-Mikhael-

We still have one problem. Vicktor is still hanging around. We’re not sure why. But Valentina still likes him. They still work together. The fight club is still going strong. Usually, I wouldn’t care. But…

Things are different.

We’re married. It wasn’t by choice. But still…

I frowned to myself. I don’t get it. Why do I care? It wasn’t like I loved her or something. She could have another guy on the side for all I care.

But… Why doesn’t it feel right?

Boris pulled me aside for a talk. I had a guess of what he was going to say.

“What is it?” I asked.

“How is she?” he asked. I glanced over at him.

“What do I you mean?” I asked. I already guessed.

“He’s getting too close to her,” Boris said. I said nothing. What does he want me to do about it? Valentina won’t listen to me. She’s the boss, not me. I threw up my hands.

“I don’t know what you want me to do here,” I said. Boris’ face came within inches of mine.

Oh…

“Fine. I will look into it,” I said. Boris patted me on the head.

“Good,” he said. I nervously chuckled. Why does this have to be my responsibility? Sure we’re married, but still…

---------

Where do I begin? Her or him? Why am I doing this? Oh yea. Boris was pretty much breathing down my neck. Might as well get on with it. I rubbed my forehead. Damn it.

I would talk to Viktor first. And how was I going to do that? That guy scares me. Before, I didn’t care. He was my ticket out of this nightmare. But now…

I shivered as I shook my head.

What is happening? I grabbed the sides of my head. A hand landed on my back. I paused and turned my head. One of Valentina’s men stared down at me. I pressed my lips together.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Sure…” I said. He didn’t believe me. The guy said nothing. Part of me wished he would. Suddenly, my phone rang. I looked down at my pocket.

“Who is that?” the man asked. I shook my head. My phone rang again.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Is this Mikhael?” a familiar voice asked. I froze.

“How did you get this number?” I asked.

“Valentina gave it to me,” my rival said. My face dropped. Of course she did. I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“Are you busy today?” Viktor asked.

“Why?”

“We need to talk.”

I stiffened in place. This was it. Time to get on with this.

“Okay… where?” I looked over my shoulder. The towering man stood with no emotion on his face. I don’t think he’s blinked once.

“I know a place,” Viktor said. “I’ll send you directions.”

“Right…” I said.

“Sent.”

“Uh-huh.” I got his text seconds later. “Got it.”

“Good. I’ll see you in two hours.”

“Right…”

“Oh and thanks.” Viktor hung up before I could say a word. I stared at my phone. Okay, I guess…

“Who was it?” the man asked behind me. I held my phone to my chest and lifted my chin.

“It was him,” I said. “He wants to meet.” What choice did I have? I had to fix the problem or else.