Page 89 of Scarred Redemption

Dr. Isatov glanced from one to the other of us. He was also used to our squabbling.

“You need her agreement first, Maxsim. At this juncture and with everything that’s happened, I’m not convinced she’ll roll over and say yes.”

Roman had a way with words that aggravated the hell out of me. “Why are you here again?”

“Because you called me in a frenzy, worried that my niece was all alone. I’m the one who helped Isabel get to bed. Remember?”

Snarling, I started to pace the floor while raking my hands through my hair. Damn it. Feeling useless was becoming a habit. “Just tell me this. Will she recover?”

The doctor lifted his eyebrows. “Yes, she will. But as I said, you need to talk with her. I have called in a prescription for her and you need to send one of your soldiers to pick it up by at least tomorrow. I had a sample I gave her and she will need to set up regular doctor’s appointments. It would also be helpful if she wasn’t under so much stress and if you can get her to eat every once in a while. Although I doubt that’s going to happen. I’ll check in on her tomorrow.”

He wasn’t about to allow me to berate him, heading down the stairs quickly.

I stood gawking at him, completely out of sorts.

“Now, do you want to tell me why in the hell Mina was in the hospital today?” Roman’s question made me realize I’d neglected to share the news.

I leaned against the opposite wall. “Mina’s cancer might have returned. We don’t know yet. The results haven’t come back.”

My brother was silent and as soon as I lifted my head, I witnessed the same pain I’d seen in my own eyes hours earlier. He scrubbed his jaw, turning his head, but not before I noticed a shimmer in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I was busy handling the people at the warehouse where they were held hostage.”

He snapped his head back in my direction. “You found the bastard.”

“No. But I’m closer. I’m going to have a chat with our father as it would seem this is about a vendetta against him or perhaps our entire family.” I pulled the photograph from my back pocket. “I can’t deal with this right now, but do you recognize this man?”

Roman pulled it toward his face. “Yes, I do, but I can’t remember why. He must have been at the house.” That picture would have been when I’d been away at school.

“If you think of it, let me know.”

“I will.”

As I slipped the picture into my pocket, I remained where I was. “Did you tell anyone that I had plans on marrying Isabel?”

“Who would I tell?” Roman laughed until he noticed my expression. “Why?”

“Because it would seem word got around including to the fire inspector that she is my fiancée. Since I’ve yet to ask for her hand in marriage and with it being obvious there are several people involved in this destructive plan, I’m eager to find out who made the bad decision to betray my loyalty.”

“Only Sergei was in the room with us.”

“Exactly.”

He cocked his head. “You can’t seriously think he is working with someone from our father’s past. He’s been with the family for years. He’s your best friend.”

“And a man who knows everything about our business and every skeleton in every closet.”

Roman appeared stricken. “I don’t buy it, Max. Not for a second. He must have said something to one of his trusted men.”

“Maybe. What I do know is that once I discover all those involved, the domino effect will be in motion. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop me. Including you, brother.”

We’d always had awkward moments between us and this was no exception. “Which is something I wouldn’t ask. But so you’re aware, I’ll be here, Max. If you need to talk. I’ll be here. Whatever you discover from our father, try and remember times were different.”

“Nothing is different, Roman. I’m the Pakhan of a powerful, destructive Bratva who just happens to have a better sense of longing for more legitimate work. That doesn’t mean I can run from the past, including acts of violence perpetrated on those considered our enemies. But at this point, I’ll admit that I don’t have the strength to lose either one of the girls I adore.”

He took a step closer, clapping me on the arm. “I think you need to take it a step at a time. Now, why don’t you go and talk with the woman you’re enamored with. Women do enjoy keeping secrets and having men grovel and compliment them.”

I was able to chuckle. “Yes, you are right.”