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I’ve just never been good with choices. Don’t appreciate them. Don’t care for them. Would rather not be presented with one.
Yellow Mask can only be Nikolai Sokolov. Another Russian mafia prince, Killian and Gareth’s cousin, and the craziest twat who ever walked the earth.
“Bossy. I like it. But you know what I like more? Your posh little accent. Question. Does it sound the same when you say crude things?”
“Anyone ever tell you how fucking hot you feel when struggling for control? I could swallow you alive and leave no crumbs.”
“Stay fucking still unless you’re in the mood to take care of the boner you’re giving me.”
“Fuck you, you fucking fuck. You need help.” “You need help, Niko.” My cousin Killian brushes past me on the way inside, accompanied by his brother, Gareth, and my best friend, Jeremy. They must’ve finished school and come back together, which I should’ve probably done as well. But oh well, I forgot. Jeremy stops a few inches away from me. He’s an inch shorter than me and definitely the most muscled after yours truly. He’s a few years older, but he’s been my best friend for as long as I remember. I might have pestered him for it, though. He pushes his dark hair away from his face and narrows
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“Oh cool, you remember! Nice to officially meet you, Brandon. Or, hold on! I actually found you a perfect nickname. Lotus flower. You know, because you managed to bloom so beautifully while surrounded by the muddy swamp that is Landon. Isn’t that so fucking poetic?”
He pats her back, but there’s no enthusiasm behind his movement. His expression doesn’t change, not even a little. Like a robot. I got a better reaction from him by plucking out his AirPods, blondie.
Fuck this shit. Seriously. I’m losing my few remaining brain cells because of this asshole. I put on my shorts, and yes, I was swimming naked. If any of the guys came in, well, tough shit.
“Nikolai was bored, so I took him out for a stroll.” “Eat shit, motherfucker. I’m not a dog. Also, he was the one who was so bored that he started vandalizing shit,”
“Why would I answer? We’re not friends or anything are we, Lotus—” I cut myself off before I call him that. Of course the bastard noticed the miscalculation despite being wasted, because his lips twitch.
“Why, hello, Straight Brandon’s dick. You look pretty gay to me.”
Anyway, Operation Eliminate Bimbo will soon take effect.
If Brandon is not gay, I’ll chuck myself down a fucking cliff. Well, let’s also include bi, because…eh… I’m not in the mood to die before I get another taste of him.
“You’re a fucking nightmare,” he mutters, his throat working beneath my fingers. “Your nightmare.” “I hate you.” “I don’t.” “You’re fucking crazy.” “About you,”
Hello, Satan. Is this heaven in hell? Because I could stay here forever.
This was supposed to be a little game, but I don’t think I’m playing anymore. The worst part is that I feel like I’m already losing.
My oldest cousin, Eli, who followed Lan—probably after they were plotting some chaos in my brother’s room—looks her up and down. “Pretty sure I’ve seen you before, but where?” “I’ve been literally coming here for the past two years!” she screams, her high-pitched voice grating on my last nerve. “Oh, right! You’re the help!” “I’m not!” He looks at Lan. “She’s not?” “Of course not.” My brother makes a mock gasp. “The help has more grace than this cheap rug.”
Good evening, lotus flower. Thought I’d start the text like that since you love being so proper.
Did you lose the bimbo yet?
“What…” I clear my throat. “What should I do?” “What I did to you.” “I will not get on my knees.” “I went on my knees for you just fine.”
“Why the hell would you lick me? Are you a dog?” “Woof.” He grins and I can’t even muster the emotions to be mad at him. Bloody wanker is mental.
“Don’t run away from me again. If you do, I’ll flip the world upside down to find you. You’re mine now, baby.”
Just so you know, I would’ve come even if you said no. Bwahaha. Bran I’m going to block you.
“Sure thing, Niko. Kick my face in, then go cool down as if nothing happened.” “Hey, you wanted that fight. Don’t go blaming me, Satan’s heir.” “I told you not to hurt my face, you little fuck.” “Yeah, Niko.” Maya grins mischievously. “That’s the only thing his girlfriend likes.” He grins back. “At least she likes something. You, however, seem to be out of luck with the person you like.” I narrow my eyes. “Who do you like, Maya?” “No one,” she says, her voice a bit high-pitched. “You know how Kill likes to talk shit.” He searches his surroundings. “Moi?”
“So?” Kill shoves my shoulder with his. “Who changed your precious set of anti-monogamy rules? You can tell me. Must be killing you to keep it all to yourself.” “You really want to know?” He nods. I beckon him with one finger. “Come here. It’s a secret.” He inches close and I smack him on the nape. “Mind your fucking business and stop being nosy.” My cousin massages the assaulted spot. “You’ll regret that.”
My grouchy cousin’s face breaks into a rare genuine smile at the sound of his girlfriend’s voice. She’s waving us over to her table with… My, my.
“Watch it, Niko,” Kill threatens in mock calm. “You’re digging your own grave.” “Let me search for the fucks I have to give.” I pretend to check my pockets and then produce two middle fingers. “Oh, here you go.”
“He’s the one who walks and talks like a diva and calls Nikolai Daddy,”
“Please, Bran, please! Tell me what’s fucking wrong.”
I’m fine now, didn’t need many stitches, and in a few weeks, I can wear the new scar as a badge of honor. Yes, bitch.
Good boy.” “I’m not a boy. I’m older than you.”
“Lotus flower? What are you doing here? Oh! Wanna join me?” “Why the fuck—” I cut myself off and speak in a calmer tone. “Why were you underwater?” “Meditating.” “Meditating?” “Yeah.” He grins. “I can hold my breath for over four minutes.” “Let me get this straight. You meditate by holding your breath underwater?” “Yup. Want me to teach you?” “You’re seriously fucking mental.” “Is that a good thing?” He shakes his head, sending water flying everywhere. “No, it’s not. And stop that. Are you a dog?” “Woof.” He grabs my cheeks with wet fingers. “Let me lick your face.” “Hard pass.”
“Can I ask you something?” “Why do you need to request permission to ask me something?” “It’s the polite thing to do.” “Don’t do that with me. I don’t ask permission when I bombard you with questions.” “You don’t say.” “Hey! Was that sarcasm? The infamous passive-aggressiveness?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He pouts like a fucking child and I have to stop myself from smiling at how adorable he looks. Jesus. He’s this big tattooed guy who’s larger than life and part of the mafia, but he still acts this way.
“You just needed a good fucking by yours truly.”
“Not everyone… Well, I’m open, I guess, but that was in the past. I’m no longer a manwhore, I swear on Kolya’s honor.” I fist his hair tighter. “Who the hell is Kolya?” “Hi, lotus flower.” He rubs his erection against mine. “My name is Kolya and I’m obsessed with your huge cock and beautiful ass.” I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. “You named your dick?” “Everyone does.” “No, they don’t.” “Yes, they do.” “If you say so. Why Kolya?” “That’s the Russian diminutive form of my name. No one but my grandpa and my dad’s side of the family uses it, though.” “And how long has Kolya been active?”
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“Shut up.” I wiggle free of his hold. “I’m going to sleep.” “Wait for me!” A huge body slams into mine, crashing me into the bed. I groan as I try to push him off me, but it’s impossible.
“Hey, Nikolai.” “Yeah?” “If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you go?” “Inside you, baby.” I nearly choke on my tea. “I’m serious.” “I’m also serious. I take Kolya’s demands to heart, thank you very much.”
“Tell me something in Russian.” I cup his chin and stare deep into those eyes that have become my undoing as I say the words Grandpa said Russians take seriously and literally. “Ya nee ma goo bees tee byah zhit.”
Killian It’s the ED situation, isn’t it? Gareth Kill, the fuck? He’ll just flood the group chat with dick pics. Me Kolya says hi, motherfuckers. I send one just to fuck with them.
Late-night chats with Remi are the best. I’m so thankful to have you @lord-remington-astor. And then Remington’s reply. Cheers, mate. You know you’re my fave. Don’t tell my spawn.
“Dad? Are you…okay with it?” “Your sexuality? Naturally. This guy, however, I’m not sure yet. What’s his name? Age? Parents’ names?” “Uh…so…remember Killian?” His lips part. “Please don’t tell me you’re with your sister’s boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend?” “What? No. Of course not, Dad.” “Ew, Levi.” Mum smacks his hand. “Fine, okay.” He releases a breath. “It can’t be worse than that.” “He’s his cousin.” “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
“I’m proud of you, hon. I love you just the way you are.” I wrap my arm around her even as I think. I wish you didn’t.
Also, I could never pretend you don’t exist, motherfucker. You’re everywhere like goddamn air.”
Dear fucking God, I know you’re out there somewhere and I beg you, take this arsehole and give my son a normal lover. Just once, I want fucking normal.
“It was at a…” Bran trails off. “Party.” Nikolai smirks. “Yes. A party. I was all over him in no time.” “You were what?” I snap. “I mean.” His smirk disappears. “I was the one who noticed him first.”
“Anyway, Nikolai,” my wife says after she shakes her head at me. “Do you want to see Bran’s baby photos?” “Hell yeah,” he agrees readily like an eager child, then blurts, “I mean yes, please.” “Mum.” Bran gives her an incredulous look. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to do this.”
“So what? Those don’t make his personality. Since when do you judge a book by its cover?” “Since it walks into my house and steals my son.”
“Absolutely, and, baby?” He kisses the top of my head and his next words nearly give me a heart attack. “Even if you hate yourself, I’ll love you for the both of us.”

