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“Deja vu?” Paige asks as the Twin Mills Inn restaurant comes into view. The rustic mill always looks the same beside the picturesque river. The walls are made of weathered wood, with a slate roof and an enormous waterwheel that splashes water. The river winds like a serpent around the stone foundation, sparkling in the sunlight. I brought Paige here on the day of her baby shower, one of the happier days of our life together.
The birdsong echoes in the trees, and occasionally, one can hear the creaking of old wood from the mill in the wind. A quiet place where we can be alone despite the two Rovers following us.
The war between the Bratvas continues as each side gains support and counts losses. But tonight, I’m pleased that the fallout from Sonya’s pushback hasn’t been too severe, not since I sent Gleb Novikov into hiding. He’s not boldly traveling into Manhattan on the weekends since two of his custom SUVs blew up in front of a popular night spot. I have made it known that once he’s dead, I will deal with my sister.
I hope it will give Sonya time to reconsider.
To come back to the negotiating table.
But tonight, I won’t discuss business. Paige smiles as she’s bombarded with the never-ending perks of being a Bratva wife. Zhanna probably made a list of things to ask for. I smile sadly, thinking how happy Paige and Sonya would’ve been side by side, shopping, giggling, and gossiping. But the truth is that wives are not on a perpetual holiday. The women often get their hands dirtier than the men.
“Andrei?” Paige smiles. “Where are you?” She laughs and leans in to kiss me. “I can see your head turning with thoughts.”
I take her hand and help her out of the car. “I’m only thinking of you and how beautiful you look.”
Paige scoffs. “Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t we, Andrei?”
I pin her against the car, and my body presses into hers as my hand caresses her belly. “Maybe I’m just really excited about dessert.”
Paige blushes and then laughs as she pulls my other hand off her breast. “Let’s go in. I’ll need a big meal to have enough energy to keep up with you tonight.”
I offer her my arm, and Paige holds it with both hands, gazing sweetly at me. Again, I see the innocent woman I literally swept off her feet. The hostess escorts us to the same private nook overlooking the water. And I help Paige with her chair while ordering sparkling water for us both.
Paige looks at me expectantly, and I smile.
“Do you think you’re getting a present?” I ask.
“I’m going to close my eyes and wish for something to appear.” She does so, and I slip my hand into my jacket pocket, placing a plain brown box tied with blue string on the table. Paige opens her eyes and looks at it curiously.
“Open it,” I tell her.
Paige pulls the string off the box and opens it. Her surprised expression is hard to interpret as she takes the key out of the box and holds it in her hand.
“I bought the inn,” I explain. “It’s for you. A place to get away.” Her look of confusion puts me on alert. It’s not the happiness I was expecting. “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending time looking at real estate.”
“Emma wants to go to college first,” she explains. “And I hoped she might consider a college in one of the five boroughs. You know, NYU, SUNY, Columbia.” Paige brings the sparkling water to her lips. “But I don’t know about that anymore.”
I place my glass of water down on the table, wave the waiter over, and order a double scotch. “I’m sure she’ll manage.”
“Andrei, I know you want her to marry,” says Paige. “And maybe she might, but it must be entirely her decision. Emma didn’t ask for any of this.”
I nod, refusing to acknowledge that Paige had no choice either. “We can wait. The party impressed several families. Excellent food, a show of wealth, and above all else, a pakhan’s wife who kept everything under control.”
“Have things calmed down?” Paige asks, changing the topic. “With the business.”
I smile, attempting to lighten the mood. “Sonya is learning the hard way what being a pakhan entails. She was never taught the dirty details of leading, and Gleb didn’t give himself enough time to learn. They’re both at a disadvantage.”
Paige swallows hard. “Talia must know.”
The waiter places the scotch down on the table. I take a long sip. “Talia made a serious miscalculation.”
“By killing Kenney?” whispers Paige.
I nod but don’t elaborate. I reach across the table and take Paige’s hand. It’s cold to the touch, and I rub it in both hands to warm it up. “We are winning, Paige.”
She places the menu down and looks around for the waiter. “Youare winning.”
“You are my wife, and we share our success.”
