I hear my father’s voice in my head, giving life to all of the doubts I’ve ever had about my role as leader of the Bratva. I spy a half-full bottle of whiskey in the console. I brought it to share a drink with Nico, as was our tradition. Now, I decide to have some without him.
With no one to share with, I put the bottle to my lips and tip it back, taking a big swig. Then, I immediately take another.
The alcohol burns going down and then warms my chest and my stomach. I like the burn. I need it, so that this all doesn’t feel like some f****d-up nightmare. I take another drink.
By the time I open the gate at the end of my drive and then pull up in front of the house, my head feels hazy. Usually, it takes more than a few shots to tilt me off my axis, but I haven’t eaten anything most of th
