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“I don’t know, but we better get him under control.Now,” he insinuates. He pulls the paper back, placing it on top of the other stack that needs to be filed. “I’d rather kill him,” he mutters, his eyes rolling.
“Finn,” I warn, sending a glare in reprimand.
“I know, you’re saving that for Nat,” he contests quickly in surrender, almost mockingly so.
Getting up, I walk back to the door and shut it quietly before returning to my seat. “There’s some shit you really need to know,” I tell him.
“This does not sound good.” He leans back in the chair, hands resting on the arms as if bracing for impact.
Keeping my voice quiet, I go over all the details of the last eight months. Where I’ve been disappearing to, who I’ve been seeing, and finally about the plan to take care of my father for good. His face lights with amusement, surprise, and anger. Finn can keep a poker face when he wants, but this is something that requires a bit more than just micro expression skills
“Tag me in coach,” he beams excitedly as I finish. Shaking my head, I immediately shut him down.
“Absolutely not,” I admonish, spreading my legs and leaning back.
“What? Why not?” He frowns, pouting like a child who was toldnoin the candy store.
“Because you have a wife and kid to think about,” I state plainly, describing the thing he was bitching about earlier.
He grumbles, crossing his arms. “Skylar knows what to expect out of this life, Declan. She would be pissed if I didn’t help.”
“Not up for negotiation. You say that, but then you are bitching that your girl is angry at you. Sorry man, you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” I state firmly, indicating the discussion is over.
“I never get to have any fun,” he whines, grumbling childish words and other not-so appropriate words under his breath. I just roll my eyes.
So dramatic.
Chapter nineteen
Natalia
IhesitateoutsideDmitri’sdoor a few moments before I gather the courage to raise my hand and knock. The door opens a few seconds later, to a relieved and hesitant looking Dmitri. His face holds multiple expressions in a matter of milliseconds, but the one that remains is one that I’ve only dreamed about. Love from my brother.
“I’m glad you came back.” He steps to the side, motioning for me to walk inside.
“Yeah, I’m sorry I left so abruptly. I just… it’s a lot.” I reply, slipping by him and heading for the couch. Glancing around, it looks exactly the same as before, but now I feel more like a stranger than I did previously. This is my brother, except I feel like this isn’t at the same time.
He follows suit, sitting in the chair across from me. He spreads his legs, getting into a more comfortable position with his arms crossed over his chest. His body language is closed off, but his face is open. He’s hesitant with me, not that I blame him. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid. Please, ask them.”
With a slow nod, I place my hands in my lap. I lace them together tightly, doing my best to not show just how nervous I am. “What happened?” I whisper, clearing my throat to get more volume. “What happened, Dmitri? I know you said you were in a coma, but like, I need to know everything.” My voice comes out stronger than earlier, no longer showing the heavy emotion my heart still holds.
“The last thing I remember is you finding me,” he begins, swallowing audibly. “Imagine my surprise when I woke up a week later, and they’re telling me that I can’t be seen in public because no one can know I’m alive… especially you,” he chokes, clearing his throat harshly.
The frown grows on my face, and I glance down while fidgeting with the ring on my left hand.
“So, once I was strong enough to travel, they shipped me to a small town in Arkansas. That is where I met Ansleigh, my wife.” He pulls his phone out and shows me a picture of a stunning blonde with the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. Aside from Declan’s, that is. Her long hair cascades down her shoulders, the sun hitting her body like an angelic glow. She seems to be the person my brother always wished for. My heart hurts just thinking about the past five years, him moving on with his life while I was stuck behind, kept in the dark for so long.
Realizing that I zoned out, I focus back on Ansleigh, the beauty who tamed a son of the devil.
“Wow, she is beautiful.” I look back up at him. The sad expression that crosses his face sends another pain through my heart. I know he must miss her more than anything, given that they’re been practically inseparable the last five years. “How long have you been here?” I ask, yanking harder on my knuckles with anxiety. Dmitri glances down at my hands before looking back up at me. I let my grip relax, but I keep them laced together.
“Well, I came back eight months ago. We decided not to spring it on you and to wait until you were ready. Although that plan kind of went out the window,” he chuckles, causing me to look up at him from the view of my reddening hands. “I’ve been coming here frequently, but this is the longest that I’ve stayed in a few months,” he notes, keeping his gaze locked on my eyes.
“I’m sorry I’m keeping you from your family,” I mumble sadly, looking down at my hands once more. I play with my ring like it’s one of those fidget toys, spinning it around until I feel my skin begin to heat.
“Ansleigh understands, don’t worry too much. She wants to meet you once all of this is said and done, she’s actually pretty excited. I think you two would really get along. You know, strong independent woman and all that.” We both laugh, knowing that I love nothing more than my freedom.
“I’d love that.” A smile slowly spreads across my face. “What about your girls?” I ask, and his smile brightens even more.
