And I'll fucking kill you. How dare you come into my room and lay your fucking hands on my stuff??" He demands in anger, his eyes holding nothing but hatred towards his sister. I thought he only hated his brother. I guess I was wrong.

"I'm so sorry, Pavel. Minnie ran into your room and I had to go in to find her." She stammers in fear as Pavel grips her tight.

"I already told you to get your stupid cat off my path. You just won't listen. Maybe you'll listen after I kill it." He threatens and Irina's face suddenly pales as she shakes her head.

"No, no. Not Minnie." She mutters, shaking her head.

"Then keep your stupid pet away." He hisses in anger and suddenly raises his hand. Wait, is he going to hit her? Like, hit her?

"Pavel!" Irina calls as her chest heaves. She's scared and tears have already gathered in her eyes.

"You'll listen after I teach you a lesson. Keep your mad self to your room. I don't know why you're not locked up in a psychiatric hospital. That's where your fellow mad patients stay." He says with venom in his voice. That's harsh. Why call his sister mad? 

He's going to hit her and I can tell it's not the first time by the way Irina's responds. There's no way I'll watch that, so just when he's about to hit her, I quickly go over to stop him, by holding his wrist.

"Who's this bastard?" He yells in Russia as his eyes shoot up in anger.

"My boss has placed her in my care and you're not allowed to hit her," I state in a stern voice as Pavel glares at me angrily.

He's much different from Nikolai and Irina. They both have green eyes, but Pavel's brown eyed, which look oddly familiar. Too familiar. While Nikolai and Irina bear some resemblance, he looks nothing like them.

"To hell with you and your boss." He snarls at me in anger.

"You can say that to him yourself." I say softly, peeling his hand away from Irina's elbow. She quickly rushes to my side crying. I release Pavel's wrist that I'm holding and he glares at me.

If he attempts to do anything. I'll beat him up.

"Excuse us. come on, miss Irina." I hold Irina by her wrist as I lead her out of the garden. She keeps crying as we walk into the house.

"Where's your room?" I ask softly and she points in a direction. We both go upstairs, taking her straight to her room.

"Here." I utter, as I make her seat on the bed. What? Is she a bat? The room is seriously dark. It's daytime, but all the curtains are down. I only managed to find her bed.

I manage to find my way to the window and push the curtains aside, allowing light into the room.

Her room is not what I expect it to be, she's literally the princess of the Rostov's. Her room is plain, painted blue and most of the tings in here are blue. My eyes land on her cat who's sleeping soundly on the couch l. I had no idea she had a pet or if there was one in this house.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly. Now I'm beginning to understand why she acts irritable and erratic.

It's her family. Her mother obviously has no time for her. Same with her brothers. One of them calls her mad and hits her and she has no friends either. 

"I'm not mad, I'm not mad." She mumbles as I come near her.

"I'm not mad. I'm not mad!!!" She mumbles again, shaking her head in denial as she jumps up from the bed.

"Irina." I call. I feel very bad for her. She's alone. She's always in her room and hardly lurks around. She's scared. 

"You're not mad." I say in a soft voice as I slowly hold her hand.

"That's a lie!!" She suddenly yells and she struggles to get out of my hold.

"Mom and Pavel call me mad. They say I'm mad!" She screams as she cries.

"And Nikolai?" I don't know why I ask that. But if Nikolai calls her mad as well, I'm going to hate him even more.

"The bastard only cares about himself. He doesn't care or talk to me." 

"I'm not mad!! And what are you doing here? Get out!" She yells at the top of her voice and I try to calm her down. Her screams soon wake her cat up. 

The cat, startled by the commotion, springs from its slumber, arching its back and extending its claws. It lets out a disoriented meow, as if protesting the sudden disturbance. Irina's anger momentarily shifts focus, and she rushes to soothe the cat.

"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry," she coos with a sniffle, scooping up the cat and cradling it in her arms. "It's okay, Minnie. Mommy's just having a bad moment."

As she calms the cat, I seize the opportunity to speak in a gentle, reassuring tone.

"Irina, please, listen to me."

Irina's gaze lingers on the cat, then slowly shifts to me. Her expression softens, and for an instant, I glimpse the vulnerability beneath her anger.

"What are you doing here?" she repeats, her voice still raised but laced with a hint of anger.

"Are you okay?" I ask softly.

Irina's eyes dart around the room as if searching for an escape or a distraction. The cat, sensing her tension, nuzzles deeper into her chest.

"Everything's fine," she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just leave me alone, okay?"

"Nice cat." I slowly point at the cat.

"Her name is Minnie." She corrects.

"Minnie's cute." I admire and she looks up at me with a smile on her face. She suddenly stopped crying.

"I know. She's a gift from Nikolai." I notice the way her eyes darken at the mention of Nikolai. Then I remembered her words the first day I came to this house. Nikolai left her, which only means they were probably once on good terms.

"Can I stay around?" 

"Why?" Her tone is sharp.

"Because I'm bored and I'm in need of a friend." I shrug my shoulders. It's really boring being alone in that room, we both could use some company.

She looks at me for the longest of time, probably wondering if she should allow me to stay. If she doesn't, I'll leave. "Help me with Minnie's food. It's over there. I want to feed her. She's hungry." She points in a direction.

"Sure." I say with a smile on my face.

I spend the next hours with Irina and trust me she's fun to be with. She doesn't act erratic, neither does she yell. We literally became friends in a couple of hours. She shows me all her favorite books and flowers, then teaches me how to take care of her cat Minnie.

By the time I'm ready to leave her room, it's already evening.

"Will you come tomorrow?" She asks as she walks me to her door.

"I'll come whenever I'm free, Irina." I inform her, ruffling her hair with a smile as she giggles.

"We'll go to the garden tomorrow, Adrian! I'll share." She says gingerly and I smile. We kind of bonded a lot. She was so eager to make a friend and I seriously do not mind being her friend. 

"I thought that was your personal space." I tease and she laughs.

"It's either you come or I'll get very pissed." 

"Don't worry I'll come." I assure and reach out to open the door. We both freeze, the moment I open the door. Standing in front of the door is Olga as she glares at me.

"Olga!" Irina calls with a smile on her face.

Olga waves at Irina with a smile."Hi dear. What's he doing here?" her smile turns into a glare as she looks at me.

"Adrian is my friend. I was just showing him out." 

"Adrian?" A voice suddenly sounds from behind us. It's Nikolai. It seems he's just returning. Behind him is Ilya who glares at me as well. Great! Just great! 

"Yes, Adrian. Adrian is my friend. Do you have a problem with that?" She snaps coldly at her brother, whose eyes slowly land on me, furrowed.

"Were you just in my sister's room?" He suddenly asks and I feel three pairs of eyes staring intently at me. 

Uh-oh, I hope they're not thinking elsewhere.

"Don't shout at him. And get out! Now you know I'm your sister?" Irina mumbles as she scoffs. 

"Irina." Nikolai calls in a warning tone but she slowly rolls her eyes as she mutters, "Mood spoilers."

"Adrian, come with me." He abruptly gestures at me. I wave at Irina and she waves back with a smile, I don't fail to notice the way he frowns at me, before looking away.

"What was he doing in your room dear?" I hear Olga ask as I walk away.

"He's my friend," Irina replies in a stern voice, then she asks. "What are you doing here?" 

"Dinner's ready." Their voices become hushed as I walk away. Nikolai goes straight into his room and I follow him inside. I have no idea where Ilya disappears into.

The moment I close the door, he grabs my shirt and pins me to the wall.

"Niko-" 

"What were you doing with my sister??" He suddenly asks angrily. His breath fans my face as his cedarwood smell fills my nose. He smells so fucking good and I seriously shouldn't be thinking about how good he smells. And why does it mess with my senses? Why does Nikolai mess with my senses? I don't like men!!!

His green eyes stare directly at me. His hair is not packed today and I seriously hate how close we are. I'm being reminded of the kiss and his sexy nude. I've still not gotten that off my head. Why?

"Nothing." I reply, keeping a straight face.

"Nothing?" He scoffs and I nod.

"Yes. We were just spending time together as friends. Nothing more." I point out, and his grip on my shirt tightens.

"Stay away from my sister." 

"I have no interest towards her, if that's what you're thinking. Irina and I are just friends." 

"Irina does not keep friends." He states as he angrily releases my shirt, stepping away from me.

"Because you don't allow her to. She's literally locked up in her room. We were both bored, so we bonded. As friends." I lay emphasis on the last word. We bear no romantic feelings towards each other. We're friends. 

"Since when did you become friends?" He questions, running his hands through his hair. He still looks angry and it seems like he's holding himself from punching me.

"Since today."

"Irina doesn't talk to anyone. She–"

"She yells? And acts out of it? Because she's mad?" I utter in disbelief. Everyone keeps their distance from her. And it's the same people she considers her family. Her brother hits her, that gives her all the right to act the way she does.

"Did you just call my sister mad?" He suddenly charges at me. I manage to escape his punch by stepping away to the side.

"No, I didn't. But your brother happened to do that. He almost hit her today. He would have done that if I wasn't there. I'll not be surprised if you do the same." 

"I don't hit my sister. And that fucker Pavel." He hisses through gritted teeth as he clenches his fists tight.

"Irina's surroundings have made her how she is. She needs a friend and I don't mind being her friend. She's not mad, but her family makes her feel she belongs to a psychiatric hospital. You don't talk to her and act like she doesn't exist. Her other brother hits her and her mother doesn't give a shit about her." I seriously don't mind being a friend to her. I was a victim of abuse and constant neglect and I can totally understand her. I grew up that way and I know how much it affects mental health.

"I'm sorry if being around her will make you feel uncomfortable, but I don't mind spending time with her if she wants." I continue and Nikolai pauses, staring at me for the longest of time. Has he suddenly gone mute? 

"Get out!" 

"What?" My eyes narrow in surprise.

"Get out!!" He yells at the top of his voice.

"Okay, boss." I bow slightly and don't waste another time before leaving his room. He's angry and it's not at me. He's angry at himself.