prologue
Author's Note: It is strongly recommended that you read 'Fostering Love' before reading this novel. It's not necessary to do so, but I won't be reintroducing some characters. You just need to know them at this point. Sorry guys, I'm lazy. Anyways, enjoy.
WARNING: This book has the potential to (and will very likely) get dark.
NOTE: "Dialogue spoken in Russian will appear in italics like this."
WOLFE'S P.O.V
Artemy Aslanov was regarded as one of the most powerful men in the world. His mafia was notorious, feared and respected. So much so that my boss, Bellamy, agreed to work with them despite the security company's 'no crime' policy. But Artemy hadn't hired our services for anything illegal. He had recently moved to the States and was hosting a gala at his mansion.
My job was to look after his husband, Lev Aslanov. The man had broken his leg, and Artemy, being an extremely protective spouse, wanted extra security for his husband. I was working alongside some of Artemy's most trusted men to ensure Lev's safety.
"Is all this necessary?" Lev sighed, addressing his husband.
We were in their bedroom. Two guards were posted outside, another two by the windows, and I was by the wall. I had my eyes on Lev as Artemy had instructed me to keep close to his husband all night.
Lev was a handsome man in his fifties, much fitter than most people my age, let alone his. He had a head full of luscious, grey hair and blue eyes so pale they could be mistaken for grey. Those eyes gazed at his husband with love and annoyance.
Artemy Aslanov was busy fussing over Lev's tie. The mafia king's dark brows were furrowed, his dark eyes glaring at the black fabric. The file Bellamy had given me informed me of Artmey's OCD. It seemed Lev's tie was triggering it at the moment.
"This is necessary," Artemy responded to his husband's question as he kept adjusting the tie. "You wouldn't need extra security if you hadn't jumped off the balcony."
"I wouldn't have jumped off the balcony if I had a choice," Lev sighed. "Would you rather I had gotten shot?"
Artemy's hands stilled, his eyes looking at Lev's. I was a bit surprised to see the look of sadness and panic on the powerful mafia king's face. He looked significantly less intimidating, especially when he started to cry.
"Oh, Artemy," Lev sighed, dropping his crutches to wrap his arms around his husband.
He began to mutter words in Russian. They were whispered, but I picked up on 'I love you', 'I'm here' and 'We'll never be apart'.
I reached into the pocket of my hoodie. When Artemy had calmed down, I approached the pair. The mafia king moved to stand protectively in front of Lev, glaring at me.
"What?" he snapped. "Who said you could leave your spot?"
I handed him the handkerchief I'd pulled out of my pocket. His eyes glanced at it wearily before they softened. The handkerchief was white with black cats on it.
I'd read in the file that Artemy liked cats.
He snatched the handkerchief from me and wiped away his tears. He then glared at me. "Go back to your spot," he grumbled. "And I'm keeping this."
"Artemy," Lev chided.
"Thank you," the mafia king added begrudgingly.
His husband smiled at his reluctant manners and moved to kiss his cheek. I returned to my position by the wall.
The pair spent the next few minutes getting ready. Once Artemy was satisfied with the position of Lev's tie, he picked up his husband's crutches and handed them to him. He then turned to me.
"Your name is Wolfe, right?"
I nodded.
"You're sticking close to Lev and I tonight," he said. "Three steps back at all times."
I nodded again.
They exited the room, and I was three steps behind as requested. We made our way downstairs using the elevator. The sound of classical music reached my ears as we approached the dining room. There were guards and guests who all went silent, bowing their heads in respect towards Artemy and Lev.
Only one guest didn't bow. I recognised him as Jakob Aslanov, Artemy's brother. He had the same dark eyes as Artemy, but unlike his older brother's neatly combed black hair, Jakob's hair was shaggy, reached his shoulders and was dyed blood red.
"About time you two came downstairs!" he grinned, showing off a set of pearly white teeth with silver canines. "Were you fucking again?"
"Shut up," Artemy grumbled. "We weren't fucking."
"And we'd rather you not discuss our sex life in front of a room full of guests," Lev deadpanned.
"Most of them don't speak Russian," Jakob stated. "And they're quite boring. I went around talking to them and-"
He paused mid-sentence, his eyes landing on me.
"Woah," he muttered. "Who's the sex god?"
"He's an extra bodyguard I hired for Lev," Artemy said. "He's here for one night, and he's off-limits. I don't want to pay the security company for reckless damages because you broke him, so stay away. Find someone else to terrorise."
"Why are you being so protective?" Jakob scoffed. "I just want a little bite..."
He took a step towards me, and I raised a brow. But Lev raised one of his crutches, stopping him.
"He gave Artemy a cat handkerchief," the older man said. "He's off-limits."
Jakob sighed, but stepped back.
"Now," Lev said, switching to English as he lowered his crutch. "Let's go greet our guests."
I followed the three men, keeping my eye out for any sign of danger as they spoke to all sorts of people, from politicians to businessmen. Most of them were sucking up to Artemy, welcoming him to the country and discreetly trying to ask for favours in exchange for money. Artemy ignored most of the requests, focusing most of his attention on Lev.
Jakob stepped away for a moment to grab himself a drink, and when he returned, he brushed past me, placing a note in my hand before he moved to stand beside his brother as if nothing had happened.
I glanced down at the folded piece of paper and opened it.
'Midnight. Third floor. Third room to the left of the staircase.'
My job would technically be over by midnight. That's when I was meant to head back home.
I looked at Jakob. He turned his head, sending a sly wink in my direction.
I decided I could spare some time to rearrange his guts. For his sake, I hoped Lev had a spare pair of crutches.
