#####Chapter 2

Nikolai Twin

Selena’s POV

My eyes widen in shock and the gruesome murder of father and mother flashes through my brain again.

“You never mentioned anything about this while we were dating. You never stated anything of the sort in the contract.” My voice becomes louder slightly and I do not try to hold back.

“Watch your tongue Sel. This is definitely not the place.” His jaw hardens and I can tell he’s annoyed. He's looking around too, through his masquerade mask— watching if someone heard me.

But I don't care.

“Why should I give a fuck about where we are when you lied to me about something so important!” I clench my fists in annoyance.

“You came to me for help and I gave it to you in demand for payment. You agreed, you signed the signature yourself. I didn’t hold a trigger to your head when you signed it, did I?” He scans the environment with his eyes and I notice the subtle changes in him.

“I signed those documents without a second thought because I knew you or so I thought.”

“The deed has already been done. There’s no use making a fuss about it. You will soon be called up to the red carpet. Do not give off any information that will threaten his life.” I freeze when he brings this up again.

“Everybody here belongs to one mafia organization or the other. They are extremely sensitive and they notice every single detail. You cannot afford to ruin even a tiny slice of this event today. Am I clear?” I blink my eye furiously trying extremely hard not to shed tears.

“I understand.”

“Good.” He tucks one of his hands on his pockets and wraps the other around my waist.

“Young Master Nikolai.” Cheers and applause fill the hall but we all know they are not at all genuine.

They will be only a few handful that are truly grateful for his success and his family members may not be part of them.

Slowly, we walk to the ball and I try my best to make sure our footsteps are in sync. I can feel their burning gaze on my skin. Like they have finally found the weakness of a strong predator.

“Nilai.” A woman that has the exact nose and a perfect physique walks up to us. Her smile is only slight and does not reach her eyes. I force a smile on my face when she stares at me. Her mask is the shade of blood.

“Nikolai. My name is Nikolai.” The air around them feels tight and I struggle to breathe.

“Mother invited me over to accompany you down the red carpet.” She sneers at me and I quickly stare at the ground.

“Raise your head up. Now.” I swallow and I follow his instructions.

“I can see you have a guest.” She tucks her hair behind her ears and I guess that’s my cue to leave. I lift my foot to move and Nikolai pinches me hard on my waist.

“My queen does not make way for those I do not approve of.” I sense displeasure in his voice.

“You should leave. I have a wife I’d like to introduce to the family.” The whole hall goes silent, so silent even the deaf would hear a pin drop.

He gives me a slight push and we walk till we get to a table.

“Mother. Father.” He nods slightly and pulls open the chair for me to sit.

“I see you have a guest.” His father graciously slices his steak in a way I know fully well I cannot pull off.

“A rather uninvited one if I must say.” His mother chirps in as well. It doesnt take me anything to realize they obviously prefer the other girl to me.

“We invited Priscilla.”

“She’s not the only daughter of a mafia boss I’ve slept with.” He says.

I swallow hard and my shoulder tenses at the mention of the word mafia.

“Priscilla knows you and your dealings better. Your wife to be does not particularly seem fond of our daily routine. Is she aware?” His light has a slight evil smile on her face.

“That is why I brought her here. She will be informed of all of the activities. She knows me.” He places a slice of steak on my plate and I smile at him because I am genuinely grateful.

“She knows you better than Priscilla? Then I am assuming she knows your hobbies. Pulling triggers and torturing people as well as competing with your brother over every damn thing?” She chuckles slightly. I struggle not to take a peek at him because I know they are watching.

“You both know me too well to expect me to repeat a simple sentence.” He rubs his legs with mine and I quickly pull away.

“Not to be too hard on your wife? But how many people exactly has Priscilla killed…just for you? Priscilla might just be ahead of her.”

I swallow my spit nervously and finally decide to leave.

“Sorry, I would like some air.” I push my chair back, it makes a loud screeching noise.

“Sit.” Nikolai grabs my arm but I pull it away.

I grab the layers of my gown and I walk outside as fast as I can. I open my mouth and try to take in as much air as I can.

I rub my chest; let out a deep breath. My heart is still pacing. I need to be at peace before I go back to that table. Father’s murder scene flashes through my eyes again. I force myself to not throw up.

When I finally decide to go back; Nikolai is the only one seated at the table. It’s not in his personality to just sit there calmly and wait for me.

He would have been reminding me of my punishments or shooting daggers at me with his eyes.

I square my shoulders and I go back into the hall, this time around, I stare straight into the eyes of the onlookers till I get to my seat.

There's a sick feeling in my heart as I settle down.

Something tells me Nikolai was going to punish me heavily tonight.