Page 116 of The Brigadier

“This is over,” I hissed. “Finished. You are not taking anything. In fact, you are going to be arrested.”

I knew Vadim would make that happen.

He wiped his jaw, his right eye puffy. I suspected mine would be later.

“Fuck you, brother. I always hated you.”

“Why?” I asked, licking blood from my lip.

“You were always better at everything. But I found a way.” He laughed almost maniacally and I was disgusted. Families were supposed to give a damn about each other. As I took a step backwards, there was a strange crackle in the air and I knew instantaneously what he was about to do.

He had another weapon, yanking it from under his trousers’ leg. It happened so fast, even Vadim couldn’t react quickly enough.

But I did. I lunged for my weapon, my training kicking in. I swung around and without any hesitation whatsoever, pulled the trigger.

The sound was deafening.

As my brother was pitched back to the floor, the bullet catching him between the eyes, I dropped to my knees. I’d never intended on killing Vissarian, even though he’d deserved to die.

As the echo of the gunshot lingered in my ears, Vadim walked closer, crouching down. He waited to say anything, taking several deep breaths instead.

“You know. You did what was necessary to protect you and your family. He couldn’t care less about family.”

His voice was more soothing than normal. “Yeah, I know. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t ache.” I didn’t waste much time standing. “I’m going to see my little family now.”

He clapped me on the back and I shook my head. Not a word was said by anyone else.

I found my beautiful Chantel creating watercolors with Damien in his room. As soon as I walked into the room, Damien came rushing over.

“Daddy. I was scared. You’re bweeding.”

My laugh was fake but the best I could do. “Oh, my brother and I sometimes play rough. It was unexpected but that’s how we roll. Are you okay?”

He nodded. “Chantie took care of me.”

I glanced at the woman I loved and she had tears in her eyes, which she wiped away frantically before rushing toward me.

With her arms thrown around me, she pushed her face into my neck, but I could hear her broken whisper.

“Don’t you ever do that again.”

I hugged them both tight, thankful that I’d been given my own second chance.

And I had no intention of fucking it up.

CHAPTER 31

Almost three months later

Chantel

“You are incorrigible,” I moaned, trying to keep my voice down. Nikolay had insisted I head into the bedroom to talk about ‘Christmas,’ which was a lie. It was our code word for when he needed me.

“Yes, I am.” He pushed my thong aside, thrusting the entire length of his cock deep into my tight pussy.

“Oh, God. Oh.” I clawed his back and swung one leg around his hip, gasping for air. This was similar to how we’d begun. Up close and personal with a wall.

As he pumped hard and fast, I instantly became lightheaded. It was insane how insatiable he was, but God love him. Our days were filled with hard work, yet our nights were embroiled in passion.