Page 47 of The Dark Side

Yakov wanted Katia pregnant.

Adrik shoved his plate off the table, and it shattered on the floor.

Chapter seventeen

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Jolielookedoverhershoulder at Yakov and Adrik as Alexei kept a hand on her back, guiding her through the house. She could feel the tension worse than the summer heat. What had gotten them to that point? Was Adrik okay?

Alexei tried to assure her with, "My father's a rough guy. Probably better for you to stay away. He's a little racist."

Jolie focused on Alexei, noticing for the first time how much he and Adrik looked alike. They have the same jawline, the same eyes, and the same kind of hair. Slick, black, and short. Alexei's body was thicker, like he had drunk more milk as a kid. He definitely focused more on upper body strength than his brother. "How's your arm?"

"It's fine, thanks." Alexei led her to the living room, sitting on the opposite side of the couch. He stared at her, the same kind of stare Adrik had, but it wasn't nearly so intimidating. She fixed her dress over her knees, looking around the room. It was as elegant as the rest of the house, with the white furniture and a pop of red in random spots. There was a grandfather clock in the corner and a beautiful white piano. Alexei cleared his throat. "I guess I should apologize. The shootout and forcing you to take us to your apartment probably gave a bad impression."

Jolie appreciated the apology, but it wasn't enough to erase it.

"Though I'm thankful for what you did, I don't think this is a good fit. I'll talk to my brother."

Could Alexei convince him to change his mind? Did Jolie want that?

"Are you twins?" Jolie said, deviating.

The question paused him. Did she really not understand the kind of danger she was in? Did she believe they were the typical run-of-the-mill drug dealers, living in a house like this? Perhaps from movies, she assumed those types of gangs were rich—when in reality, they knew nothing about business.

Alexei scratched his head uncomfortably. "No, but we are ten months apart." He leaned in and whispered as if it was a secret. "I'm older."

Jolie smiled. "Shouldn't he be taking orders from you?"

"I'm more muscle." He shifted his arm to expose his bicep. Even in a suit, it was noticeable.

Jolie giggled, shifting her gaze away.

Alexei couldn't figure out why his brother brought this woman here. But he wasn't that upset about seeing her again. She was impressionable. She tried so hard to fit into the background, but by doing so, she stood out. Perhaps it was her quirky dresses or her fearlessness, but whatever it was, he hadn't forgotten her. "So, you're going to tutor Helina?"

Jolie popped right back up with a smile. "Yep, that's the plan."

"I guess there's nothing wrong with that. She should be up. Do you know how to get to her room?"

Jolie stood, "Yeah, thanks. See you around."

Alexei watched her walk away, her ballet shoes tapping against the tile differently than high heels. He dropped his head. He was never good at talking to women. His good looks got him a seat at the bar, but then he'd always screw up. Now, Alexei had gotten to the point where being drunk was the only way to get laid.

A crash from outside got him to his feet. Servants raced out in front of him, cleaning up the mess Adrik made as he sat in his chair. Alexei rested his hands on the empty seat of his father's.

Adrik glanced at him for half a second, telling him all he needed to know before his gaze went back to the pool.

Dealing with Yakov was another reason Alexei gave up his seat as heir. He wasn't nearly so willing to obey their father as Adrik was. Too many times, he went against Yakov and paid the price for it. If he had kept the position as heir, he would have killed his father or been murdered in his sleep.

"I don't think this is a good idea,"Alexei began."This tutor."

Adrik stood and threw back the rest of his coffee before slapping it on the table."It's done."He turned to leave, but Alexei moved in front of him.

"Why? Why her? You're gonna ruin her life, Adrik."

He scoffed, stepping around him."Dramatic as always."

Alexei latched onto his bicep, forcing him around. Adrik's temper ignited, and he stepped up to Alexei, getting in his face. But Alexei wasn't stepping up to the plate."You're mad at Papa."He pushed his brother back."Do you want to fight? Let's go get gloves on. I don't want to mess up my pretty face."