AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Now I want them all gone.
I flicked my wrist, checked the time, and Ilias caught my polite way to say, “Get out”.
“I can’t eat anymore,” he began. “Please tell your staff everything was perfect as always.”
“Will do.” I nodded.
Arlo laughed. “If only you knew what it cost some of the sta—”
“Arlo.”
My tone stopped him, and he popped his spoon into his mouth with a dark smirk. He pulled it out with eyes that expressed his excitement and happiness to have his hands in an order he would enjoy, Diego.
Katia didn’t say anything. Instead, she stared at Arlo with disgust smeared on her lips.
“I need a word with you before I leave.” Viktor broke the tension.
“That’s our time to head home.” Ilias looked down at Davina and stood to help her out of her chair.
We all rose. Viktor, Ilias, and Arlo shook hands and patted one another while they gave Davina a hard time. Katia stayed by my side as I watched them say their goodbyes.
Ilias and Davina made their way to us, and Katia’s hand slipped behind me and held onto the corner of my shirt, tugging it slightly.
I had learned Katia wasn’t keen on farewells. Uncomfortable receiving hugs, affection, or even kindness. A feeling I too shared, as someone’s touch aside from a handshake felt too personal and unwelcome, which was why my posture remained closed and cold to approach.
But she was a woman, expected to receive and give such warmth.
I crossed my arm behind her, hiding her tugging grip and keeping her body near.
“We should have a doggy date sometime. Boris loves Wex and Vino, and we can maybe have a glass of red while they play in the yard,” Davina said, eager for female companionship.
She was lonely, it was clear. I had been keeping Ilias away for long hours, and he didn’t want to risk her wandering outside with a full war on our streets. It was too risky.
Katia’s hand stiffened, but she smiled back.
“I’m sure the boys will love that.”
The boys.I smiled.
“Brat,”Brother,Ilias said in Russian with a smile.
My smile fell, and I shook his hand. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
Ilias laughed, Davina shook her head at him, and he said, “What’s the fun in that?”
“Davina.”
“Lucca.” She smiled with a nod and leaned closer to my brother before they began walking away. Viktor followed them, and Arlo trailed behind as we all made our way to the front door.
Once Ilias and Davina got into their car and drove away, Viktor turned my way.
We were standing by the stone entry, sheltered from the sun’s rays by the roof’s large overhang, when he said,“You still have a minute?”
I glanced down at Katia and stepped away from her. Her hand fell, and her eyes turned impatient. Ready for the pleasantries to be over and relieved she could walk away.
“I’ll let you men be.” She smiled with a bright mask, but it turned sincere when she looked over at Viktor. “It was nice seeing you.”
“Likewise.” His head dipped as he smiled.
