7: Family betrayals and Spilling secrets

**Evelyn**

“You sure did make yourself at home," a British voice said into my ear. I groaned as I turned on the side of my body.

“I love your accent," I murmured, dreamily. I snuggled deeper into the pillow and sighed. I didn't remember the tiles being this soft.

"Confessing, are we? Tell me more,” the voice said again. This time, an octave lower. My eyes fluttered open as a dreamy smile caressed my lips. Immediately, they opened, they clashed with annoyingly familiar gray ones. I sat up with the speed of lightening and looked down at where my head had just been. There was a pillow there. Narrowing my eyes, I tried to recall last night.

“I didn't bring this pillow here," I accused, glaring at Killian.

"Yes, and a thank you would suffice,” Killian said, smirking. He stood above me in nothing but sweatpants and he was shirtless. My eyes trailed his broad shoulders and abs. As much as I tried to hide it, I felt my cheeks heat up. Standing up, I clear my throat and huff.

“You should have carried me to the bed instead of just bringing a pillow. What's the difference?" I said, rolling my eyes.

“My bad. Next time I'll try not to be a gentleman."

“The guts to think you're that," I murmured as I picked the pillow up and walked out of the bathroom. I halt immediately and furrow my brows, a thought hitting me. “How did you get in?"

“What? You think I don't have spare keys to every room in my hotel? And you're the brain behind the Bratva,” Killian said, shaking his head. A vein throbbed at my temple and I clenched and unclenched my fists so as not to punch him square in the face.

“So why didn't you use it yesterday then?” I asked. Killian barked out a laugh.

"I don't chase women, Eve. They chase me and you're not exactly chase worthy,” He replied, taking a step away from me and walking ahead.

The audacity of this idiot. I'm not chase worthy? Women chase him? We'll see. I'll show him.

"Now stop fuming and go get ready, we have to meet your Father and his people. I have business to discuss with them and you have things to pack. Now shoo,” Killian ordered, not even giving me so much as a glance. I bit my lip to refrain from spouting any more insults at him. I was about to walk into the bathroom when I remembered something.

“I don't have anything to wear."

“Don't worry about that. When you're out, there'll be something for you to wear and some underwear on the bed.”

I nodded slightly and stepped into the bathroom. The only products there were for men and I guessed Killian frequented this place a lot. I hurriedly bathed and then picked out a shampoo. It smelled like him. I used it quickly and then looked around for a towel. There was none. I gritted my teeth and pulled open the bathroom door. Sticking my head out, I tried to check if Killian was still in the room. I didn't hear any sounds neither did I see him so I pulled the door open wider and stepped out. His phone wasn't on the desk too so I assumed he'd be gone for a bit.

Sighing I glanced at the bed and noticed the clothes hadn't arrived yet. I was about to sit down on the bed when I mistakenly knocked down a vase. I hissed as it rolled under the bed. I bent down and stuck my head and hand under the bed to retrieve it when I heard the door open followed by a low curse.

“Fuck," the familiar, lightly accented voice said behind me. I immediately realized my position. I was utterly naked, with half of my body under the bed and the lower half spread open for the taking. I yelped and instantly withdrew my head but hit it against the bed frame on my way. I grabbed a pillow and put it over my vagina while my other hand covered my boobs.

“Turn around, you idiot!" I yelled, feeling my whole body heat up. Killian was drinking me in with a look of pure lust in his eyes. He snapped out of it and turned around, stretching a hand out.

“Your clothes," he said, his voice hoarse. I scrambled to grab my clothes from him and put them on. It was a white long sleeve cropped top and denim jeans.

"I'm decent now,” I muttered, after dressing up. Killian was back to his usual stoic face and nodded as he instantly walked out.

"Let's go. The guards will pack here,” he informed, walking towards the elevator. The elevator doors closed and I stood at the farthest end from him. I was still embarassed over what happened and it seemed like Killian was going to pretend nothing happened. That was fine at least.

°♪♥° °♪♥° °♪♥°

“I’ll come too. I want to be part of this discussion,” I said as Killian and I stepped into my house. He opened his mouth to dish out more orders I guessed but Father and The Family came at that moment.

“Zhizn moya," Father said, coming to hug me. I stepped aside and raised a hand.

“Father." I greeted. I wouldn't forget how he just gave me away to this man without a fight. All because he cared about himself more than me—his own daughter. The Family looked at me with something akin to disbelief but recovered quickly and directed us to Father's office.

“Welcome, Mr Bandini," they greeted, ushering us into our seats.

“We're here to discuss a few things. I suppose you know what they are already," Killian said, without wasting time.

"Yes,” Father said. His hand trembled as he picked up a paper. And handed copies to everyone."First and foremost, leadership.”

My eyes scan through the paper settling on the second paragraph.

‘The position of Pakhan goes to whoever Evelyn marries. Evelyn takes the position of Pakhan's wife which is generic. Also, the business used as a cover up for the Bratva also goes to the Pakhan, Evelyn's husband.’ I squeeze the paper as my eyes scan the last paragraph. 'This decision has been made since 12th October, 2023 with the approval of the current Pakhan(the one who brought the suggestion) and The Family.' It's been two months since father made this decision.

“Father,” I called, quietly, feeling every violent and angry thread in me attach to each other. "Would you mind explaining what is written here?"

“Evelyn, I'm sorry. I had to—"

“What? You had to lie to me? Wow! Some father you are. Why? Haven't I done enough, Father? Have I not sacrificed myself enough for the prosperity of the Bratva? I was brought up to rule this whole damn thing and now?” I yell.

Turning to The Family, I slid my gaze across each of them, "And you all knew too, huh. No wonder you kissed Maxim's ass so much. That's all you were good at though. Kissing ass. All because you knew you would never stand a chance at being at the top.”

"Evelyn—”

"No Father, look where your deceit got you! No, look WHO your deceit got you. Killian fucking Bandini. Not Maxim Orlov. Bandini. The Italians. Nice one, Father. Watch all you've built burn!” I yell, slamming the paper on the table. Standing up, I move towards the door. As I pull the knob, I decide to set one last fire.

"Konstantin Morozov, remember your son and wife who were shot mysteriously? Guess who ordered the hit? Father and your side chick, Yulia. If I were you I'd check for STD's. Oh and Father, remember that shipment that the police almost caught us. Yeah, it was your best man on the council. Ivanov.” And with that, I walk out the door. I strode angrily to my room and slam the door when I enter. On my bed, I find three closed box and my gun lying atop it. Opening the boxes, I find most of my clothes, jewelries and other sentimental items.

Seconds later, my door opens and I cat h a whiff of the perfume first.

“You're the last person I want to talk to," I said venomously.

“I know. I was just wondering if you'd like to cool off some steam," Sasha said. Tilting my head, I release a sigh and nod. Picking up my gun, I followed her out and she leads me to the backyard. There are dozen dummies with pictures of Father, The Family, Maxim, Killian and even Sasha's picture attached to the faces.

“Have a go at it," she said, pointing to them. I pick up my gun and begin with my father. Twenty minutes later, I've absolutely destroyed all the dummies with one left. Sasha. My gun is raised but I can't find it in me to pull the trigger.

“Why?" I asked, my voice coming out choked.

“I'm sorry. It started a few years ago. Three years ago to be precise. I thought I was choosing the lesser of two evils for you. I'm sorry. I only wanted what was best for you. Plus he threatened me. He said he would kill you and the rest kf my family if I didn't do it. I'm sorry," she apologized. Turning to face her, I said,

“Why didn't you tell me? Do you think it's easy to forgive? I've trusted you my whole life. You were the one person I could count on, Sasha. You hurt me. You hurt me badly. But even if I want to deny it, I still love you," and then I pull her into a hug.

“Thank you!" She cried. We remain that way for a while before we hear loud clapping.

"This was touching—woah, careful there. My face is a national treasure," Killian said, looking at his massacred picture stuck on the dummies.

“National treasure my foot," I murmured, putting my gun in my waistband. “Are we leaving?"

“Yes. Your things are in the car already. Sasha, keep me informed." He replied, turning around to walk away.

“What? You're not coming with?" I asked.

“No. He wants me here. I'll call," she said, smiling wryly. I bite my lip and nodded as she escorted me to the car. I didn't see Father or any member of The Family as we left the mansion. Thank God.

“That was quite a scene in there," Killian said, staring at his phone.

“I'm sure you're all too happy to take everything I ever wanted. Enjoy it while it lasts, I'll be taking my throne back soon." His only reply is a dark chuckle.

°♪♥° °♪♥° °♪♥°

We're standing in front of the airplane and I'm weighing my options. I glanced behind me where there are no guards and breathe a sigh of thanks to the Lord.

“I dare you." Killian said, from my front. His eyes are narrowed as he stared at me. Without thinking twice, I accept the dare and dash towards the exit. I hear fast footfalls behind me and I quicken my pace. Before I know it, I'm dragged back against a hard body and flung across a hard shoulder.

“Let me go! Put me down!"

“You will need to learn to listen, Eve. You cannot disrespect me like this," Killian threatened and then I felt a spank on my butt. That shuts me up as he goes into the plane and settles me in.

Leaning down to eye level, he said, “You will submit. Even if I have to fuck you into it." And then he's gone.