Page 28 of The Brat: Prequel

Victoria: So, you do know I am one, then?

Maxim: One, what?

Victoria: A woman

Maxim: Da?

Victoria: Just checking. I’m eighteen now

Maxim: Yes, I know. Didn’t you receive my gift?

Victoria: Ronan Kirkland’s broken legs weren’t it?

Maxim: Xaxa. Nyet. That was a gift for me.

Victoria: (Joking) I did get the pin. I love it. Thank you

Victoria: You didn’t have to go to such expense

Maxim: For your 18th birthday?! Of course I did

Maxim: Did Kirkland hurt you?

Victoria: No

Maxim: Don’t try to protect him.

Victoria: I’m not

Maxim: Why don’t I believe you?

Maxim: You should have told me if he was causing you any problems

Victoria: Do you know who he is?

Maxim: Relatively speaking, da. Do you think I care?

Victoria: Never mind

Maxim: What did he do, Victoria?

Victoria: Didn’t like taking no for an answer

Maxim: Then I’m glad his bones are crushed

Maxim: He won’t walk without a cane for a few years at least. That’ll keep his hands busy

Victoria: I shouldn’t like that, should I?

Maxim: Why shouldn’t you?

Victoria: Are you going to come to my graduation?

Maxim: Do you want me to?

Victoria: Yes

Maxim: I doubt your family would appreciate my presence