Billie and the Russian Beast - Theodora Taylor Page 0,38

see it’s him.

But he hasn’t called me since moving out of my place.

Hasn’t so much as texted to check in after he left me alone with the man he owed money.

“Clem is my blood,” I realize out loud to Cheslav. “But that doesn’t mean we’re family.”

I pick up the phone and send the call straight to voicemail. Then, before Clem can call me back, I block his number.

I know some people would call me cruel for not even telling Clem how I feel before blocking him. But those people probably don’t understand the fundamental truth I just got hit with.

“Family goes both ways,” I explain to Cheslav, putting the phone down. “And if you have to tell somebody that, they’re probably never going to get it.”

Cheslav looks at me for the longest time. He seems conflicted by what I’ve just said. That’s because he comes from a strong, close-knit family. One that works to ensure that each and every one of its members are taken care of. I’m sure he’s having a hard time reconciling me just cutting my brother off when he talks to his every day.

Which is why it comes as a surprise when instead of judging me, he says, “Billie, I am not your brother. I am not just using you. I love you. I love you more than anything. You understand this, da?”

I know….

I know it’s better to make decisions based on data, not emotion. I know it’s better to keep a level head, especially when it comes to starting a family with an athlete you only met a few weeks ago.

But my heart rises like the sun at his words. And tears spring to my eyes.

These have nothing to do with sadness, only the words I’m going to say next.

“Thanks for loving me,” I whisper. Then I take a deep breath and confess, “I love you too.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

We seal our declaration with a whole lot of lovemaking that night. And I fall asleep feeling oh so secure in my loving Russian’s arms.

Which is why I’m confused when I wake up to the sound of a voice yelling, “Billie! Billie! You up there! Billie! Answer me! It’s Clem!”

Clem?

I scramble out of bed and pull on a robe before throwing open the bedroom window. And sure enough, there’s my brother standing below. The ocean is still and calm tonight, or I probably wouldn’t have been able to hear him.

Almost as soon as I catch sight of him, Vlad appears, wearing both a robe and a mask. His arms are pointed straight out, and his hands clasped around something. I can’t see what it is, but a gun is a good guess, given the situation.

“No, don’t hurt him!” I yell down to Vlad.

Vlad freezes and looks up at me. The planes of his face appear especially craggy and severe in the mix of moon and security system lights.

“I’ll be right down,” I yell, really hoping this doesn’t escalate before I make it out to them.

But when I turn to go, I crash into Cheslav’s chest.

Strange, for such a big guy, I didn’t even realize he was behind me.

“Clem is here,” I explain. “He’s not used to me not answering immediately when he calls. I’ll go explain things to him and send him away.”

With that explanation, I start to go, but Cheslav catches my arm. “Let Vlad take care of him…please.”

“You mean the guy with the gun who’s only a few steps away from old school Russian mafia? I don’t think so,” I answer, my voice harsh.

Cheslav sneers. “I am also, as you say, only few steps from old Russian mafia. And I am trying to protect you, the woman I love.”

His words soften my stance, but not my resolve. “Look, I know Clem just showing up here like this looks crazy, but he’s harmless. I promise. Come with me if you want.”

Cheslav hesitates. But then he lets go of my arm.

He looks so sad for some reason, and I want to reassure him. But I’ve already spent a lot of precious time on this conversation, and I don’t want the situation between Clem and Vlad to get out of hand. I’m pissed at my brother, but in no way do I want him to end up another Black male statistic of needless gun violence.

Fortunately, Clem and Vlad are still in their standoff and at least six feet apart from each other, when I get downstairs.

“You can’t keep me from seeing her,” Clem is yelling at the older Russian