7

Milana

Maksim left early this morning and I already packed my things that I would need to stay at Viktor’s place for the week. It’s Wednesday, so I only packed things that I will need for two more days.

I was so glad when Maksim left. The slap he gave me yesterday left his fingerprints on my face and he actually returned home with a woman yesterday. I was locked up in my room, completely helpless as the sound of them fucking filled my ears. There was nothing that I could do, I couldn’t even sleep.

Was I not pretty enough for Maksim to have sex with? I swear, I’m hotter than some of the women he brings home. Why can’t he just look at me? I kept on hearing the sounds of their bed creaking and the woman moaning out my husband’s name so loudly before I finally fell asleep.

It was already 10 in the morning and I was waiting patiently for whoever Viktor said would come and pick me up. At exactly 10 minutes after 10, I hear a car honk and I quickly rush to the window.

A relieved look appears on my face when I see the face of the man who was with Annika and Viktor that day. He just stepped down from the black-tinted SUV.

I grab my bag and walk out of the house, not even waiting for him to knock first. “Good morning.” I greet him with my warmest smile. I know I look better than the last time he saw me. I went to the salon yesterday. Zoya was Kind enough to give me some money and I went to the salon to get my hair washed and re-straightened.

“Good morning, Miss—“

“Milana. It’s Milana. Nice to meet you, Boris.” I tell him and his brows knit together. He’s probably wondering how I knew his name, so I tell him, “I heard Annika calling you Boris the other day.”

He only nods at me as he says, “We should leave now.” He leads the way and I lock the door, and drop the key somewhere before running after him. He’s as scary and intimidating as his boss Viktor, but the chills I get from Viktor are top-tier. Something about him screams danger and I’m walking right into that danger. One that I need to avoid.

I join Boris in the front seat and he suddenly looks at me. Was I supposed to sit at the back? He says nothing and just starts the car before driving off.

“I or any other person will come and pick you up from this place every Monday and we will drop you off, every Friday. A driver will take you to Miss Annika’s school and will bring you guys back. Note, you’re to keep Miss Annnika’s identity discrete.” I squint my eyes at his words. How? Boris does not look at me and just keeps his eyes on the road.

“Not everyone knows that Annika is the daughter of Viktor Ivanov's daughter. He wants his daughter to have a peaceful and normal life with school friends, so none of her classmates knows that her father is in the bratva. Do well to protect that identity. Take care of her as your own and don’t do anything to hurt Annika.” He pauses and for the first time, he removes his eyes from the road and looks at me.

“Viktor does not joke with his daughter. He can kill anyone that tries to hurt her. And you will not be the first nanny that he will kill for Annika if something goes wrong.” I gulp as Boris stares right into my eyes, his tone grave.

Viktor has killed her past nannies? “Do a good job, if you don’t want to be next. The last one died in the most gruesome way. Do you know what she did?” Boris asks and for reasons, I think that he’s trying to scare me. I should be scared. My husband sent me here to spy on Viktor, if I blow my cover, I’m..dead meat.

“I’ll stop here, for now, Milana. But remember, no mistakes. Treat Annika as your own.” I slowly nod and the rest of the ride is quiet. Boris does not say another word and I’m too perplexed to speak.

We soon arrive at the house and wow! Viktor’s house is…huge and beautiful. It’s those Russian modern houses and the design is impeccable. The area is on the other side of Moscow, an area where only the rich and powerful reside. I’m very sure a taxi will not agree to bring me here, now I know why Viktor will be sending his men to pick me up.

It’s a two-story building that gives off this dark aesthetic. The house gives up the aura of luxury and power, well, it’s clearly owned by a bratva member. Those men are powerful and wealthy.

I admire the reinforced doors, sweeping staircase, and lavish textiles.

There’s a driveway and a fleet of cars is packed at one side of the compound. Not just any cars, but beautiful and expensive cars. Where I come from, I don’t see houses or cars as beautiful as this. So I’m in awe. I’m on the rich side of Moscow and I swear, I don’t want to leave. The air doesn't smell polluted, it’s peaceful.

“I’m sure that you’ve had your time admiring this place.” A voice sounds from behind me and I jolt, turning to see Boris standing there with my bag.

I chuckle nervously at him. “I’ll take you to your room upstairs and I’ll show you Miss Annika’s room. There are no workers in this house. Viktor loves his personal space a little too much.” Boris deadpans.

“So you and Miss Annika will be alone here, most of the time. She’s really bored staying alone, especially when her father is not home.” Poor kid. What happened to her mother?

“This is Miss Annika’s room and yours is just beside it.” Boris informs me and we stop in front of a door after climbing up the stairs.

“Is she inside?” I ask, pointing at the door, which is locked.

“She is.” Boris confirms. Alone? This house is eerily quiet and Viktor clearly does not have any workers. So is that little girl alone all by herself?