* * *
As the doors closed behind them, there was a collective sigh among the men. Dmitry turned with a clever smile and went to the bar, where Anatoly and Davyd sat, to pour himself a drink.
"That didn't go so badly," he said, raising his glass at the men.
"It went worse," Anatoly answered. "You've just started World War three under your own roof and with no exit strategy."
"How? By providing more structure for Anya? Please," Dmitry scoffed.
"Did you have to pick a black woman?" Anatoly asked. He shook his head. "Royal is going to kill you both."
"I don't want anything to do with Ms. Jackson. She's here for Anya." He sipped his drink and looked over at Davyd. "Well, weigh in. I know you want to."
"It's not my place," Davyd said quickly.
"Then make it your place," Dmitry urged. "She's too… beautiful, Dmitry," Davyd explained. "Royal will feel she's in competition. And you don't want that woman any more combative. She's already handful." Davyd would not betray Royal's trust and tell Dmitry that his wife's self-esteem could not take such a hard blow.
"I'm not stupid. I know Victoria is beautiful, but she's also most qualified. Plus, I know her family. Her father owes me big favors, and he's still on my payroll."
"I give it one month," Anatoly smirked.
"I give it one week," Davyd bet against him.
"She's been commissioned for one year, until Anya starts pre-school at the academy. This will help her have the edge she needs for school. Plus, Victoria went to Brown. She's a world traveler, and she plans to work for a reputable school for girls abroad soon. Learning how to understand families from inside helps her develop skills."
"You don't have to sell us, papa," Anatoly grabbed the bottle of vodka. "I will be on plane out of here soon. You, on the other hand, will still be here with the two of them."
Davyd chuckled.
"Maybe this will help Royal," Dmitry said seriously. "She needs something to focus on. Having Victoria here might give her a chance to find out what that is."
"As your wife puts it often, we’ll see," Davyd said, getting up. "I better go and get car ready to take Royal to her shop."
"She's going to work today?" Dmitry was shocked.
"Da, Da. She told me yesterday that she wanted to go and check on everything today."
"See," Dmitry smiled. "Progress already."
* * *
The Medlov chateau was far too luxurious for words. Victoria walked quietly behind Mrs. Medlov and her curious daughter, who eyed her the entire time as she gawked at the endless limestone staircases, the marble posts, the incredible lighting, the extravagant tapestry, the endless hallways, the statues, the priceless rugs, the one-of-a-kind art, artifacts, the vases, the lighting… it was all too much.
"Mommy said marvel not," Anya said, finally as she ran her hand down Royal's shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Victoria asked quietly.
"You aren't supposed to marvel at things," Anya said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Now, now," Royal admonished. "She's not a child like you. She doesn't need your help or my preaching."
"No, ma'am. That's not what I meant," Victoria was amazed. "It's the fact that she not only knew what I was doing but that she could articulate such a thing."
"Yes, well, Anya's special," Royal said stopping at a large door. Taking a key out of her pocket, she unlocked the door and led Victoria inside.
"Dmitry made sure that you had a nice room," Royal said absently. Seeing Victoria's face light up brought back old memories of when Dmitry had first given her an apartment. She looked away as she tried to hide her jealousy.
"Mrs. Medlov, this is absolutely… ."
"I know," Royal interrupted. "Lets go through the rules this one time."
Victoria stopped marveling as Anya had put it and focused. "Alright."
"All of the staff lives here on the third floor. No one outside of Stepan and Davyd are allowed on the second floor. That's where the family lives. You can bypass the second floor by going back down the same flight of stairs that I just brought you up. I'll make sure Anya is downstairs every morning by eight. She can start classes at nine, after breakfast."
"Yes, Mistress."
"I'll handle your pay. I'll handle any problems that you have. And I'll handle Anya. I don't want you to make yourself available to anyone in the house. No relationships with the other staff. No interaction with my step son. Absolutely, no interaction with my husband. Are we clear?" Her voice hardened.
"Yes, Mistress. We are clear."
"Good, these instructions are for your own good. I can't be responsible for what might happen if you don't listen." Royal couldn't come right out and tell the woman that they were a mafia family, but she could at least warn her, even if she didn’t like her. It was the most that she could do, but if the woman was obedient, it would be enough.
"Yes, Mistress."
"Now, I'll have Stepan go out and get whatever you need to make this room more comfortable for you. You have your own phone, computer and laptop in your study, which is the next room over. You also have an entertainment center with a large television, DVD player and movies. It gets… lonely out here. So you'll need this. Trust me."
"Thank you."
Royal took Anya's hand and started to walk out of the door. She stopped suddenly and turned around. "Oh, and more thing, Victoria. Dinner is optional after tonight. You don't have to feel obligated to dine with us. We have a great cook on staff, who stays two doors down from you. All you have to do is call down to the kitchen, and hell bring
