AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I open my mouth but close it quickly, knowing better than to interrupt him.
“You have been extremely vocal on the subject, insisting you are more than capable of the job, whatever it involves.”
“So, this was a test of that?” I can’t help blurting out and he smiles softly, “If you like. You see, I can deny you nothing at all. You already know that but taking another person’s life is something you never get used to. You acted in self defense, and you had no choice, or so you thought. So, in answer to your question, yes, it was a test and now I have my answer.”
He smiles with approval. “You are worthy to take your place in the family business, if that is the path you wish to travel.”
I can’t believe it. The bastard actually set me up to murder my aunt. Who the fuck does that?
I lean back in my seat and stare at him in horror, realizing that to work in the family business, you must leave your humanity at the door. I already know my brothers think nothing of taking a life. I truly believe Shade enjoys it. But me. Am I really cut out for this shit just to prove I’m their equal? I’m not so sure anymore.
My grandfather turns to Alexei and considers him carefully. Then he says respectfully, “My condolences on the death of your father. I knew him well, and he was a good man and a valuable business associate.”
Alexei replies, “Thank you. He always spoke highly of you too, sir.”
I watch his eyes narrow and the chill in the air increases as he says slowly, “But there is the matter of my granddaughter to address. I believe you offered her a ride to Australia. What was your intention?”
I am cringing with mortification and open my mouth to defend him, but Alexei silences me by saying quickly. “I was intrigued by Serena from the moment I first set eyes on her. I realized her guard was inadequate, which irritated me.”
“Inadequate?” My grandfather raises his eyes and Alexei nods.
“It was easy to detain him and move in and steal her from him. That would never happen in my organization, Don Vieri. I can assure you of that.”
“I see.” He scrawls something on his notepad and says gruffly, “Continue.”
Alexei’s voice doesn’t falter as he says firmly, “Serena intrigued me and when I discovered who she really was, I arranged the call between you. At no time was she in danger and I only had her best interests at heart.”
“Is that so?” My grandfather actually laughs out loud.
“Mr. Romanov. I have not always been an old man. I understand how these things work, and I’m aware of the interest you had in my granddaughter. If she wasn’t so enamored of you, I would be conducting this meeting in a different place entirely.”
“Stop!” I shake my head in horror. “Please, nonno. Alexei never knew who I was and when he discovered it, he did everything possible to keep me safe, unlike my own family, I might add, which leads me to tell you the reason I brought him here.”
“Go on.” He leans back in his chair and appears almost amused as I say bravely, “Alexei has asked me to travel with him indefinitely and I’ve said yes.”
“I see.” My grandfather looks between the two of us and then sighs heavily.
“Under what terms, Mr. Romanov?”
“As my equal, Don Vieri. As my companion and well, the woman I want to get to know on a deeper level.”
“So, not marriage then.”
I blush furiously as my grandfather sighs. “It is something I don’t understand, but I accept the world is changing.”
He transfers his attention to me and smiles. “Serena. You are a modern woman, and the old ways no longer interest you. I understand your need to travel and see the world, enjoying a freedom of sorts. I am not unaware of such things, and I envy you the freedom of choice you have. I give you my blessing on the condition that you return home to visit once every eight weeks. At the end of the year, I expect to see some form of commitment between you.”
He turns to Alexei and says roughly, “My granddaughter deserves your respect. Alexei and I expect you to treat her with honor and care. She is not someone to fool around with and then discard in favor of another. She is your equal and you will not forget that.”
Alexei turns to me and reaches for my hand.
“I know the power of your granddaughter, sir, and if anyone should be worried, it’s me.”
His reply makes my grandfather laugh out loud, and he sets his cigar down and nods toward the door.
“Then our business is concluded. Your request is approved, Serena, and should you decide to return home and take up a position in the family business, the door is always open.”
“Thank you.” Tears almost blind me as I head to my grandfather’s side and hug him tightly, burying my face in his neck and whispering, “I love you so much. Thank you.”
