4

Milana

“Now tell me, how the hell did you get Viktor Ivanov's daughter to like you so much?” Zoya asks the moment we step in front of my porch and I shrug my shoulders. I have no idea.

“I…I. We just met and…”

“Fuck! You’re lucky.” I wish. I really wish I was.

“And you seem to know him so well, who’s he?” The name sounds familiar, but I don’t get where I’ve heard the name from before.

“You’re so busy getting beatings from your husband that you don’t know anything about Russia anymore.” she mumbles and a frown appears on my face. Zoya is right. I’m too caught up trying to put my marriage together.

“He’s THE Viktor Ivanov. He’s in the Bratva? The strategists? The four reapers? Does that ring a bell?” She lists out and my mouth parts in shock. It’s really him. Now I know why his name sounded familiar.

He’s a member of the Bratva. He’s among the four ruthless members who are also called the four reapers. Everyone fears them as they hold so much power and are all bloodthirsty.

“How did you manage to do it? Me getting invited for an interview to be his daughter's nanny?” As far as I know, members of the bratva are not easily accessible, especially not by commoners like us.

“I have a friend who works for his organization. That’s how I managed to do it. Be your best tomorrow, Milana. Don’t mess this up. The pay is really huge and it will be a privilege working for Viktor Ivanov. He—“

“Did you say Viktor Ivanov?” The door suddenly opens and Maksim's head pops out through the small opening. My heart skips a beat the moment I see him and fear creeps through me.

“I’ll see you.” Zoya whispers at me and I nod. It’s not news that she hates Maksim and can’t stand him, they both hate each other.

“Are you working for Viktor?” He grabs my wrist harshly after Zoya leaves and I wince as he pulls me into the house, shutting the door with a loud bang.

“Maksim you-“

“I asked you a question. Answer me!!!” he snaps coldly at me and I cower in fear as my body begins to tremble in fear.

“Are you working for Viktor?” He asks again and I take in a slow and shaky breath.

“Not yet. I..I have an interview tomorrow. If I pass, I will be his daughter's nanny.” I tell him in fear and a sinister smile appears on Maksim’s face as he abruptly lets go of me.

“Now I’m going to put you to good use.” My brows furrow and I wonder what he means when he says, “You are going to get into that house. Do whatever it takes. And you’re going to spy on Viktor and report back to me about all his dealings.”

I frown. What is he talking about? Spy on who? A confused look appears on my face and I begin to stammer, “I…I.. c..an’t..” I don’t get to finish when Maksim suddenly wraps his hands around my neck, knocking the air out of me.

“You what??” He demands coldly as I begin to cough, my eyes watering. I try to struggle but his hold gets even tighter. “I’m giving you a simple task, bitch. Get it done. Make sure you get that job tomorrow.”

“Do you know how much I will make if I can sell information about Viktor to The Rebels?” I continue to struggle, having no idea about who the rebels are, I can’t do it. I’m not going to spy on anyone.

“You will do what I say, Milana.” he states, leaving no room for explanation. “Stupid bitch.” He curses, slowly removing his hold from my neck and I begin to cough loudly.

“I will not do that Maksim. Viktor is—“ I never get to finish when I feel a sting on my cheek. He slaps me so hard that I see stars.

“How dare you argue with me?? Have you forgotten who I am? I’m your husband, Milana. And you will do whatever I say.” he states and a tear drops from my eye, my cheeks, hurting a lot.

“You keep proving to be useless.” he smacks his lips loudly and then he continues. “If you don’t get employed tomorrow, I will kill you. You keep forgetting that your useless mother owes me and I own you until you finish clearing her debt. I can kill you if I want to.”

My eyes remain fixed on the ground, as I cry silently, my whole body trembling out of pain and fear. “I’m going to get rich if I can sell information to The Rebels. So you will do it. It’s a must!!” he growls at me, my face still facing the ground as I cry silently.

“You spy on him, get every information that you can get. Information on how he operates, and his guards should not be left out. Information on how the Bratva operates if need be. And mind you, be careful. You are very stupid, if you get busted, he will kill you and I will send your body to your useless mother, that’s if Viktor releases the body or if there’s anything left to bury. Viktor Ivanov is very smart.”

Then why is he sending me straight to the Lion's den? I’ve not even agreed to do it yet. I will not do this. I cannot spy on anyone. Not only is it very risky, I don’t have the heart to do this.

“Once I give the information to The rebels, I will get paid handsomely and get rid of your useless ass.” I immediately lift my head to look at him.

“You…”

“You are too old-fashioned for me to keep around when I get rich, Milana.” I feel my heart cut to pieces at his words. I’m only good to keep around now to feed him and give him money to gamble and bring women home.

“I’m going to get rid of you. I will end this stupid marriage. So are you doing this? Is this a deal?” I will never be able to keep this marriage together and Maksim will never change. I want to be free.

Swallowing deep, I clean my tears with the back of my hands and then say in a raspy and shaky voice, “Deal.”