Phoenix POV
He comes back from the bathroom with a smirk on his face.
Dumbass.
We sit for a while in comfortable silence as we fly.
"What was growing up like for you? I mean, your parents are super protective so how'd they let you be in this kind of work?" He eventually asks.
"Well, after I, we, got kidnapped, they figured there was no chance they could let me out in the normal world without it happening again and I wasn't about to be left at home all the time so I begged my dad to let me work." I explain. "What about you?"
His eyes snap up and he stiffens. "My dad was an asshole. This life wasn't a choice." He leaves it at that and I nod.
We sit awhile more, both of us lost in thought. It's a strange feeling, being comfortable with someone you barely know. But I guess that isn't totally true. We're 100% trauma bonded at this point.
Yeah. Y'all are fucked in the head.
Thanks. We talk some more about random things, until the plane starts to land.
"Ready, fiancé?"
I roll my eyes. "I don't see a ring on my finger, do you?" I fake search for one.
He chuckles. "That'll change."
We start to get off of the plane when a smaller version of Nikolai comes running up to us. He has the same black hair, but his eyes are matching black and no tattoos.
"You're home!" He yells in a thick accent. He goes crashing into Nikolai.
I laugh when Nikolai's face goes deadpan and he stiffens at the sudden affection. Thomas pulls away and turns towards me.
"Hi! I'm Thomas but you can call me Tommy!" He reaches out and takes my hand, kissing the top of it. I watch him with amusement.
"Well hey, Tommy. I'm Phoenix." There's such a stark difference between the two brothers. Tommy is chipper while I haven't even seen Nikolai give a full smile yet.
"What happened to you, Nikolai? Why did you turn out to be such a grump?"
Tommy bursts out in laughter. "Yeah. I like her." He says between gasps for air.
Nikolai rolls his eyes and we walk towards the car. "So you guys will be in the penthouse. We'll drop you off there to get settled. Dad says he's going to meet you there in an hour."
Nikolai's whole body goes rigid. "What the fuck does he want?" He spits out. For the first time, Tommy's face also goes serious. "I don't know, but please don't piss him off. Remember, I still live with him."
The two brothers share a look. Nikolai gives a nod.
We get in the car and I cross my legs and put my hands between them. It's fucking freezing.
Yeah and you chose leggings to make your ass-
No one asked.
Nikolai glances over. He takes off his coat and slides it around my shoulders. I smile in appreciation and put it on. It's beautiful in this part. Everything is white and serene. We pull up to a high rise and the driver opens our doors. I find my footing on the snow. Tommy steps out and offers me his hand. I take it and he helps guide me into the building.
"Getting a bit handsy with my fiancé are we, brother?"
Tommy smirks. "I don't see a ring."
I snort. "That's what I said!"
Nikolai glares at both of us and we laugh.
Grump.
We head to the elevator and go to the top floor. It dings and the doors slide open. My jaw hits the floor. The floor to ceiling windows are breathtaking. There's a grand piano in the corner with with sleek furniture in the living room. There's a set of stairs the lead up to the bedrooms.
"You guys are fucking loaded."
Nikolai chuckles.
"It's yours now, too."
Oh. Right.
I walk out onto the balcony and take in the view of my new home. The city is laid out below us and I can't help but feel a little homesick. I'm not sure how long I stay out there but I eventually feel someone's presence behind me. "So, are you going to take me ring shopping or-"
I stop myself when I see an older gentleman. His icy hair shines with the snow, making his green eyes stand out.
"You must me Nikolai Senior. I'm Phoenix." I say hesitantly offering him a hand shake. He takes it and kisses the top of it like Tommy did, but this time I feel chills run through me. I quickly retract my hand.
"Yes. I am." His accent is very thick and his voice is low and raspy. Terrifying.
"I met your mother some years back, before you were born. If you're anything like her, he'll have his hands full." I offer a small chuckle and nod. The uneasiness I get from him is keeping me on edge.
"Nikolai is very...stubborn. I need someone who can help with that. Help me..persuade him to do the right things." He moves towards me and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. Shivers run down my spine. "You and I can be a great team, wouldn't you say?"
My words get caught in my throat as I sense the threat there. Panic starts to rise at the unwanted and unwelcomed touch and I quickly try to push it down.
"I won't help manipulate your son. You're a big boy, do it yourself." I spit out. His hand suddenly grabs my throat. I try to pull away, but his hand locks into a vise grip.
"Listen, you little bi-"
I see his son walk out.
"You'll stop touching her now, if you value that hand." He growls. Voice low and dangerous. His father let's go and I gasp for air. Nikolai comes over to me, placing his body in front of mine. They stare at each other. Both waiting for the other to cave. Finally, his father walks away. "Dresses will be brought up shortly. See you soon, daughter-in-law."
He leaves. I hold my throat and finally catch my breath. Nikolai turns to me and helps me up.
"Nikolai?" I croak out.
"Yeah?"
"Your dads a dick."