33. Natalya

Chapter 33

Natalya

L ev parks his BMW outside of a massive block-sized mansion right in the heart of Philadelphia. He kills the engine and I give him a hard look. I tried to talk him out of driving—his wound was only just stitched back together yesterday—but he insists that he’s fine.

“It’s almost not fair,” I muse as we get out and heard toward the house. “I mean, how expensive is this place?”

“Tens of millions,” he says casually. “But that’s how it is these days.”

The Zeitsev mansion is a gorgeous old Victorian-style building. Everything was renovated and updated, and even the gate makes no noise when I push it open.

“I thought there’d be more security,” I comment as we approach the front door.

“Look across the street.”

I glance over my shoulder and nearly stumble over a step. A man’s perched on the roof and he gives me a casual wave. A sniper rifle’s cradled in his arms.

An older woman answers the door. She must be Nikkita, the mansion’s housekeeper. I don’t know much about Valentin and I haven’t been here before, but I’ve heard my father talk endlessly about this place. He hates Nikkita for whatever reason—maybe because she doesn’t bow and scrape at his feet the way he likes.

But I take to her immediately. She’s cold but nurturing in that old Russian lady sort of way. We’re taken to a sitting room off the main entryway. It’s formal and a little stuffy, and I’d bet the furniture alone is worth millions. “He’ll be in shortly,” she says and offers to bring tea.

“If it’s not too much trouble.”

“None at all.” She pats my shoulder and leaves. We sit on the couches and I wonder how much money is right below my butt.

“You’re nervous,” Alex comments.

“I’m not nervous. I’m totally fine.”

“Your leg’s jostling.” He puts a big hand on my thigh. “Go easy.”

I force myself to stop fidgeting. “I’m fine, okay?”

“He’s happily married, you know. I don’t think he holds anything against you.”

I glare at Alex and don’t respond. I’m not worried about that—although the thought did occur to me. I mean, I did run out on Valentin at a very awkward time, which forced him to marry a totally different woman. It probably pissed him off and nearly screwed up his plans, but it worked out in the end.

From what I hear, he’s crazy about his new wife, an Armenian girl named Karine. A paintings of her wearing a long black trench coat hangs above the fireplace, and I have to admit, she’s really gorgeous.

“You’re right. I did him a big fat favor.”

Alex grins at me and pats my leg. “That’s the spirit.

Nikkita returns with tea not long later. As she pours, Valentin appears in the doorway. He’s a big, handsome Russian man, and he greets Alex with respect though not much warmth, then sits down across from us. Nikkita hands him a cup, and he thanks her.

His eyes fall on me and his lips push together. He takes a slow sip before speaking. “Here’s the woman that left me at the altar.”

I nearly sputter my tea and have to take a moment to compose myself. “I ran off long before we got that far.”

He keeps glaring at me for a second longer before his face breaks out in a big grin. “Very good point. How thoughtful of you. Don’t worry, there are absolutely zero hard feelings. Karine would love to be here, but she’s putting the baby down for a nap.”

Alex laughs and pats my knee again, and a little relief washes over me.

“Congratulations on the baby,” I mutter, feeling a little chagrined.

“Thank you, but did you know infants hate sleep? I swear, it’s like she was born to drive my wife and I crazy. Fortunately, she’s cute and I love her. But enough about my family. I understand that we have an offer from the Marinos.” Valentin’s smile fades as he gets down to business. “Since you’re here in person, I suspect I won’t like it.”

“There are complications,” Alex concedes, and tells him the same story he told me the day before. “I need your permission to agree to cutting them into the Canadian business, and ideally you’d bless Lev’s marriage to the Italian girl, whoever she is.”

Valentin sits back and crosses his arms. He seems to consider, and doesn’t look happy about it. I’m not sure what to make of him, and all I can go off are rumors and hearsay.

From what I understand, he’s a fair Pakhan. Hard when he has to be and enjoys cutting off fingers when necessary, but not needlessly cruel and happy to spread the wealth around to those that are loyal to him.

My father respects him immensely. That’s why he wanted to marry deeper into the Zeitsev organization. It didn’t work out the way he planned, but Valentin gave both Stepan and Lev more important roles within his organization instead, effectively bringing them together anyway.

“The Canadian deal was always on the table,” Valentin concedes. “That was part of the original plan.” He gives us both a meaningful look. “A plan which you two screwed up beyond reckoning.”

“That wasn’t our intent,” I say softly and put a hand on my belly. “Things happen.”

He glances down and nods. “Yes, things happen, and now here we are.” He runs a hand through his hand. “I can agree to the original terms we hashed out. Pass that along to Adriano. But as for your brother, I can’t force him to do anything.”

I bristle at that. “Lev can’t be forced, but I can?”

“Obviously not.” Valentin’s eyebrows raise as he looks between us. “From what I can see, you’re very bad at marrying the man you’re supposed to.”

My face flushes. “You know what I mean.”

“I’m not going to force Lev into anything,” Valentin says firmly. “The same way I didn’t force you into marrying me, and the same way I didn’t kill Alex here and force you into marrying Adriano, even though that would’ve been the most expedient solution to my problem.”

“Which is appreciated,” Alex says.

Valentin grunts in reply and pushes himself to his feet. “Convince your brother or find another way.”

“You really won’t order him into it?” I press, feeling a little wave of panic rush over me. Some part of me had hoped Valentin would at least ask Lev to follow this plan, but now I can see it’s going to be completely up to us.

“Would you want me to?” he asks, tilting his head to study me. “After you ran out on two arranged weddings, would you really force your brother into it?”

I look down at my lap as a wave of shame rushes over me. “No, I wouldn’t.”

“Good. Convince him. Give him a choice the way you weren’t given one. If you want to be better, than do better.” Valentin nods once at Alex then leaves the room.

I stare at the floor for a few moments, flushed and embarrassed.

“Are you okay?” Alex asks softly. He leans in close and kisses my cheek.

I’m surprised by the affection. “I don’t know why I wanted him to do that. Valentin’s right, I’d hate myself if I somehow forced Lev to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”

“It’s okay. That’s not what happened.”

“I know, I just?—“

“We’re going to be okay.” He says it firmly, and I’m surprised by the fire in his voice. “No matter what, you and me and our baby, we’re going to be okay.”

I look at him. Alex’s eyes are filled with a devotion I’ve never seen in another person’s face before. He’s looking at me like I’m a treasure, like he’d do anything to keep me safe. I lean into him and gather myself. The hole in my chest feels like it’s full for the first time in a very long time.

“Let’s get out of here before Valentin changes his mind and decides to kill you after all,” I say and Alex only laughs at that.