Viktor

by Apryl Baker

  “Why don’t you come on in the house, and I’ll tell you about it.”

  Ben’s gaze skittered over to where Gabe sat on the porch swing. He looked very unsure of what was going on, not that Sara could blame him. He and some of his friends had taken a month-long fishing trip. Ridiculously long, but Ben worked at Roger’s shop and kept his own hours. He did good work, but he tended to be a little flighty.

  He had to be curious who Gabe was, but he refrained from asking questions, especially when Gabe told her mother he’d be glad of a meal, but he’d eat outside.

  While her parents and Delia ate lunch in the kitchen, she led Ben out to the picnic table set up in the back yard. While the two of them ate, she told him about the last three weeks of hell. The horror on his face made her heart hurt for him. He loved his big brother. Like most people, he had no idea what Roger had put her through over the last eight years.

  “I didn’t know, Sara. I swear to God, if I’d known, I’da stopped it. I wouldn’t have let him…” He broke off and cleared his throat. “I’m so sorry, sugar. I shoulda seen it, and I didn’t.”

  “No.” Sara interrupted him. “None of this is your fault. Roger was careful to make sure no one knew, and I hid it too, embarrassed and ashamed. Don’t blame yourself for something you had no idea was even happening.”

  “I don’t understand how he could do this.” Ben slammed his fist on the table, rattling the plates. It reminded Sara so much of Roger, she was up and moving before she even thought about it, putting distance between them.

  “What…” He let out a curse, realizing what spooked her. “Dammit, Sara. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” She let out a shaky breath.

  “No, it’s not okay.” He closed his eyes and worked to get his temper under control. “I’m going to beat his ass.”

  “No, you’re not.” She forced herself to sit back down. “He’s your brother.”

  “He’s a sick bastard who hits little girls.” The steel in that statement took Sara aback. She’d never heard it in Ben’s voice before. He was the happy-go-luckiest fellow you’d ever meet, with not a care in the world. Looking at him, she had to wonder at the man he’d become.

  “And he’s still your brother.”

  He shook his head. “Doesn’t make what he did right, sugar. No man has the right to lay hands on a woman, and sure as hell not on a little kid who can’t defend herself. Shit, how is my girl? He didn’t do any permanent damage, did he?”

  “He knocked her front tooth out, but thankfully it was her baby tooth.” She could still see her baby, screaming in pain, holding her mouth, the blood pouring. She jumped up and started to pace, needing to move.

  “Son of a bitch.” Ben stood, jamming his hands in his pockets. “Can I see my girl?”

  “Of course, but I can’t let her go fishing, Benny.” She hated to do this to him, but it was necessary. “I can’t guarantee Roger won’t find you, and I’m not subjecting her to that ever again.”

  “No, sugar, it’s cool. I completely understand. Is it okay if I swing by here and play with her, though? I promised her we’d go camping. I can set a tent up in the back yard just as easily as I can in the woods.”

  “She’d love that.” Sara let out a strangled breath, fighting tears. He was a good kid, and Delia was lucky to have him in her life.

  Ben gave her a hug and went in the house to find “his girl,” as he’d called Delia since she was two. How he and Roger had turned out so differently baffled her, but she was grateful to God for it. He was going to become a man worth knowing.

  Sara sank back down on the bench and laid her head in her arms, letting the tears come. No one could see her back here. From the moment he’d hit Delia, she’d been on the go, constantly worrying and so afraid, she barely slept at night. In all that time, not once had she cried.

  Talking to Ben and hearing him take her side over Roger’s loosened the floodgates, and for the first time since that night, she cried until she couldn’t cry anymore.

  One thing was for sure. She was done crying over Roger Riley.

  He’d never hurt her or Delia again.

  Of that, she’d make sure.

  The drive to Virginia had been uneventful and long. He’d found a decent out-of-the-way dive bar that served delicious food. The scenery was gorgeous, but he paid it no mind. His entire focus was on getting to Virginia as soon as he could. Gabe had called to tell him about Sara’s ex’s latest stunt.

  He wanted to find him and beat him until there wasn’t an ounce of life left in him, but that was impossible. Viktor wasn’t going to jail for the bastard, but if luck was with him, he’d make sure Roger landed there instead.

  At least the uncle seemed okay. Gabe gave him the rundown on the kid and how upset he’d been when he found out what his brother had done. Viktor might need to enlist Ben’s help to catch his brother in the act, if the boy was willing. Roger was his brother, though. Being angry at what he’d done and actively working to put him jail were two entirely different things. Still, it was worth a shot.

  He pulled into the outskirts of the sleepy little town of Church Falls, Virginia, population twelve thousand. He drove through Main Street, admiring all the historical architecture that had been preserved. It reminded him of one of those towns you saw in movies. There were antique shops, churches of all denominations, a grocery store, pharmacy, and restaurants. They did well with tourists in the summer, as well as all the people who came to go four-wheeling on the trails through the Appalachian Mountains.

  And that was exactly what Viktor was interested in. He found Roger’s shop easily. It was just off the main street, back on Burker Street. The building looked nice, neat, and several new model four-wheelers sat outside on display. The garage was in the back so as not to off-put the retail space. Several people milled around outside, shooting the breeze or looking at the merchandise when Viktor pulled in.

  He spotted Roger leaning against the wall, talking to an older man. Viktor watched him for a minute, noting his easy smile and the way he used his hands when he talked to emphasize what he was saying. Average looking, but he had charisma, and that counted for a lot, especially in business.

  Getting out, he walked over the four-wheelers, pretending to inspect them. It didn’t take Roger long to break off his conversation and wander over.

  “Hey, there.” His voice was jovial, friendly. Viktor’s back teeth slammed together at the sound. Fucker. “You know what you’re looking for?”

  “No.” He shook his head, adopting a look of confusion. “My friend and I thought we might try the trails next weekend. I was told you rented these vehicles.”

  “Well, they’re not vehicles.” Roger laughed. “More like off-roading monsters. This model here can climb a mountain like nobody’s business.”

  Viktor had never gotten on one of these before. His twin brother, Conner, lived on them when they’d moved to their uncle’s. He made a mental note to check on the old man once this case was over. Viktor missed him.

  “You don’t sound like you’re from around here.” Roger shifted from foot to foot.

  “No, I’m from Russia, but my father is from the States. I’m up here working with a friend, and he thought this might be fun. I told him I’d stop and check on rental prices.”

  “Three hundred for the weekend, per four-wheeler. We also offer some training, so don’t worry about figuring it out. We’ll have you riding like experts before you walk off the lot. I have a track out back we use for the training.”

  “Good to know.” Viktor tipped his head and looked around. “I’ll be on my way.”

  “We’ll see you next weekend.” Roger clapped him on the back, and it took every ounce of restraint Viktor possessed not to plow his fist in the conniving bastard’s face. He shook him off and got back into his Jeep and put Sara’s address into the GPS.

  Viktor had wanted to meet Roger without Sara to get a feel for him. Roger reminded him of a car salesman or a defense attorney. They
all had that slimily schmoozey feel to everything they said or did. It might have been knowing what kind of scum Roger truly was, but he rubbed Viktor the wrong way. How men like Roger fooled everyone around him never failed to boggle the mind, as his father would say. How could people not see his vicious streak?

  He only made one more stop, and that was for gas. It was a short ride to Sara’s family farm after that. He did pay attention to his surroundings this time, as he might need to map out an escape route. He liked to have several when it came to these cases. You never knew when it would be necessary to get out quickly.

  The Grafton family farm sat on fifteen acres of land. The farmhouse itself was two stories with a wraparound porch. It reminded Viktor of his uncle’s farm. He and his brothers had spent many, many days helping the old man plow the fields and tend to the animals. The whole experience made him adamant about never wanting to own a working farm. He loved the whole countryside aspect and the farmhouse itself, just not all the chores that came with running an actual farm.

  Gabe stood from where he sat on the porch swing and walked over to greet Victor.

  “Everything okay?” Viktor asked.

  Gabe shook his head and cracked his knuckles, a sure sign he was angry. “Yeah, for the most part. Sara’s been out back since Ben got here. I think talking about everything brought it all back.”

  “Nothing we can do about that.” Viktor shrugged, keeping his face blank. He didn’t want Gabe knowing how personal this case was to him. He’d ask questions—questions Viktor had no answers for.

  Gabe leaned against a front porch column. “I was thinking I might stick around a little while. I know I’m supposed to be on vacation, but I have a feeling this guy is going to be trouble. I’d rather spend my time here taking care of someone instead of by myself at the beach.”

  “You sure about that?” Viktor quirked an eyebrow. “The beach at night, margaritas, women….” His voice trailed off at the determined expression on Gabe’s face. He knew Gabe still blamed himself for his last client’s refusal to listen and understand how much danger she was actually in. Her death wasn’t his fault, but Viktor knew it would haunt Gabe for a long time. Maybe helping him with Sara’s case could ease some of that guilt.

  Besides that, he’d be glad for Gabe’s help. They’d been in the same squad in the Marines, and he trusted him like he did his own brothers.

  “I’m good here if you want my help.”

  Before Victor could say anything, the screen door opened, and Sara stepped out. He’d seen her just that morning, but it did nothing to lessen the impact she had on him. His entire body turned toward her, the instinct to touch her so strong, he shoved his hands in his pockets. What the hell was it about this woman?

  “I thought I heard someone pull up.” Her eyes were red and puffy. She’d been crying.

  “Just me.” He stayed where he was on the bottom step. If he stepped closer, he ran the chance of giving in to his desire to comfort her. Client, Kincaid. She’s a client.

  “I can see that.” She even sounded subdued, not the fiery kitten of yesterday. “We just put supper on the table. Are you hungry?”

  He nodded. “Starved, but I need to get cleaned up.”

  “Sure.” She turned her attention to Gabe. “Will you be staying for supper?”

  “Gabe’s going to be hanging around for a while.” Viktor almost laughed at the frown forming between her eyes.

  “I’m going to have two of you trying to boss me around now?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Gabe grinned, winking at her. Viktor’s eyes narrowed and his body went rigid at that wink, something his friend picked up on and raised his eyebrows in question.

  Fuck.

  Client, he forcefully reminded himself. She’s a client.

  “In all seriousness, we’re not here to boss. Only to watch out for you.”

  “You damn sure aren’t here to boss me. I’ve had enough of men doing that for three lifetimes.”

  “We’ve had this discussion already, Sara.” Viktor kept his tone even, but he wanted to laugh at her surliness. At least that hollow, subdued tone was gone. She was a spitfire, even after everything she’d been through. Roger hadn’t managed to completely break her.

  “As I recall, I never agreed to any such bossiness. I walked away from that conversation.”

  He arched a brow, and Sara was struck with the urge to stick her tongue out at him. After her emotional breakdown earlier, she needed to either laugh and be silly or start a fight. And fighting was the last thing she had the strength for today.

  “Come on in the house and get cleaned up. Gabe, I’m not sure where to put you if you’re staying.”

  “I can share the room with Viktor,” Gabe said, pushing his glasses up his nose. “When he’s on guard, I can catch a few and vice versa. We do it all the time.”

  Sara wasn’t sure how she felt about them both being here and expecting her to follow their rules. She understood why it was necessary, but it still didn’t sit well. She meant it when she said she was done being controlled. Delia wouldn’t grow up thinking that was normal.

  “I’ll let Mom and Dad know you’re here for a while. And, Gabe, my mother said to have your butt sitting at the table for supper or she was going to haul you in by the ears.”

  Gabe laughed, and she wagged her finger at him.

  “You just wait and see. If you think I’m joking, you’ve got another thing coming. My mother will feed you at her table or die trying.”

  “I’d listen to the woman.” Viktor leaned against the railing. “The ladies from around here mean business.”

  Sara narrowed her eyes, trying to discern if he was making fun of her or being serious. He looked a little too innocent. “You…”

  “Need to get cleaned up,” he interrupted. “Can you show me to the bathroom before the food gets cold or your mother comes to hunt us down?”

  Sara resisted the urge to snark at him. Instead of giving in to the childish urge, she turned and went inside, very aware of Viktor as he followed. He was a big man, football player big, and she could feel the sheer size of him behind her. Anyone else might have been intimidating, but not Viktor. It made her feel oddly safe to have him at her back, something she hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

  Gabe broke off and headed toward the kitchen, and she continued down the hall until she came to her makeshift office that would serve as Viktor and Gabe’s bedroom.

  “You have your own bathroom in here.” She opened the door and stepped inside, glad she’d gotten the mess cleaned up.

  “Thank you,” he murmured.

  A shiver shot up her back at the soft huskiness of his voice.

  “Well, I’ll just leave you to get cleaned up, then.” She turned, prepared to run from the room and the way he made her feel.

  “Wait.” He reached out and gripped her arm before she could make it past him. “Are you okay?”

  His fingers sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she tried to pull away from him, but he only pulled her closer. Those black of his were fathomless. She swallowed and stepped back enough so she could breathe. Viktor affected her in a way no other man ever had without even trying.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  Viktor finally released her, and she sent up a prayer of thanks. The heat of his fingers felt like a branding iron.

  “Gabe told me about the shit your ex pulled earlier. He said you’d been out back since your brother-in-law showed up.”

  Ah.

  “I’m fine.”

  “No, Sara, you’re not,” Viktor rebuked. “You’re pale, shaky, and your eyes are bruised and puffy.”

  “I’ll admit seeing his truck shook me a little, and then when I had to tell Benny what was going on, it brought everything back I was trying to forget. It’s been a hard day.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  His heartfelt apology struck a nerve in her. No one had said that to her, not even her parents, and meant it. Deep down, she wondered i
f they blamed her for staying so long. Hell, she blamed herself for Delia getting hurt, so why wouldn’t they?

  Not trusting her voice, she nodded and started to move around him again, but his words stopped her.

  “He won’t get away with pulling that shit again. I’ll make sure of it.”

  She nodded again, and this time when she went to leave, he let her.

  Sara fled to the kitchen where Delia was hanging out with her dad, hiding behind his legs. She still wasn’t comfortable with Gabe. It hurt her heart her baby was so cautious around men, but she hoped that would change as she got older and saw not all men were like her father.

  “Viktor will be along as soon as he gets cleaned up.” She went to the stove and started helping her mother transfer food into serving dishes. They were going to eat in the dining room tonight, as the table was bigger and they’d need more than the four seats the breakfast table held.

  “Viktor’s here?” Delia’s head snaked around her grandfather’s knees.

  “Yup.” Sara suppressed a smile. Viktor was very quickly becoming her daughter’s favorite person. As much as she didn’t want Delia getting attached to him, she couldn’t bring herself to curb the girl’s reaction. Delia needed strong men to show her they weren’t all bastards.

  “Can I go say hi?” She sidled out from behind her grandfather, her face lit up like the sun had finally fought its way out from the storm clouds.

  “Let him get cleaned up, poppet. He’s been driving all day to get here.”

  “You like Viktor?” Sara’s dad asked, surprised. He knew all about Delia’s anxiety, having witnessed it firsthand.

  She nodded vigorously. “He promised to keep Daddy away.”

  No one in the room replied to that. The stricken look on her father’s face said more than enough. It was easy to forget the horror of the damage Roger had done to her and Delia, but to hear the little girl so happy to make sure her father wasn’t able to come home broke all their hearts.