But before she could make it into my arms, Viktor swooped forward. Maila quieted down, her eyes widening in shock and fear.
She looked back at me and then at Viktor again. Back at me again and then at the rather strange man holding her in his arms.
Her chin wobbled as she started to struggle out of his arms. “Mama,” she whimpered, reaching for me. “No. Mama.”
Viktor panicked at the sight of Maila crying. “Why is she crying?”
Maila practically slapped him in the face as she tried to reach for me again, sobbing her heart out. Quickly, I took her in my arms, soothing my frightened baby.
“I’m sorry. She was just shocked, that’s all,” I apologized as Maila finally settled, giving Viktor a weird look.
She wrinkled her nose at him before burying her face in my neck.
“She doesn’t remember me,” Viktor said quietly.
Biting on my lips, I looked down at her. “She was so little when you…”
My words died in my throat, and silence fell around us. Viktor nodded, without any words.
All too quickly, it felt like a cold air had hit me. Viktor’s soft eyes turned into a glare as he stared behind me. It was deadly. If his glare could burn someone on the spot, the person would only be ashes right now.
Without turning around, I knew who was standing behind me. My heart went to my throat, suddenly suffocating me.
“Excuse me. I have to deal with something,” Viktor said, walking past me. Not something. Someone.
I grabbed onto his arm. “Please, Viktor.”
If I had to beg, I would.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Alessio already making his way upstairs. Viktor tracked his movement, his hands fisting at his sides.
My voice brought his attention back on me. “Please don’t fight.”
“Ayla…”
“I know what he did was wrong, but maybe just talk without fighting,” I quickly spoke.
“I would really appreciate if you stay out of this. It doesn’t concern you,” he replied stiffly. I flinched at his tone. “Whatever happened is between Alessio and me.”
He pulled his arm back, walking away.
“Don’t hurt him,” I murmured.
He continued walking without turning around. But I heard his voice. “Did you beg for my life too? Or is this a special treatment only for Alessio?”
“You know that’s not true. I just don’t want you fighting with each other. Your loyalty was one that I used to admire,” I returned, desperately trying to calm him.
He paused at the staircase, slightly turning toward me. “Like Alessio’s loyalty? Fantastic brother he was, wasn’t he?”
He dug deeper into my heart with his words, taunting me, forcing me to face the truth.
It’s a lie, I reminded myself. He is just angry. He will get over it.
When no reply came from me, he continued his way upstairs. My shoulders slumped down in defeat, and I could only hope.
I just prayed that this encounter didn’t end with either being shot.
Chapter 6
Konstantin aka Viktor
It was hard turning away from Ayla when all I wanted to do was hold her in my arms and never let go. I wanted to soothe her worry and fear.
I wanted to hold her and tell her how much I missed her. Her voice. Her laughter. Her smile. Everything about her.
But I had something to deal with first. Someone to deal with…a past to put at rest. Another step in the game.
Another step toward the throne that only one person could hold.
There can only be one King.
And in the end, there would only be one King standing.
A promise made before, a promise to hold. A promise that would be fulfilled.
The door to his office was open, an invitation to enter. I found Alessio sitting behind his desk, looking just as dangerous as he always did.
His elbows were on the table, his chin resting against his steepled fingers. He stared at me with emotionless eyes, but I could tell they held plenty of promises. The anger was hidden but always there.
Alessio was silent, just calmly staring me. It was his way of making his enemies nervous and cower underneath him. I grew numb to those stares many years ago. They didn’t faze me any longer.
“I am thinking if it would be polite to offer you a drink.”
He finally broke the silence, his words loud and clear. Walking forward, I stopped beside the couch.
“That would be appropriate, but I am not here for a drink,” I drawled, crossing my arms.
He shrugged. “What are you here for then?”
I raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly. “I am surprised you’re even asking.”
“Just trying to build up a conversation. I haven’t seen you in a year,” he replied, standing up to his full height, looking bigger and meaner.
“Right. I remember. The last time we saw each other, you left me for dead. After shooting me in the heart and my ass.”
He cocked his head to the side. “So you are here to return the favor?”