"Boris!" Laney yelled, jumping to her feet.

As Boris began to recover himself, Dimitri gripped Laney's other shoulder and shoved her unceremoniously back into her chair. Her butt hit the padded seat hard and her elbow knocked against the table. He held her tightly and watched his brother dispassionately while Boris shook the fog from his bearded head and planted his fists on the dining room floor in an attempt to rise. He brought one foot up and leaned his arm across his knee ...