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“I have been even luckier to discover that I’m going to be a father and now, you have trusted me enough to elect me as leader of this clan. I promise each and every one of you that I will give it the same level of dedication and consideration as my forefathers. My door is open to anyone who has something they need to discuss and it always will be. For those of you who do not know, I have already begun on quite a few projects that will take our company to the next level and position us as a powerhouse of the future, creating jobs and prosperity unrivaled by any other clan in this country!”
The crowd roared with applause and cheers. They all seemed elated for him and Aileen wondered what they would think if they knew he had tricked his way into becoming their leader. Perhaps he justified it because his family belonged in this position, because his own father had stripped him of his rightful place. She couldn’t really say if he was wrong for what he was doing or not.
Looking out over the crowd at the smiling faces and cheering people, she was sure of one thing. They were happy to see him become their new leader. Their reactions were genuine, including those of his parents, who stood near the front. There were only two people in the crowd that didn’t appear happy with the announcement. The disdain of Kevin and his Silicone Selina were apparent from the huge scowls on their faces.CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO“We did it!” Yakov roared as they made their way back into his house, picking her up and whirling her around happily before quickly sitting her back down and apologizing. “I’m sorry. I was just overcome with excitement. I shouldn’t do that in your condition.”
“I think I’ll be just fine,” she laughed.
“I would suggest a drink to celebrate, but that’s not an option for you. How about a milkshake?”
“Are you having one too?” she asked.
“Yes, but I’ll probably slip some rum into mine.”
“Milkshakes it is then. One virgin, one loaded.”
Yakov walked to the kitchen with her following closely behind. They picked out the flavors they wanted and gave them to Ruby.
“Two milkshakes, Ruby. Make hers strawberry cheesecake and mine vanilla bean with a healthy dose of rum. Make yourself one too, if you like. Rum is optional. We’ve had a good night.”
“What’s the occasion?” she asked, already setting out three glasses and fetching the blender.
“I’m the new leader of the clan and Aileen is pregnant.”
“Oh, wow. That explains the ice cream cravings,” Ruby laughed, then looked horrified.
“It’s okay, Ruby. He knows I’ve been a little ice cream monster lately.”
“Are you mad?” she asked, him, looking worried still.
“Mad? About what? That you have been giving my pregnant wife ice cream when she craved it? Don’t be silly, Ruby. You’re a peach.”
Ruby looked relieved as she went about making their milkshakes, not sparing the rum in either Yakov’s or her own. When she was done, the three of them sat down and enjoyed their milkshakes together before Yakov excused himself to take care of some things in his office. Ruby smiled broadly at Aileen after he left.
“I might have another, but without the milkshake,” Ruby said, pouring just rum into the bottom of her glass. “I thought I was going to shit myself when he mentioned the ice cream.”
Aileen laughed and finished her own shake before telling Ruby goodnight and going up to her room. She wanted to feel happy, but she didn’t. On the surface this was all thrilling, but parts of it weren’t real and the truth was that she was scared. She stood looking out the window, losing track of time, until a knock on her door jarred her from her thoughts.
“Come in,” she said, thinking it was probably Ruby again.
Instead, she was surprised to find Yakov standing there looking at her with a smile.
“We did it! That was exciting wasn’t it?” he said, positively beaming with enthusiasm.
“It was. I guess I haven’t properly congratulated you. I’m glad it has all worked out.”
“Me too. I don’t know what I would have done if it had gone differently.”
Aileen smiled at him, not sure what to say past that. She was still feeling a bit out of sorts and him being here was just making her feel more awkward, for some reason she couldn’t quite put her finger on. He looked back toward the door as if to leave, patting it with his hand as if to prompt himself to say goodbye. She was more than a bit shocked when he instead blurted out his reason for coming to her room.
“I don’t want to be alone. Do you think it would be okay if I stayed in here with you tonight?”
Aileen looked at him, puzzled. It seemed odd to her, but she couldn’t deny that the company would be good, even if it was just to curl up and sleep with someone by her side.
