27| seeing red

I S A A K

My mind was racing as I surveyed the scene in front of me. The two men lay motionless on the ground, their bodies riddled with bullet holes. 

I was losing my mind, consumed by rage. My mind is on Diane. It had been two days and the only news I had gotten was that she was in a cabin, I remember going there, and her scent was still fresh on the blanket, I raised my gun and fired another shot into the body on the ground, the sound of the gunshot ringing in my ears. 

But it was no use. My thoughts were all over so I popped a gum in my mouth, hoping nothing else would get to me.

"Stop!" Yulia cried, reaching out to me, her voice pleading. 

"Isaak, forget about her. She's not worth it. She's gone now, with her lover." she said, blinded by rage I snatched her wrist and held it tight, my eyes locked on hers. I could see the fear in her eyes, the way she was trembling. 

"Shut up,"

"I was only trying to help you," she said,  her voice shaking. A single tear rolled down her cheek thinking it could faze me but I saw right through her. I let her go out of pity when I realized the lengths she went through just to get what she wanted. 

Suddenly, Yulia burst out laughing, a high-pitched, maniacal laugh that filled the room. I stared at her as she did so. "The look on your faces, she exclaimed, doubling over with laughter. You thought I was crying to her? Give me a break,"

She was out of her mind, surely. 

The last thing I need is to hear your annoying little voice. Don't forget that you're still alive because of her. Don't ever for a second get to think that you'd replace her. I choose anyone over you, I deepened the wound and I could see the hurt in her eyes. 

"I'm sure you wouldn't be saying that if you knew who she was with,"

"What are you talking about? Just what I heard from the man, Luka himself."

In a flash, I had Yulia pinned against the wall, my arm against her chest. I could feel her heart pounding, the fear in her eyes was evident.

Suddenly, my phone began ringing. I glanced down at the caller ID and saw that it was Viktor, the last person I wanted to talk to right now. I rejected the call, but it rang shortly after. I clenched my jaw growing aggravated. What the hell did he want now? I  pressed the button and put the phone to my ear. "What do you want?" I said, my voice full of anger and frustration.

"That's no way to speak to your father-in-law, now is it?" His voice was still calm and composed. 

Unfortunately for me, the bastard was still breathing and that had to be the biggest disappointment. 

"Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you called," I said. "This is what I like about you Isaak, you don't go around in circles," he paused like he expected a thank you. "Well,  in that case,  I'd like to invite you and your brother over for dinner at my house today. Bring your women, the more the merrier,"

"I'm not interested in eating at the same table as you, I had enough of your party as it is."

"I insist," Luciano held out his hand for the phone, and I gladly gave it to him, He put the phone to his ear and said,  "Viktor, it's Luciano, well be there," I looked at my brother, not believing he just said that. 

"Why, Luciano?" I glared at him as he handed me the phone back, unfazed. "Viktor's up to something, Isaak and we have to figure it out."

□□□

I watched Luciano sink another shot, his concentration unwavering. We were in the middle of a game of one-on-one basketball - something else I did to calm myself down.

I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead as the summer sun beat down on us. But I didn't let it slow me down, my focus was still on the game. I dribbled the ball around Luciano, my feet moving quickly as I dodged his attempts to block me. And then I saw my chance, and I took it.

I shot the ball and watched as it swished through the net, the sound of the ball hitting the rim ringing in my ears.

"Do you trust Luka?" Luciano asked, his voice low and serious. "No," I replied without hesitation. "He hated our family since we were kids. And I knew he wanted something from the moment he was practically drooling over Diane at the party."

"Luka is a snake in the grass," I said, my voice filled with disgust. "He can't let go of the past. He's still obsessed with Viktor and me, and I don't know why."

Luciano nodded, his expression darkening. "I think it's because he's jealous," he said, his eyes narrowing. "He's always wanted what you have, and he's never been able to accept that he can't have it."

"Did you ever find out the reason why he had a problem with Viktor,"

I shrugged. "The little I know is that Viktor had something with his mom,"

I thought about, Luka never liked Viktor and he was the only child growing up with a parent. He always resented Luciano from when we were young and he probably still did now. The only thing that didn't stick right with me was that he was old enough to do things he couldn't have done while he was in training.

I knew Diane wouldn't betray me. I looked at the watch, it was currently 6:30 pm and the dinner was at 7.

We left the basketball court and I headed to the shower, getting ready for a long night.

□□□

I rang the doorbell and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. After a few moments, the door opened and a female servant stood in the doorway. She was wearing a uniform and apron, and her expression was neutral.

"Mr. Isaak," she said, her voice calm and polite. "Welcome back."

I nodded and stepped inside, Yulia by my side. Claudia and Luciano followed close behind us. The servant closed the door and led us into the dining room.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Rivera, and Ms. Golov," she said with a smile. She took Yulia's jacket and hung it up, but I kept mine on. I had no intention of staying for dinner - I just wanted to get the information I needed and get out of there as soon as possible.

The servant led us into the dining room, where the table was set for four. The room was large and opulent, with a crystal chandelier and a fireplace. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the house, which was more modest. I wondered if that was intentional,

"Oh, my guests," Viktor said, his voice smooth and silky. He walked into the room, dressed in a black suit.

"Daddy dear," Yulia smiled, hugging him. He kissed her on the cheek, his smile wide.

He smiled, his eyes settling on Claudia. He reached out to touch her, but Luciano shot him a glare. Viktor withdrew his hand, his smile never faltering.

"It's good to see you, Luciano,"

"Don't worry, I won't take her but I like them young," I felt my stomach churn.

"You guys are a bit late," he said, his eyes flicking to his watch. "But I suppose it's better late than never."

My patience was wearing thin, and I couldn't hide my irritation. "Viktor," I said, my voice low and tight.

"Oh, I forgot how impatient my son-in-law is," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But I'm sure we can all enjoy a nice dinner together, can't we?"

I didn't answer him, and he seemed to take the hint.

As we made our way to the dining room, I could hear the sound of multiple footsteps, like a small army of maids room, I nearly froze in my tracks.

There she was,  her blonde hair was damp. Her blue eyes landed on us, something flickering in her eyes. She sat next to Luka, their hands intertwined.