Page 40 of Tainted Empire

“Just keep your head on straight, Mischa. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. We need to be strategic about this.”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. “I understand. I’ll keep things under control. But we need to act fast, find out who’s behind Dasha’s brother.”

There’s a grunt of agreement from my father. “I’ll make some calls, see what I can find out. I’ll have to look into Dasha’s father’s enemies since he was the Brigadier of the St. Petersburg Pakhan. Perhaps see who could have taken his heir in retaliation.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I pause for a moment, glancing towards the music room where Gabriette is playing. “And Gabriette... She’s a part of this now. I can’t let her get hurt because of my past.”

“You won’t, Mischa. You’re a Baranov. We protect our own,” my father advises firmly. “Gabriette is as much a part of this family as any of us. But don’t let your guard down. Whoever’s behind this, they won’t stop until they’ve destroyed everything you hold dear.”

His words reinforce the determination burning inside me. “I know, I won’t let that happen. I’ll burn the world down before I let them touch her,” I vow.

“As you should; a king always protects his queen. Keep me posted, son. And be careful.”

“Always am, Pappa,”

The call ends, and I’m left with my thoughts, the resolve to protect Gabriette and our future together burning fiercely within me.

The sound of her cello fills the air, a reminder of the beauty and peace I’m fighting for. I won’t let anyone take this away from me again, won’t let anyone destroy what we’re trying to rebuild.

Stepping into Gabriette’s music room, I find myself momentarily lost in the beauty of her playing. The way she connects with her cello, it’s like watching two old souls in conversation. She looks up, her eyes meeting mine, and there’s this smile, that goddamn smile that always makes my heart skip a beat.

I settle myself at the grand piano, watching her intently. She’s in her element, and it’s a damn sight to behold.

As she finishes, a pensive look crosses her face. “Met someone interesting at the archives the other day,” she starts, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the curves of her cello. “A blind pianist, goes by the name Devon. He made me see music in a different light, you know?”

“Devon,” I echo, my mind already ticking over the name. In my world, every new face is a potential threat, but I don’t want to jump the gun, especially not with Gabriette. “Sounds like an impressive guy.”

Her eyes light up, a spark of something pure and genuine. “He is. Despite being blind, his understanding of music... it’s extraordinary.”

I nod, filing away the name Devon for later. I’ll have someone look into him discreetly. Can’t be too careful these days. “I’ll have someone check him out. Just a precaution, you understand.”

She meets my gaze, a flicker of understanding there. “I get it, Mikhail. After everything, we can’t be too careful.”

It’s a relief, her getting it without me having to spell it out. One less thing to worry about.

I reach out, taking her hand. It’s a simple gesture, but it means everything. “Thanks, Malyshka. For understanding. This world, it’s a fucking mess sometimes.”

She squeezes my hand, a soft smile playing on her lips. “We’re in this together, right? Whatever comes our way.”

Her words hit me, a reminder of this unbreakable bond we’ve built. She’s not just my wife; she’s my partner, in every sense of the word.

Chapter 23

Gabriette

As Mikhail’s car glides to a stop in front of the safe house, I can feel the tension radiating off him. He’s been quiet for the last part of the drive, his hands gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

“Are you sure about this?” Mikhail asks, his voice tinged with concern. “You don’t have to go back in there if you’re not comfortable.”

I turn to face him, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “I need to, Mischa. We can’t raise suspicions, especially if we’re starting to question Lee’s loyalty.”

He lets out a heavy sigh, his eyes searching mine. “I fucking hate this, Gabriette. Leaving you in a place where we’re not sure who to trust anymore.”

“I know,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “But I need to be smart about this. If we’re doubting those close to us, I at least need to keep my ears open. And I’ll tell Lee tonight that I’m moving back home.”

Mikhail nods slowly, though his reluctance is evident. “Just... be careful, okay? I can’t lose you.”

I lean in and kiss him softly, feeling the familiar surge of emotion that his presence always stirs in me. “I will be. And I’ll be back home soon, I promise.”