It had been two days since the party and the horrid running for my life. My legs had recovered, but my nerves were on edge. I couldn’t help glancing around everywhere I went. It still felt like someone was watching me.
Akim spent the night and offered to do so every day, but I couldn’t allow that. It was a sure way for my brothers to find out about us and what I was doing. Both Akim and I kept our heads down and focused on work.
No one could know about our relationship. We didn’t want to get reported for workplace liaisons. We could get into a lot of trouble with the Dubow and Morozov families. But that wasn’t the biggest problem. Mixing with a Dubow was forbidden, according to Iosif. If he found out, he would surely lock me up and throw away the keys.
We had to keep it under wraps at work and outside. If either of us wanted to live. I felt bad that Akim didn’t know what he was getting himself into, but I had to keep up appearances until I had proven myself.
My sisters and brother Lukyan pitched up uninvited last night. If Akim had been there, we would have had an issue. My sisters actually only came to try and convince me to move back in with them. But I couldn’t, not anymore. Lukyan usually came along with them. He kept an eye on them. Protecting them was part of his duties.
Iosif wanted to assign Timofey to me and some guards, but I refused. I didn’t want or need protection. Although these last couple of weeks, I wasn’t so sure anymore.
As the day progressed, I felt less stressed. Everything had been smooth sailing, and Timofey hadn’t called or pitched up yet. So, I felt sure he hadn’t seen me. Maybe I will get my way after all.
I packed up my files and switched off the computer. It was almost lunchtime. I ordered Chinese and headed to the kitchen. Once I got our drinks, I would wait for the food and meet Akim in his office, just like yesterday.
As I reached reception, the elevator doors opened, and Timofey stepped out. Our eyes met, and I could see he was on a mission. Shit. He had seen me.
Moving swiftly, I walked towards him. I grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and pulled him along into the little kitchen. “What are you doing here, Timofey?” I asked. I was feeling a bit flabbergasted.
He had that smug grin on his face, that, I know your secret look. I hated it when he got like this. He made me feel like a naughty child as he looked me up and down.
Leaning forward, he looked into my eyes as he spoke. “Well, I saw you at the party. So, either you’re hanging with someone here, or something else is going on.”
“No, nothing, nothing, I promise,” I replied quickly. I was shocked. I felt so sure he hadn’t seen me. Turning away, I took two cups out of the cupboard and put the kettle on. “Do you want some coffee?” I asked, smiling.
“Tell me what’s going on here!” he insisted.
“Nothing’s going on. I do not know what you mean,” I said, smiling innocently at him.
Timofey lightly tapped my shoulder as he spoke. “I know what you’re doing!”
Turning back, I stared at my brother, trying to look confused. “What do you mean you know what I’m doing?” I asked.
“You know Iosif won’t agree with this. He is going to be very upset when he finds out,” Timofey huffed.
“Timofey,” I said, taking his hands. “Please, please, I’m begging you. Don’t tell anyone I’m here. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Besides, I’ve taken all precautions. Nobody here knows who I am, except for a handful of our own people.”
I swallowed hard as Timofey pulled his hands from mine. “No,” he replied harshly. “I cannot do this. I can’t be colluding with you on something so big. What if Iosif finds out, or Avgust? Our brothers will not be happy that you have tricked them and so many others.”
“I know,” I pleaded. “But, please, I have to prove myself. Nobody will ever believe that I am capable of more than being a pretty face and running errands. Yet, I am, and I can prove it. I promise you things will work out. Please keep my secret just a little longer?”
“I don’t know about this,” he replied.
I pleaded with Timofey, begging him with my eyes as I looked up into his. “Brother, please. I need you to be on my side for once.”
He shook his head, glanced around, and then spoke. “This isn’t going to work out well for you, Zhenya.”
“It will,” I insisted, taking his hand. “Please just give it time.”
“I’ll have to think about it,” he said, sighing and pulling away. “But when this backfires, remember these words, it will. It’s going to be a bigger explosion than you bargained for. There will be hell to pay.”
I gave him a sincere look as I spoke. “I promise, it’s just work. There’s nothing shady going on here. No bratva involvement. It’s a legit business. Plus, I was responsible for the success of the latest projects. I handled the management and did the presentation.”
“Well,” he said, raising his brows. “I must then congratulate you, as we were all impressed by that one. But know this, if there is anything reckless going on, I will tell. And that means I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
Feeling somewhat better, I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. You will not regret this,” I said, stepping up to him and hugging him. “And that’s fine,” I added as relief washed over me. “It won’t be an issue.”
The door swung open, and Akim stormed in. I could see the tenseness in his shoulders as he scanned my brother. I looked at Timofey, pleading with my eyes that he would keep his mouth shut. I couldn’t let him mess with my plans.
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Akim spat. His tone was slightly elevated, and I could hear the anger coming through.
My brother extended his hand as he introduced himself. “I’m Timofey Chernykh. I came by to check on operations.”
Akim did not shake his hand. He looked him up and down before speaking. “Well, now, I’m sure she told you operations is one floor down,” Akim huffed, rubbing his chin. “So, what exactly are you then doing in the kitchen with Zhen?”
“Zhen? Oh, yes, well, I know her from previous projects we worked on that she was involved in. She offered me a cup of coffee, so I walked with her,” he said, glancing at me. I could see the questions he had, but he bit them back.
“Okay,” Akim said. I could hear the irritation in his voice. “I take it you then got what you actually came for or needed? Or is there something I can assist you with?”
Timofey glanced at me. He nodded and then answered Akim as he moved past him. “No, I’m fine, thank you. I’ll be in touch.”
Looking down at the floor, I felt terrible. The way Akim treated my brother wasn’t nice, but then my brother wasn’t nice either. But he did keep my secret even though he wasn’t pleased with me. For that, I was grateful.
