Page 100 of Daddy Brigadier

“And you’re not doing too shabbily yourself,” she replies, and knowing I have a billion dollars, she’s got a point.

But still, I refuse to pay. “Isn’t it a rule that big sisters always pay the bill?”

She chuckles and gives me a light smack on the ass. “Go on, now.”

As I walk to the exit, I glance back to see Elise and Ivy still at the table, their smiles lighting up the room. I didn’t fully understand how much I needed them until now.

As I walk toward the vehicle, I’m struck by the sun breaking through after days of dreary rain. I remove my sunglasses, gazing up at the sky, feeling the warmth embrace me like a promise of new beginnings.

My gaze falls on Lev standing next to the open door. He’s watching me carefully, his expression unreadable, his body as still as stone.

My smile starts to wane, and I hold my breath, bracing myself for what lies ahead. An undeniable feeling grips me. Something significant is on the horizon, something that will change everything.

I jump into the vehicle, and suddenly, the world erupts in a whirlwind of emotion and turmoil. But as I lock eyes with the man beside me, everything around us falls away, and time seems to freeze. “Hello, Krasotka.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

VALENTIN

Retirement has turned out to be one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. There’s a sense of peace in looking out at the beach from my cabana. Here, hidden away from New York on my private island, the air feels lighter and the sun more striking.

There’s no more deceit. No more hidden dangers waiting for me. For too long, I was taught to live in the shadows, but now, for the first time, I’m getting to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Weeks went by as I struggled to recover from my gunshot wounds. I almost didn’t make it here.That fucker almost killed me!

But Elise, true to form, had a plan.

My supposed death would secure a clean escape from the brutal world of the Bratva. The only ones who know I’m still alive are the Savins, my family, and Lexi.

It broke my heart to see her in tears at my funeral.

She collapsed to her knees, gripping my letter as if it were her lifeline. I knew she loved me, but in that moment, I understood the extreme depth of that love.

Elise’s original plan was for me to stay away from Lexi. That was the agreement. My retirement for Lexi’s future. I took that deal for her own good. She was young with a promising lifeahead, and I believed she needed to move on and find someone new.

The Savins were supposed to look after her, provide her with a job, and be her family so she could forget about me. However, when Andrei reached out to tell me that she wanted to embrace my legacy, everything changed. I realized then how much I needed to be with her, and no ocean could ever keep us apart.

I kept sneaking back to the city, yearning to see her and feel her presence. Without her, I felt lost, better off not existing at all. So, I decided to take a chance. She once told me she would join me, and I held onto the hope that she still meant it.

“Sir, I’ve been instructed to let you know that the plane has arrived.”

I savor the last sip of Scotch in my glass, letting its rich flavor linger on my palate. “Thank you.”

“Would you like another drink?” she asks, lifting my empty Scotch glass.

“Yes! And can I also get two Mai Tais?” I say, folding the newspaper and setting it down on the table.

“Yes, sir,” the housekeeper hums before quietly disappearing, leaving me surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Sir.It’s a shift I’m still adjusting to after being called Brigadier for over thirty years.

As the sun sets, its vibrant orange rays dance upon the waves.

“Daddy.”

I turn, my heart racing as Lexi joins me on the beach.

“Krasotka.”