Instead, I ask, “Would you like to join me on an errand?”
Anderson doesn’t even hesitate. “Lead the way, Durov.”
On the drive, I say with amusement, “So, you sacrificed my brother?”
Anderson chuckles. “That brother of yours is quite the talker.”
“Did he say anything of interest?”
“He just kept peppering me with questions.” Anderson smirks. “I don’t think he trusts me.”
I laugh. “I got that impression myself. How did you get rid of him?”
Anderson grins. “I convinced Andrev to wear a hat and stuffed all his hair under the brim. He looks just like you, so all I had to do was follow him out and tell them you had something important to say and would give an exclusive interview to the first camera team to meet you in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square.”
His grin grows wider. “You should have seen them scrambling. It was a hoot! Best part? Your driver Igor told me he planned to have a little fun on the trip there.”
I nod my approval. “That was clever, cattleman.”
Anderson’s smile suddenly disappears. “Hey, how are those kids doing?”
I sigh. “Not well. But I believe there is something I can do to change that.”
When we arrive, I instruct my men to be especially vigilant as they guard the door of the brick building. With my name all over the news in connection with the raid, I want to be prepared should the Bratva choose to strike.
Anderson follows me into the building and lets out a pleased whistle when he realizes it’s a pet shop. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Durov. This is a brilliant idea. Animals are the best remedy for a hurting soul.”
“So I have been told.”
“What’s it going to be—a puppy or a kitten?”
“Neither.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes light up as soon as he sees me, and he comes running over. “How can I help you, Rytsar Durov?”
“I require a pet that needs minimal maintenance.”
“I know just the thing.” He leads us through the shop to the back and stops at a row of fish tanks. “Nothing’s more soothing than watching fish.”
Anderson nods in approval. “They are the epitome of easy to care for.”
I look the fish over, wanting to give each girl one that is beautiful and unique. I’m transfixed by a vibrantly colored fish in a small bowl. Its fins move like fluid angel wings. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“What is this?”
“A Beta male. They make a perfect addition to any household.”
“Great. I’ll take four of them.”
The shopkeeper stammers for a moment before explaining, “I’m sorry, but they cannot be placed in the same tank. Otherwise, they will fight to the death.”
I stoop down to get a better look at the fish. “That’s perfect!”
I wonder why the shopkeeper glances at Anderson with a worried expression, then realize he’s afraid I want to watch them die.
“They are gifts for separate people,” I assure him.
His eyes light up. “Of course.”
“Make sure each of them is a different color.”
“Certainly. Will you need anything else?”
“Da. I’ll need the various sundries required to care for them.”
“Of course, Rytsar Durov.” He answers, running off to get them.
I look at Anderson and find him smiling at me.
“What?”
“I like seeing this soft side of you.”
I punch him in the shoulder hard enough to make it hurt and leave a bruise.
He just laughs as he rubs his arm.
When the shopkeeper tries to put the fish in a shopping bag, I stop him. “We will carry them.” I hand the yellow and purple ones to Anderson. After I pay, I carry the red and blue ones myself and head out the door.
On the ride back, I stare at the two fish, mesmerized as I watch them glide gracefully through the water.
“You look like you’ve never seen a fish before.”
I snort. “Only on my dinner plate.”
Once we arrive at the mansion, I tell my men to bring everything I’ve bought into my study. Getting out my stationery, I pen a similar note to each girl. I hope the message will resonate with them.
I instruct the staff to distribute the fish, but I insist on delivering Lada’s personally.
Walking into her room, I hand her the bowl with the red Beta.
“He is yours to keep.”
She smiles as she holds the bowl up and stares at the fish through the glass. “Thank you, Rytsar. He’s so beautiful…” She looks up at me. “I’ve never had a fish before.”
“This isn’t any fish, Lada. This is a Beta. It’s a fierce fighter—like you.”
Dungeon
I can’t let Anderson return to the States without letting him experience a taste of a traditional Russian dungeon. However, I must instruct him before we go. There is nothing laid-back about the place I plan to take him.
“Your bullwhip skills will be well appreciated by the Doms at this dungeon,” I assure him.
Anderson grins. “Hopefully, the subs will enjoy them as well.”
“Understand that my sadist friends are exceedingly strict. They will be as quick to punish you as they will a sub, should you break protocol.”
He chuckles nervously. “Why are you bringing me, then?”
“I would be doing you a great disservice if I did not.”
Anderson raises an eyebrow. “Are you counting on me slipping up?”
I laugh. “Although it would be entertaining, I want you to succeed.”
“I’m trusting you, Russki,” he says with a grin. “Give me the rundown.”
“First, everyone at this dungeon is a sadist.”
“Well, that’s not intimidating at all,” he jokes.
“Second, subs are considered property. You do not speak to them, and they are not allowed to make eye contact at any point. In this circle, eye contact from a sub is a grave sign of disrespect and is brutally punished.”
Anderson grimaces. “It sounds archaic.”
“It is.” I grin. “And, each person there enjoys the dynamic. I have several subs there you can choose from when we go.”
Anderson combs his hand through his hair, smiling. I can tell that he is already warming to the idea.
“What else should I know?”
“You may observe any scene, but you must stand far back and remain silent. You are not allowed to clap or make a sound of any kind, even if you enjoy the scene.”
“Got ya.”
“Also, there is no such thing as aftercare.”
He frowns. “Really?”
“Let me remind you that the subs are thought of as property. They are there solely to bring pleasure to their Masters.”
“What about safewords?” he asks in concern.
This time, I frown. “Of course, we have safewords. We are not animals.”
He holds up his hands. “Look, I was making sure.”
“These Doms may be ruthless in their play, but consent is key. I would never frequent a place without it.”