A Boy's Memories

Nicolai's mind was full of memories of his brother as he prepared the bath for Alessia. His life had all changed when their father had suddenly appeared at Nicolai's mother's funeral. Nicolai had been twenty, and his world had been turned upside down by the revelation of his true paternity. Suddenly, he'd gone from being an only child to having a half-brother, and their father had shown him an unexpected affection.

He and Dmitri had always been so different even as young men --Dmitri so serious and focused, Nicolai wild and unpredictable used to being on his own. Even so, Nicolai had looked up to Dmitri, admired his strength and the power he already garnered in their father's business. He'd followed in his wake, desperate to belong. To be a member of 'the family'.

But where Nicolai had been overjoyed to finally know his true heritage, Dmitri had seen his father's attention as an insult, a challenge to his legacy. Their father trying to bring Nicolai into the fold had fueled his broth