AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Andrei steps outside onto the terrace before I can enter the house. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I used to look at him like a puppy desperate for affection. Now, he gazes at me as if he can’t beat someone up fast enough to please me. I slip the phone into my jeans pocket.
“I’m fine, Andrei,” I lie. “It’s just a little odd remembering that Dad is gone.”
He places his arm around my shoulder. “I know it’s hard, but I will make it better. Please just hang in there a little longer, Paige. I’ll make it worth everything you’ve given up.”
I want to pull away, but I don’t resist. I’ve lost so much, and stupidly, I don’t want to lose anymore. Andrei holds my chin and tips it back before kissing my lips. First gently, then harder, until my mouth opens against his. I don’t think we’ve kissed since that horrible day, and I realize how much I miss him. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and pull myself closer as if I can become a part of him.
Sighing, I run my hands through his hair and the passion reunites us into what we were before. I don’t know what it is; maybe it’s the way he looks at me and touches me. Andrei has suffered great losses, but I feel secure in knowing one thing.
He will never tolerate losing me.
He will never let go of me.
Chapter 11
Andrei
Late September
I often find myself standing at the office window. Looking out onto the terrace with my hands clasped behind my back, just waiting for a perfectly aimed bullet to shatter the glass and take me out.
I had imagined an early and violent death for myself. A blaze of glory in a hail of bullets. But as time passes, I start to feel that it may never happen. I’ve won battles, but winning the war is entirely different. And that’s what scares me the most: the future ahead of us after this is over.
Not for myself, but for Paige and my child.
I watch Paige in the backyard, and she smiles at a perfect blue sky while the wind plays with her pale brown hair. She tenderly runs her hands over her growing belly and smooths down the wrinkles on her pale denim dress. Emma walks alongside her, dressed in her school uniform—an emerald blazer, navy pleated skirt, and purple socks.
The two have grown close again since Gerald’s death. Finally, the waiting has ended for them. And I wonder if they’ll finally be content with the home I have to offer.
Natasha enters the office. Her promotion suits her. She looks fearsome in her sleek black suit and wearing Chanel No. 5.
She looks past my shoulder and speaks. “They say Emma is fitting in and making friends. That might be a good thing for you, Andrei Vasilyevich.”
“Emma is off limits.” My answer is tense. “It’s the first time I’ve seen her smile in weeks.”
Natasha shakes her head. “That’s not our decision anymore,” she says carefully. “She is your sister-in-law, and people have certain expectations of a Barinov.”
My voice produces an edge. “I don’t want her involved.”
Natasha’s red lips turn down. “Like Sonya? It will happen eventually, and it would be better if she was prepared.”
“Natasha!” My tone cautions her.
She backs away from the window. “I beg your pardon, Andrei Vasilyevich.”
Natasha has always had a deep affection for Emma from the start. And I understand she isn’t suggesting I take advantage of the girl. Natasha only wants to empower Emma and ensure that she’s capable of handling any situation with confidence and a firearm.
Dmitri walks into the room slowly while taking off his tie and loosening his collar. He studies us curiously. “Is this a bad time to talk business?”
My life is the business, I think bitterly. I walk over to my desk and take a seat. “No, go ahead.”
“It’s been confirmed.” He stands in front of my desk. “Talia is running the Nikitin Bratva instead of her father. Afanasy still remains the figurehead—a puppet whose strings are kept on a short leash. He doesn’t dare challenge her.”
“And why not?” I ask. I won’t make costly assumptions.
“Believe it or not …” Dmitri sits down on the couch, sighing. “The menpreferher to him. Talia is willing to make cutthroat decisions.Literally. They respect her for that.”
