learned if they backed off, they were more likely to receive a treat.
It wasn’t actually that bad.
In fact, the dogs were kind of cute, despite their terrifying size. They were covered in fluff, making them look like huge teddy bears, except for the sharp teeth that peeked out every now and then, ruining the illusion.
I had heard some people mention how they found feeding ducks or fish to be relaxing. For someone who never relaxed, feeding these dogs had been actually quite...pleasant.
Though I wasn’t about to reveal that to anyone, especially the Russian Pakhan.
“I’m impressed,” Konstantin said when my palm was empty. “You didn’t feed any of them twice. Even I get confused about who is who at times—some of the markings are identical.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t patronize me.”
“I’m not.” He gestured back towards the house. “Let me give you the official tour, now that the dogs have accepted you into the fold.”
“And if they hadn’t?”
“Then I wouldn’t have bothered,” he replied, stepping forward. “What is the point of showing a few bones around?”
6
Elena Falcone
If being a Bratva boss didn’t pan out, Konstantin could have a very promising future as a tour guide. He led me around the house, through the elegant but bare rooms, pointing out the history and best escapes routes. He made it clear which areas of the house I wasn’t welcomed in without permission; specific bedrooms, hallways, offices.
I would have died from boredom if my survival instincts hadn’t been on alert.
Even walking around his own house, relaxed and safe, Konstantin made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Something about him seemed dangerous, seemed switched on. Like a snake lying out in the sun, still and calm, but with his venomous fangs always at the ready.
How exhausting, I thought.
“And here concludes our tour,” he said, slowing down in front of two doors. “I saved the best for last.”
“Another bare room? I’m shocked.”
Konstantin smiled slightly but didn’t respond. He pushed open the doors, revealing the room to me.
It must have been a ballroom once or even a formal dining room, but now bookshelves lined the walls, illuminated by the glass roof. However, only a few of the bookshelves held books, with most of the library being piled up in small mountains.
Excitement bloomed inside of me.
Growing up, the library had been one of my favorite places. I used to roam the shelves, searching for any piece of loose knowledge or fact I might be able to absorb and keep forever. My mother used to scold me when I would walk out with a pile of books in my arms.
Put some back, Elena, I can still hear her reprimanding. You won’t read them all.
I stepped forward, taking in the closest pile of books. Russian titles mixed in with English greeted me, some familiar, some strange. Most of them were fairy tales but a few academic texts were filtered through.
A loud thump caught my attention.
Coming down from a high shelf, Babushka landed on a tower of books. She sat down on it, her tail waving irritably as she took me in.
“Ah, Tsaritsa Babushka,” greeted Konstantin. “I was wondering where you had gotten off to.”
She kept her gaze pinned to me.
I ignored her. I had enough problems without adding temperamental cat to the list.
“What do you think of my library, Elena?” asked the Pakhan from behind me.
His question reminded me that my back was to him and I spun around to face him. “It’s not a library yet,” I told him. “It’s a collection of dust.”
Konstantin’s brown eyes gleamed. “My thoughts exactly. Perhaps you can sort through them, as compensation for living in my home rent free.”
“You said I had to live here,” I sniped.
“I did.”
“Also, you can’t change the conditions of our agreement after we’ve agreed to it. That’s not how contracts work.”
This made him laugh. “I can do whatever I want, Elena. This is my house, my territory, and you are a guest.”
I suddenly realized—stupidly and belatedly—that Konstantin had no reason to hold up his end of the deal. Why would he? He commanded all of Staten Island and its inhabitants now. What was a penniless widow to him?
I needed to make a move with Tatiana, prove my worth and gain some footing. Right now, I felt like a naïve little girl, begging this Russian boss to take mercy on my tender soul.
Which was not the case at all. I wouldn’t allow it to be the case.