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CHAPTER 16
Andrei
Lottie did her best to soothe me with her comforting touch after I stiffened up at Sergei's statement. It was the first time I truly regretted the way I severed ties with my old life. Sergei only hadBabushkawith him as he had to care for Sofia while still raising Maxim as best as he could. The pain could have hardened my cousin even more, but instead, I recognized the love he embraced.
"For that, I am truly sorry, Andrei." The Sergei I knew from two decades earlier would have never apologized for something like this.
The new Sergei was definitely growing on me.
"There is no apology necessary, cousin." I cleared my throat, trying to hold back the emotions that were threatening to choke me. "We've both done and said things that we regret. I, for one, think this should be a new beginning for us, regardless of what happens with our grandfather." I leaned over the coffee table separating us and extended my hand for him to shake.
"Agreed." He grasped my hand and shook it firmly before dropping it. "That takes us nicely into what we really need to discuss."
"What did Viktor need to speak to Andrei about so desperately he kidnapped Lottie to get his attention?" It was rare for Colby to use such a stern tone. We'd all lost a few years of our lives after she'd been taken. Colby wouldn't have any love for Viktor anytime soon. Not that I did either, but I had blood tying us together.
"Viktor is sick. Has been for about a year now. Lung cancer. He's in the area for advanced treatment, but our grandfather is a realist and wants to get his affairs in order." Sergei sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "With the treatment, he has about a fifty-fifty shot. It can hopefully slow the growth and keep it from spreading while they work on shrinking the tumor."
"Oh no," Lottie gasped and glanced up at me. Tears were already lingering in her stormy blue eyes. This woman had such compassion, even for those who have wronged her.
"Shit." Colby cursed and regarded me. "I know that's not an excuse for his methods. He could have called or dropped by the office. Cornered him in the parking garage. He didn't need to take our woman."
Damn right, he didn't need to.
"No, he didn't," Sergei replied. "And if it makes you feel any better,Babushkawalloped him good for it. I think he really regrets it, if for no other reason than that. Although, I do know that he took a shine to your woman. Thinks she's perfect for you."
"Damn right, I am," Lottie blurted out, then slapped a palm over her mouth. "Darn it."
Sergei burst into laughter, the sound deep and rough. It felt good to hear him laugh.
Our Little with the mouth control problem was perfect for me. For us. I was a lucky son of a bitch and I knew it.
I bent and brushed my lips over her ear. "You are perfect for me, little girl. Seeing your body last night made that even more true."
"So, he wants to make amends with Andrei or something?" Lottie asked, quickly moving on before I could say more to make her blush.
"Yes, that's what I've gathered." Sergei nodded before he let out a heavy sigh. "I can't tell you what to do, Drei, but I know for myself, I'm doing this forBabushka. She's been there for us, sacrificed for us. Raised me after my parents were killed, then raised you after the same. Volkovs stick together. We're family now and forever. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
"Now that I have you back Sergei, you aren't getting away." I grinned through the pain of my past. "I want to be part of Sofia and Maxim's lives as well. I think they could use Uncle Andrei to spoil them."
Sergei inclined his head and returned my smile as he rose to his feet. "Come over this weekend. It's Maxim's birthday, and we’re having a big family dinner.”
I squeezed Lottie's hand and then joined him in standing.
There was an implication in his gaze and his words.
Viktor would be there.
I let out a deep exhale and looked back at Lottie. She gave me a reassuring smile and nod.
Once again, I found myself in awe of this woman. Her strength and support. It was hard to believe we'd only known each other for a few short weeks.
"We'll be there." I pulled Sergei in for a hug, and we thumped each other's backs. "Thank you, cousin."
"Volkovs stick together."
Lottie snuggled up on my chest, her head resting just over my heart. One hand splayed out over my ribs as her soft breath tickled my skin with every exhale. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked for what had to be the hundredth time.
I chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Yes, I'm sure." I let out a soothing exhale. "You give me the strength to do things I never thought I'd be able to do."
