Page 63 of Tainted Empire
As he leaves to make the necessary arrangements, I’m left with a sense of foreboding. This isn’t just a battle for control or revenge; it’s something far more sinister.
When I’m finally discharged from the hospital, I leave strict instructions with our men. Security needs to be tighter than ever. Every visitor, every call, every movement around Mikhail and the penthouse must be monitored closely. I can see the determination in their eyes as they nod in agreement. They understand the stakes just as much as I do.
Back at the penthouse, the first thing I do is head straight for the shower to wash off the hospital grime. The hot water feels soothing, washing away the hospital’s sterile chill and some of the tension that’s been knotting my muscles.
Grabbing Mikhail’s body wash, my heart clenches as the familiar aroma envelopes me in the bathroom, threatening to pull me under. It feels like I’m grieving even though I haven’t lost him.
Afterward, wrapped in a robe, I find myself drawn to Mikhail’s study. It’s a room that always felt like his alone - a sanctuary of sorts. It’s a room that exudes power and command, filled with the traces of his presence. I hesitate at the door before stepping inside, feeling like an intruder in this space that is so distinctly his.
Mikhail’s study is a reflection of the man himself - imposing, meticulously organized, and steeped in an aura of quiet power. The centerpiece of the room is a large oak desk, its surface polished to a high shine. On the desk, his laptop and tablet lie side by side, the screens dark but hinting at the world of information and connections they contain.
Slowly, almost reverently, I make my way to his chair and sit down. The leather feels cold against my skin, and I can’t shake the feeling of being out of place, dwarfed by the enormity of the responsibilities now resting on my shoulders. The room, usually so full of his presence, feels empty and vast without him.
“You look good in that chair, Mrs. Baranova,” Alexei, who followed me in, leans against the door with his arms crossed. A small smile plays on his lips as he observes me. “Like you belong there.”
I let out a half-hearted chuckle, looking around the room. “It feels strange, Alexei. Like I’m playing dress-up in Mikhail’s clothes.”
“You’re doing what needs to be done. The boss would be proud of you,” he says, pushing off from the door, his expression becoming more serious. “I remember the day he introduced me and Viktor as your bodyguards. I’ll be honest, I never expected you to survive in his world. But the way you stood up to him, showed us you weren’t just some damsel to be coddled... I knew then you belonged here.”
His words bring a small sense of comfort, a reminder of how far I’ve come since entering Mikhail’s world. “Thank you, Alexei. That means a lot, especially now.”
He nods, his gaze steady. “If you want, our training can continue. It might help; give you some sense of control in all this chaos.”
I consider his offer, thinking about the physical and mental strength I’ll need in the days to come. “Yes, let’s continue the training. I need to be as strong as I can be.”
Alexei gives a curt nod, his usual stern demeanor back in place. “Good. We’ll start as soon as you’re ready. For now, rest. You’ve been through a lot.”
I turn to him, determination in my voice. “Thank you, Alexei.”
As he leaves, I take a deep breath, I look out over the cityscape and I realize that this is more than just filling in for him. It’s about keeping his legacy alive, about making decisions that will affect us all.
It’s a role I never expected to take on, but now that I’m here, I’m ready to rise to the challenge.
Chapter 33
Gabriette
Returning home after visiting Mikhail in the hospital, I’m enveloped by a sense of eerie calmness that blankets the penthouse.
There’s been no change to his condition, but things seem to be looking up. Kazimir has found out that Anatoly closed his borders for now, no trading for a few weeks and no one knows why.
It looks extremely suspicious, so we’ve sent a few of our men in to lay low and report back. We’ve also agreed not to let Natalya know what has happened. She’s in Greece at the moment, under her fiance’s protection and the last thing we want is for her to be caught up in this.
She may hate me later, but it’s for the best.
I need a long bath and my bed, but as I step into the living room, my eyes catch sight of something unsettling – a large, unmarked box resting ominously on the table.
“Alexei,” I called out, my voice tinged with unease. “What is this?”
He appears in the doorway, his expression tense. “Mrs. Baranova, don’t approach it,” he warns, moving quickly to stand between me and the box.
I watch as he cautiously approaches the box, his movements deliberate. When he opens it, his face turns ashen, a look of horror etched across his features.
“What is it, Alexei?” I whisper, knowing it cannot be anything good. Not with the look on his face.
He turns to me, his voice grave. “Do you really want to see what’s inside?”
His question sends a chill down my spine. Fear grips me, but I swallow it down, steeling myself. I need to be the leader Mikhail is, the kind that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of our world.