Unbroken (Fighting for Gisele #3) (6 page)

“Excuse me if I question his motives. I sincerely doubt that he just wants to say a proper goodbye.” Micah frowned. “And I couldn’t care less about his feelings.”

“It’s not that.” Gisele sighed. “I’ve made it this far. I just want to get out of there without riling him up. It’s better to keep up the pretense.”

“But you realize your brother or Yuri could figure out what’s going on? You might not have any warning.”

“That’s possible, but if it happens, I’ll think of something.” The cab stopped in front of the complex and Gisele looked over at him. “Let’s just hope that doesn’t happen.” She touched his cheek. “Just one more day…and I’ll be out.”

*****

The next morning after Abby had left to prepare for her matinee performance, Luke knocked on the door and Micah ushered him inside. “Have a good night?”

Luke grinned. “Very.” He stopped in the middle of the room. “Want to go to one of the buffets for brunch? I thought you might be hungry.”

“That’s always a good guess,” Micah said, and grabbed his room key. “And by the way, I’m sure you noticed that Gisele didn’t talk to Abby about her situation.”

“I haven’t said anything either,” Luke said. “You told me not to.”

“Yes, and let’s keep it that way. Gisele doesn’t want to drag her into this mess.”

“Yeah, I like Abby,” Luke said. “I don’t think any of us want her involved in mob drama…it’s
deadly
.”

That was a sobering thought. Gisele was still faking her brother out, but Micah was under no delusion that she could avoid the relationship blowing up. They went to the lobby and walked toward the entrance.

“We can grab some food, then hit the casinos for a few hours,” Luke said. “It’s been too long since you’ve risked your life savings on a game. You must be going through withdrawal.”

Micah’s phone beeped and he pulled it out to look. “Damn, I almost forgot.”

“What?”

“The day after tomorrow is my mother Sophia’s birthday.”

“You still have time,” Luke said.

“That’s why I have this app to remind me of such things,” Micah said. “I’ve screwed up too many times.”

Luke strode through the door to the sidewalk, and Micah followed. “I’ll send her some flowers, then I’ll give her a call when I have a chance,” he said, wondering why his life was in such upheaval most of the time.

Chapter 6

Gisele snuggled deeper under her covers and propped the pillow under her cheek. She liked being able to see out the windows, so left the curtains open at night. Before drifting off to sleep, she admired the city lights sparkling in the frame of the windows. Now the brilliant dawn that shone against the panes was equally stunning.

She liked Las Vegas; it had a unique beauty. Not everyone could tolerate the sheer dazzle of it, but since she’d only lived in big cities, it was a natural environment for her. Gisele stretched and yawned, but didn’t get up.

The theater had been enjoyable, and thinking of Abby on stage made her smile. Her friend had a career she was passionate about, and a life of her choosing. Soon Gisele would have the same. She looked around her comfy bedroom, admitting that she was cozy there.

But some comforts came with a price, and this one certainly did.

While Gisele’s room was her sanctuary, the complex that surrounded her was not. The place was owned by her family, and her life was controlled by them as well. That hadn’t seemed odd when she’d first arrived in Vegas, but now it did.

Knowing that she was no longer safe there gave her an eerie feeling. Gisele wasn’t a prisoner, yet in some ways she felt like one. The complex she’d called home wasn’t the oasis of protection that it had been before.

Gisele thought about having her own place. That would happen soon, and she was glad. Yet she hadn’t lived by herself, and thought it might be lonely. There was no choice, though, so she’d just have to get over it. Once she moved into her new apartment, she could begin her new life.

That would make it all worth it. Gisele could take charge, at last, to live how she chose to. When she thought of a normal life, it excluded involvement in crime or violence, even on the periphery. She would finally be the woman she wanted to, free of her brother’s expectations.

That would be so nice. Gisele was tired of having to follow her brother’s rules, and sick of being watched. The urge to run was strong, but she knew that wouldn’t be smart. There was nowhere to disappear that Yuri wouldn’t find her, and now he had a compelling reason to do so.

Plus, there was Micah to consider. The outcome of her situation involved him now, as much as it affected her. Gisele wouldn’t let him down, especially since he had walked into the dangerous situation to protect her.

The lure of freedom was powerful. Soon Gisele would have control of her future…if she got that far. A tingle of fear went up her spine. Was she truly afraid of her brother? Alek was a tough guy, but he hadn’t physically harmed her. She’d grown up with him, knew more about him than almost anyone.

Gisele pictured him in her mind, with his muscular build, shaggy hair, and piercing blue eyes. Alek’s appearance was menacing, but she knew he wasn’t bad on the inside. Or so she’d thought. The pressure of circumstances could change a person, and bring out the best or worst in them. Still, it was difficult to conceive that her life was at risk from Alek. He was her big brother, who’d watched out for her until now.

Yuri was another matter. When Gisele had moved in with the Danilovs, he’d taken on the role of father. But he was closer to family patriarch than father. Having experienced the kind of relationship she had with her real father, Gisele had been acutely aware of the differences.

The usual things had been seen to. If it had been Gisele’s birthday, she received a nice gift. Or if she needed clothes for school, she got them. Any material need was taken care of, but it was the emotional side that had been lacking.

Yuri wasn’t demonstrative, and Gisele struggled to recall whether he’d hugged her, or told her that he loved her. Maybe when she was very young, he’d picked her up or kissed her cheek. But as she grew up, her Russian father was more distant.

He was all about power and control, so Gisele learned early to obey. Since she was the girl in the family, she was given more leeway. Her brother had received harsher treatment. There was an uncomfortable emptiness when Gisele thought of Yuri.

She wanted to love him, and in a way she did. But Yuri made that difficult, as he had kept her at arm’s length. Now, faced with the fact that he had ulterior motives for accepting her into his family, Gisele was sad.

The Danilovs were the only family she had at present. But it seemed to be a one-sided relationship. It didn’t matter that Gisele cared, and would probably be best if she abandoned any sentimentality. Those that she’d held close had betrayed her.

Yuri was an intimidating man. The only reason Gisele hadn’t been the target of his wrath before was because she had something he wanted. Did she think that Yuri would harm, even kill her to get it? She prayed he wouldn’t go that far, but knew in her heart that he would stop at nothing to get the diamond she possessed.

No longer at peace, Gisele slipped out of bed and put on some tights with a cotton shirt. Then she went to her mat by the windows for some stretching. Pilates was for more than fitness; the moves relaxed her, in body and soul.

After Gisele limbered up, she turned on some music, then showered. Since she didn’t have to work until later, she could dress casually. Breakfast with Alek didn’t require formality. When she stepped into her room-sized closet, she gazed at its contents.

Gisele shook her head. There was no way that all her stuff would fit in the new apartment. She would have one bedroom and a much smaller closet, so she’d have to pare down her wardrobe. But since she was attached to the array of dresses, shoes, and accessories, she had no intention of disposing of them.

Once Gisele was moved in, she could return for more of her clothes. It wasn’t as though Alek was going to rent out her room, or that she wouldn’t see him again. Yet at this point, she couldn’t be sure. A feeling of loss gripped her.

With all that was bound to happen, Gisele hoped she wouldn’t lose the only brother she’d known. She had no other siblings, and she’d shared so much with her brother over the years. It seemed so unfair that she might lose him, but the situation was untenable. There might be no way to avoid it.

Overly emotional, Gisele was tempted to call Micah, but it was early for him to be up. She knew he kept his phone on in case she needed to contact him. But that was for emergencies. She didn’t want to wake him now just to whine about being alone.

If Gisele planned to overcome her challenges, she had to stay strong. Simpering and crying over her fate wouldn’t change it. Only wise strategy and brave actions would see her through the situation.

With new resolve, Gisele went down to meet Alek for breakfast. The complex had several dining rooms, and he’d opted for one of the smaller ones. The room was striking, with natural wood floors, patina walls, and dark wood baseboards.

The section of ceiling above the table was recessed and illuminated with a rose-colored light. A selection of fine art adorned the walls, and the room looked out onto Vegas. When Gisele entered, she walked over to the windows, wishing she was down on the city streets instead of confined above, and about to dine with her brother.

It struck Gisele, and not for the first time, that she was pampered. Yet she hadn’t asked for any of it, and, oddly enough, didn’t need it. The idea of an apartment without opulence, servants, or a nonstop stream of guests was desirable. Instead of feeling deprivation at the prospect of scaling down, she felt only relief.

She’d even have her own kitchen, with the opportunity to cook meals if she chose. It wasn’t that she had any complaint about the food she was served. On the contrary; it was fine cuisine prepared by a competent chef.

Yet a diet of more pedestrian fare sounded pretty good, especially if she had prepared it herself. She could invite Micah over and make dinner for him. That thought warmed her. Then Alek entered the room, interrupting her private musings.

Her brother looked as he often did when no guests dined with them. He wore a white polo shirt, his solid build filling it out. His long, dark hair, still partially wet from his shower, dusted his collar. Since Gisele was the only one in the room, he didn’t bother to smile, an effort he made only for guests.

Even when Alek wasn’t particularly unhappy, he didn’t smile often. Gisele assumed he thought it showed weakness, or that he was imitating Yuri, a man who also rarely smiled. And when he did, it was usually due to another’s misfortune.

“Good morning,” Gisele said, rattled by the look he gave her. Alek’s thick brows and piercing blue eyes weren’t friendly, but hadn’t been before, either. It was something else that she read in his expression that unnerved her.

Alek nodded, then went to the buffet to pour coffee. It was probably best to allow him to have his first cup of the day before striking up a conversation. He could be like a bear awakened from hibernation, and Gisele didn’t want to spend her last day at home fighting with him.

Her brother’s voice was a growl when he spoke, even though it was his stab at sociability. “Want some coffee?”

Gisele shook her head and backed a couple of steps away from Alek. There was something in his demeanor that she didn’t like. It was more than his predictable rudeness. That she was used to, and could deal with.

Momentary panic gripped Gisele, but she brushed it aside. This was only breakfast, a way for Alek to wish her well. But his body language was ominous, and she feared he had more to say to her than goodbye. She sat in a chair, more comfortable with the table between them, and sipped some water.

Jazz played through the sound system, providing low background music. Yet the tranquility of the tune was in contrast with Alek’s blustering. He yanked out a chair opposite Gisele and plopped down.

Feeling defensive, Gisele blurted out, “I found an apartment, and I
am
leaving.”

Alek put down his cup and stared at her. Ignoring her proclamation, her brother said, “Yuri expected more.”

Lifting her chin, Gisele parried the remark. “I don’t know what more he could have expected. I stayed until my birthday, just as I agreed. Although now that I think about it, I don’t know why I was so willing.”

Alek’s eyes darkened. “I’m not referring to how long you stayed here.”

It dawned on Gisele exactly what he was talking about, and a knot formed in her stomach. “You’ll have to be more specific,” she said, in a feeble attempt to put him off.

Her brother didn’t react. He could be very cold when he chose to be, and now was one of those times. While Gisele waited, dreading his response, Alek took the silver dome off his plate and scraped his fork through the scrambled eggs.

Gisele gripped her napkin in her fist, without appetite. She left her plate covered, doubting that she’d eat, not the way things were going. When Alek proceeded to butter his toast, Gisele rose. “I think I will take that coffee, after all.” She needed to move, have something to do, other than sit there and wait for the attack she knew was coming.

At the buffet, Gisele poured coffee and added a liberal amount of cream. Taking her time, she returned to her seat. Two could play this game. If Alek was going to keep her on edge, then there was no reason for her to hurry and cooperate.

After chewing a mouthful of eggs, Alek dabbed at his mouth then leaned back in his chair. His expression was harsh, and Gisele found it more annoying than frightening.

“Spit out what’s on your mind,” Gisele said. “You’re ruining our breakfast together, so just get it over with. Maybe we can be cordial to one another on my last day here.”

Alek smiled, but joy did not show in his eyes. “Yuri raised you, and ensured that you had every comfort.”

Now Gisele was really ticked off. “Well, I didn’t ask for it.” She expelled a breath. “So…what…he wants me to pay him back, compensate him for the expense of taking care of me?”

“That would be ridiculous,” Alek said sharply. “But he is disappointed in Andrew. Your father set up that trust for you so you could do well in life. The paltry amount he left won’t last long.”

“Don’t insult my father,” Gisele said. “He did the best he could for me. Yuri…and you…are arrogant bastards sometimes. You think your wealth makes up for everything.”

Alek studied her. Gisele wondered fleetingly if he thought she’d break down and spill her secrets.

“My father loved me, which is more than I can say for the both of you,” Gisele spat, before considering what she was saying. “He left me
all
he had.”

Alek narrowed his eyes. “You’re sure?” He leaned closer. “You’re positive there isn’t something you failed to disclose?”

Gisele pushed back her chair and stood. “You are
so
frustrating. I have no idea what you’re driving at, but you make me angry.”

Her ire seemed to please Alek, and she realized that he was goading her, in the hope that she would break down.

“First of all,” Gisele said, “if there was anything more, then as my father’s only daughter, I would have inherited it.” She stabbed a finger at him. “And second, the damn letter spelled out what I received from the trust. I don’t know what you’re implying.”

Alek frowned, his bushy brows exaggerating his displeasure.

“If you think my father stashed away some fortune and kept it a secret, then
you
tell
me
about it.” It felt good to call Alek on his game. Challenging him was a way to make him believe that she wasn’t hiding anything.