“I can guess.” Because his father had been a monster. It was the reason he’d killed Ilya. Something no one knew. Not even his brother. He’d do it again too.
“I only found out after she killed herself.” She swallowed hard and paused. He wanted to comfort her but didn’t think she would want his touch. “She wrote me a letter. He…he said he made videos of them. So even after she’d paid off his bullshit debt he said she had to keep ‘servicing’ him or he’d put those videos on the internet for everyone to see.” Tears tracked down her cheeks again and the sight was too much.
Fuck it. He couldn’t sit here and do nothing. He pulled her into his arms and to his surprise she leaned into his hold, burying her face against his shoulder as she laid her hands gently on his chest.
He closed his eyes for a moment, savored the feel of her leaning against him, almost as if she trusted him. “I’m so sorry.”
She sniffled and pulled back, wiped at her face. “It’s not your fault. Even if I wanted to make you out to be a monster too.” Guilt flickered across her features.
“I’m still sorry. If he was alive, I’d kill him.” The words came out savage. Instantly he wished he could take them back when her eyes widened in shock. But screw it, he was who he was. There was no need to hide it, especially since he’d never have a chance with her. Not now. Not with the history between their families.
“I can’t tell if you’re joking,” she said, giving him a watery half-laugh.
He wasn’t, but wasn’t going to tell her that. The only times he’d killed had been in self-defense, but not many people knew about that. They suspected, sure. Which was another reason for his reputation. “Please take the house.”
She was already shaking her head before he’d finished. “I can’t, but thank you anyway.”
Viktor reined in his frustration. He couldn’t very well order her to take it even if that was exactly what he wanted to do. He was going to make sure it ended up in her hands. After reading the file Abram had given him he’d learned that she lost her college savings fund because of her father’s gambling, as well as her trust. She’d paid her way through college working two jobs and had only acquired minimal debt—which she’d just recently paid off. She had a strong work ethic, something he admired. Before he could respond he saw Lucy headed his way.
Viktor knew his brother had likely sent her in here because of the stupid meeting he needed to get to. He wanted to wave her away, but simply couldn’t do that to Lucy—something Abram knew. She smiled politely at Dominique before focusing on him. “Abram wanted me to remind you that you’ve got that meeting to get to.”
“Reschedule it. Reschedule everything this afternoon.”
Lucy simply nodded and left.
Dominique’s tears were completely dried as she looked at him. “I should go. I’ve taken up too much of your time. I really am sorry I judged you so harshly. It was incredibly unfair of me to lump you in with your father.”
“It’s fine.” It wasn’t like he was a good man.
“No. It’s not.” She took one of his hands, squeezed it once before standing.
Everything inside him stilled at the feel of her touching him. He wanted more and hated that he didn’t have a chance with her. He stood with her, not wanting to let her go. “If you ever want to see the house, I’m not going to be doing anything with it. It’ll be waiting for you whenever you’re ready.”
Her full lips pulled into a thin line as she sighed. “I’m not going to change my mind, but thank you. I’ll show myself out.”
Viktor just nodded and watched her leave, even if he wanted to escort her out simply to spend a few more minutes in her presence. But that was stupid. She might not think he was a monster anymore, but she would never look twice at him as a potential…boyfriend seemed like such a juvenile word. Regardless, she wouldn’t look at him as a love interest.
He closed his laptop and headed out. His brother could deal with the rest of the day’s meetings. Viktor was too edgy.
A run and a swim and maybe some time on the punching bag might expel some of this energy. But he doubted it.
He needed to get Dominique out of his system but he wasn’t sure how. He hadn’t even had a taste of her, yet thoughts of her consumed him. She hadn’t seemed to think he was a monster after today so maybe…he did have a chance with her. Maybe they could be friends. He nearly snorted at the thought.
Even if he didn’t have a shot with Dominique, he’d call later to check on her, to try to convince her to take the house again. Why didn’t he believe his own lie? He wanted to see if she’d let him take her to dinner, to get to know her more. He’d give her a day then test the waters.
Walking away from her was something he just couldn’t do.
*
“Here’s the paperwork to fire Peter.” Lucy set the stack of papers on Abram’s desk, a half-smile tugging at her very kissable lips.
As if she was trying not to smile.
“What’s that look?” Abram frowned as Lucy stepped back.