Anton: The Odessa Organization Book 1 Read online

  Clearing my throat, I know what I have to do now. “Lana will come to dinner with us; after that, we’ll come back here where I can put her to bed, then we’ll go to your place.” I refuse to dump the woman in my home, where I can’t exactly kick her out when she becomes hysterical. It’s best I go there, so I can leave immediately and not stick around for any fireworks.

  Chapter 2

  Sofiy

  “What about this one?” I pull out Lana’s pink church dress that she loves to twirl in like a princess, and she shakes her head again. “Hmm, do you want to match Tato?” Her eyes light up as she nods. “I’ll be right back, then.”

  Leaving her room, trepidation agitates my insides as I reluctantly walk towards Mr. Renznikov’s room, where he’s getting ready. I know better than to disturb him when he’s behind closed doors, but Lana is the most important person in this household, and what she wants, she typically gets.

  Inhaling a couple of deep breaths, I try to psych myself up for the verbal lashing I’m about to receive again as I knock tentatively on the door. With my hands behind my back and my head down, I wait a full two minutes before knocking again, louder this time.

  It takes seconds for the door to swing open and his angered voice to ask, “What do you want?”

  Clearing my throat, I swallow roughly. “Lana would like her dress to match your outfit.” My head is still down, so I don’t see what he’s wearing, or rather, not wearing until he lifts my chin with his hand, grasping the same place as earlier—making the bruises throb.

  “You will look at me when you speak to me, Miss Koval.” I nod briefly. My eyes get caught on the bare flesh of his chest. Muscle covered by a dark dusting of chest hair leading down to the opening of his pants, where his belt hangs loosely.

  Dropping my chin from his grasp, I meet his stare as requested, and I see a brief flash of remorse in his inky gaze. “What’s her favorite color this week?” Each week Lana has a new one to love.

  “Light blue,” I answer, trying not to wince from the exacerbated pain in my jaw.

  He nods before turning and walking back into his room. Disappearing into his closet, I wait at the open door for him to instruct me on the color.

  “What about–. Fuck, get in here, Sofiy!” Jumping at his command, I reluctantly step into his room. Not wanting to stray too far or cross any boundaries, I remain outside his closet. “I said in here.” The annoyance in his tone is unmistakable.

  My arms ache to cross my chest, so I stuff them in the pockets of my apron, not wanting to appear defensive as I step closer. “Choose one.” The large closet holds drawers of ties, and he’s standing in front of one with a multitude of blue-colored options.

  Not presuming permission to touch them, my hands remain where they are as my eyes sift through the colors until I find one the same shade as a dress I know Lana loves. “This one.” I point to it, my eyes still glued to its spot before I realize he’s not making a move to grab it.

  Lifting my head, I see him staring at me. “Is there something wrong with touching my clothes, Miss Koval?” His voice is flat, so I don’t know if he’s angry or teasing.

  “No, sir. I did not want to presume I had permission to touch anything you own.” He raises an eyebrow at me in question as he slips his arms into a crisp white dress shirt.

  “Button it,” he instructs, and I freeze.

  This isn’t part of my duties, so I struggle with the command. My body wants to obey him, but my mind is fighting with the realization that we’ve shifted into unknown territory here.

  “I’m waiting, Sofiy.”

  “Yes, sir,” I croak, wiping my hands on my skirt before reaching for the two sides of his shirt. Taking extra care not to touch him, I make quick work of getting the buttons done up to the collar.

  “Do you know how to tie a tie?” he asks, and I nod. I used to do them for my father and Vlad whenever needed because I was taught it was my place to dress my husband one day.

  Reaching into the drawer, I grasp the one we chose. Belting it around his neck, I’m very aware of our close proximity and how it would look if someone else were to walk in here right now.

  As I’m twisting the material together, Anton clasps his hands on my hips and pulls me closer. “Might be easier if you weren’t trying to reach across the room. Unless I smell bad?”

  I pause at his words and begin to shake. He’s notorious for having a terrible temper, and I’d hate to be the one to strike a fire in it tonight. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to crowd you.”

  “You seem not to want to do a lot of things around me. I must smell.” I swallow roughly and bite my lip because I’m too petrified to decipher if he’s joking or not. “Well, do I?”

  “No, of course not. Your scent is lovely.” Like freshly sawed wood and crisp mountain air. But I don’t say that part.

  “Tell me, Sofiy, are you a good girl?” Finished with his tie, my eyes slowly lift to his. “Were you taught to obey?”

  Uncomfortable, I try to step back, but he holds me steady. “I was taught to obey my husband.” I need the distinction to be very clear.

  “You were also taught to be seen and not heard, like a good Ukrainian girl. Yet, I’m always seeing you.” I wince at his assessment. He makes it sound dirty.

  “My apologies, sir. I’ll make sure I no longer pull your attention.” Even if Lana will try to make it impossible.

  “I hurt you earlier.” My head reels at his change in subject. “You don’t demand an apology. You aren’t complaining. Yet I see the evidence on your face. Why?” He takes a step forward and turns my body to lean against the dressing counter in the middle of the closet, trapping me in.

  “It was my own fault. I disturbed you when I knew better. It won’t happen again.” My throat works up and down as I try to swallow.

  “What if I want you to?” He cups my cheek this time, his touch gentle. Soothing.

  “I don’t understand.” I do, but I’m not sure I want to.

  Lifting my chin, his head lowers, and before I process what’s happening, his lips are on mine. My gasp of surprise presents Anton the opportunity to sweep his tongue into my mouth.

  Too stunned to move, I allow him to plunder without protest. Caught up in the intimate moment, my hands move to his sides, grasping the material of his shirt to hold onto as I grow lightheaded.

  “Sofiy?” I hear Lana’s voice and rip away from Anton like we’ve been lit on fire.

  “I’m sorry,” I hiss, spinning and rushing from the closet. “Lana, how about that pretty blue dress you love so much? Tato is wearing a matching tie.”

  “Yes!” she cheers, jumping up and down as I grab her hand. Leaving the room, I see Anton come out of the closet, appearing angry, and my stomach turns to acid. I know that look. It’s the one where hell is about to rain down on someone.

  Only, I’m that someone, this time, and I’m terrified of what that will mean.

  Anton

  * * *

  I knew from the moment I laid eyes on Sofiy that she would burn me from the inside out, and I was right. Just that quick taste of her has shown me she’s the exact woman that’s meant to belong to me. The trouble is, I can’t seem to be nice to her. I’m either snapping at the woman or insulting her.

  “Look, Tato.” Lana pushes the picture she was drawing in front of me.

  “Who’s this?” I ask her as Nina glides into the restaurant we’ve been waiting at for the past thirty minutes. Late as usual.

  “There’s me.” She points to a little girl in a blue dress like she’s wearing now. “And you”—the tie is nearly as large as the figure she drew, making me chuckle—“And here’s–“

  “Must be me.” Nina smiles without any emotion as she bends over to see Lana’s drawing.

  My daughter shakes her head no. “It’s Sofiy.” I nearly choke at the shock reflected in Nina’s eyes.

  “The au pair?” Lana nods. “Well, that’s depressing.”

  Anger claws up my chest, but
Lana speaks up before I can reprimand Nina. “Is not. She’s my best fwend.” The tiny tyrant crosses her arms and glares at the woman across from her as she sits down.

  Nina’s mouth opens, and I clear my throat, catching her attention and allowing her to see the anger she’s invoking in me. I don’t lose my temper in front of Lana, but I may have to make an exception tonight.

  The woman visibly trembles, remembering that I run a criminal enterprise and have been known for killing for lesser reasons than upsetting my daughter.

  “Best friends are nice.” I don’t miss the way she pronounces the word friends.

  Grasping her skinny wrist, I drag her closer. Muttering for only Nina to hear, “Upset her again, and you may not make it home.”

  “Anton,” she gasps, trying to pull away.

  “Do not fuck with me, Nina. You won’t like the consequences.” Letting her go, I sit back and listen to Lana chatter about her picture, explaining what the three of us are doing, and I can almost see the steam coming out of Nina’s ears. She dislikes when the attention isn’t on her, and I should have known better all those months ago when I accepted her advances. Nina is not the woman for me.

  We suffer through dinner, and I assume Nina knows this is the end of us because as we arrive back at my home, she pouts the entire time.

  “Olena,” I call out. The old woman has been here longer than me. I’m pretty sure she could run the Odessa Organization better than me some days too.

  “Good evening, Mr. Renznikov; I hope dinner went well.” She smiles down at Lana and ignores Nina.

  “Yes, thank you. Is Miss Koval available?”

  Her gaze narrows on me. She’s very protective of our au pair. “She’s in her room. It’s her night off.”

  I nod. “I’m aware. I was hoping she could help Lana to bed for me so I could take Nina home.”

  “No!” Her glare deepens as she turns and walks away.

  “You’re seriously going to allow her to speak to you that way?” Nina scoffs as she crosses her arms.

  I ignore her; it’s none of her business. Crouching down to kneel at my daughter’s feet, I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Would it be okay if Sofiy put you to bed? I’ll come read you a story once I’m home.”

  Grasping my tie, Lana pulls me closer until she can whisper in my ear. “I don’t like her.” I bite my lip and nod. I already knew this. “Two books,” she says.

  Shaking my head, I’m impressed with her negotiation skills. “Two books,” I agree, and she nods.

  “I’ll be right back,” I say to Nina as Lana and I head upstairs to find Sofiy. Her room is across the hall from Lana’s, so she is there at all times when needed.

  Knocking on the door, I can hear her soft voice speaking to someone before it opens. “Oh. I’ll call you back, Tato.” She hangs up, and I can see she’s visibly upset. “Can I help you with something?” Her hands smooth down her sweater as she realizes she isn’t in uniform, and I can see what little color she has drain from her face.

  “Relax, Miss Koval; I have a simple favor to ask.” I like her in her relaxed wear. Loose sweater, tight leggings, cute slippers with bunnies on them. I grin at the delightful picture she makes.

  “Certainly.” She always agrees so easily with me. Even when I’m an asshole.

  “I have to take Nina home. Could you help Lana into a bath and her nightgown? I’ll be home in time to read to her.”

  “Two stories,” Lana doesn’t hesitate to point out.

  “You must have been a very good girl at dinner.” Sofiy smiles warmly at my daughter as she holds out a hand for the young girl. “She’ll be ready for your return,” Sofiy says as she leads them away from me.

  I watch until they’re out of sight, and it hits me. Sofiy isn’t just Svetlana’s best friend or her au pair, she’s the mother my darling daughter never got to have. From the first time Sofiy held Lana in her arms, they became inseparable and perfect. I’m the one that kept them apart because I’m a selfish bastard. I’ve been angry at the way Sofiy has always made me feel.

  It’s time I own up to my emotions. I want her by my side.

  Jogging downstairs, Nina is waiting by the door impatiently. As I approach, she raises an arched brow at me. Opening the door, I allow her to step through before closing it and following her to the car.

  The drive to her apartment is tense as I ignore her and focus on texting Vasyl about a meeting we have tomorrow. Gregor Melnyk, one of our largest gun buyers, has an order issue and needs to discuss it. I believe he wants me to drop the price of the Russian GSh-18 pistols he ordered for delivery next week.

  The car rolls to a stop in front of her building, and I’m quick to exit the vehicle. Walking her in and taking the elevator to her floor, Nina is slow to open the door, but I don’t have the patience to deal with her tonight.

  “Aren’t you coming in, Anton, baby?” she purrs, and it grates on my nerves.

  “No. We’re over, Nina. Tonight showed me exactly the kind of woman you are, and I don’t want you near my daughter.” I hold nothing back.

  Her arms cross and her eyes narrow devilishly before she snaps out, “You want that au pair. You going to fuck her and then let her watch you drag more whores through your house? It’ll be a miracle if your daughter–“

  My hand snaps out and grips her throat as I walk in and slam the door shut behind me. Pinning Nina to the wall, I growl in her ear, “You’ll be wise to choose your next words carefully, Nina.”

  “You’re hurting me, Anton,” she whines, but I know I’m not. There will be no bruising left, no marks, only fear.

  “I don’t ever want to hear from you again.” I shake her a little until she nods.

  Releasing the vile woman, I leave as quickly as I came. My only desire is to see my girls now. I have stories to read and a plan to form. I know Sofiy is not going to be easily swayed. After two years of putting up with my son-of-a-bitch ways, she will not trust that I want her at my side and not just in my bed.

  Sofiy

  * * *

  “Tato, are you sure that’s what they said?” I can’t hide the tears in my voice as I listen to the strongest man I know tell me he’s dying and has days, weeks, to live if he’s lucky.

  “I’m sure, princess. The doctors were very clear that the disease is progressing rapidly and surely killing my beating heart.” I try to hold back my cries of distress. For as strong as he sounds, as he’s being for me, I hate to lose the last good man in my life.

  “I love you so much, Tato. I can’t believe this is happening.” I’m sitting on the floor outside Lana’s room as she chooses her stories for Anton to read to her when all I want to do is crawl into bed and weep.

  “You’ll be a strong girl, Sofiy. That Miss Lana needs you still.” I nod, but he can’t see me. “Perhaps now, Mr. Renznikov will get his head out of his ass and claim you like he’s meant to.” His warm chuckle even sounds weak.

  “Petro has no interest in me, nor I in him. We’re simply friends.” He’s likely the only person I have in the whole world.

  “Petro? No, that boy is too wild. I’m talking about Anton. Vlad always knew one day the two of you would collide, and you’d be the perfect wife for the head-strong man.”

  “No, you’re mistaken. He hates me. He can barely stand to look at me.” Except today, when he kissed me. Hearing the car pull up, I know I need to let my father go, but my heart cramps.

  “He doesn’t. He’s just a stubborn man who doesn’t realize what’s in front of him.” Oh, how I wish that could be true.

  “I have to go, Tato. I’ll come home this weekend; please stay strong for me.” I need to say a proper goodbye. Anything else would kill me.

  “I’ll see you soon, princess. I love you.” Hanging up with him, knowing that he could turn for the worse at any moment, is more difficult than I ever imagined.

  Getting to my feet, I wipe my face dry from the tears I’ve been shedding as I hear the front door opening. Tossing my phone onto the
bed in my room, I quickly stride back to Lana’s door.

  “She’s all ready for you, Mr. Renznikov. She’s choosing her stories now.” I smile as I open the door.

  Anton stops in front of me and tilts his head from side to side as I try not to fidget under his scrutiny. “What’s wrong?” He barks out the question, and I jump.

  “Nothing. Everything is fine,” I promptly reassure.

  “You’re lying.” I bite my lip because he’s not wrong, and I don’t want to pile on top of it. “Does it have anything to do with Lana?” I shake my head. “My brothers?” I shake again. “Someone in this house?” He could be an interrogator. “Fine. But I expect answers in the morning.”

  “Goodnight, Mr. Renznikov.” I bow my head and step away as he watches me. Closing my door, I flip the switch for the lock and lean my head against the sturdy wood, inhaling slowly as I try to remain calm and not break down where he’ll hear me.

  My entire life, my father has always been a very imposing man. Larger than life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a world without him in it. Even after Vlad was killed, it seemed impossible. He was our rock. He held me together when all I wanted to do was fall apart.

  But now I’m about to lose him, and I’m not even close to being ready. I don’t want to say goodbye to him. Breathing deeply, I try to gather my wits to write up a letter of request to Olena to have a few days off for the weekend and again when Tato does pass. She’ll need to ensure someone is here to care for Lana.

  I already know that Anton will be angry about my absence, but for once, I don’t care because I’m needed at home, and if he can’t understand that, then perhaps my place is no longer here.

  Folding the letter and sliding it in an envelope, I slip quietly out my bedroom door and down to the main floor where her quarters are. Knocking on the door, I wait for her to answer.

  “Sofiy.” She’s surprised at my presence. “How can I help you?”