Chapter 35

Dalia

Subject: Checking In

Dal,

Hope this email finds you well. Just wanted to see how you're doing. Let me know when you have time.

Dad

W e're gliding through the skies on a private plane headed for LA, and here I am, laptop open, staring at an email that’s enough to give me whiplash.

Known for being more of a man of action than words, Dad’s emails usually are as brief as they come.

"It's just a check in, asking how I am," I explain to Lev, who's lounging next to me. "Simple and to the point," I continue, "but coming from him, it’s practically a novel."

Lev cracks a smile at that, his gaze thoughtful as he watches me absentmindedly toggle the cursor. "It’s a good thing, though, right? Your dad reaching out. It's a step in the right direction."

I nod, chewing on my lip as I consider the weight of that simple message. It’s not every day you get a semi-warm and fuzzy from the man whose picture is practically under the definition of stoic in the dictionary. "Yeah, it's something. Definitely something good.”

Deciding that the perfect response needs more brainpower than I could muster at thirty-thousand feet, I snap the laptop shut. "I’ll give it some more thought and craft the perfect reply later.”

“Forget about that for a minute. We’ve got a whole weekend in LA ahead of us—think fun, sun, and all the killer food we can eat. No worries allowed.”

I flash him a grin, the stress dissolving under the warmth of his smile and thoughts of spending a weekend in LA. “You know what? That sounds like exactly what I need.” As I place my hand lightly on my belly, a secretive smile tugs at my lips—there's a little something up my sleeve for him this weekend.

“And,” Lev leans close, dropping his voice to a mock-conspiratorial whisper, “I’ve got something cooked up on our way to the hotel.”

“Oh, do tell. What kind of mischief are you plotting?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Nice try. But if I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

I let out a playful sigh, rolling my eyes at his antics. “Keep your secrets, then,” I retort, settling back into the plush seat as the plane begins its descent, the LA skyline sprawling out below us like a vast playground.

The moment we land in LA, the thrill of the weekend hits full throttle. Lev has a sleek, red sports car convertible waiting for us. The sun’s shining brightly as we zip into the city with the top down, the wind tangling my hair—total movie star moment— minus the paparazzi.

As we cruise, Lev shoots me a mischievous look. "Ready for your surprise?"

"What is it?"

He takes a deep breath, the playful smirk never leaving his face. "So, Maura might've mentioned something about your ex, Chad, and his connections to her family. Turns out, Chad's in LA. Want to go see him?"

"I'd love to," I reply, the idea too delicious to pass up.

We head to West Hollywood, pulling up to a fancy real estate company that screams Chad’s kind of place. Lev parks the car and hops out like he’s James Bond on a mission. He strides around to open my door, offering his hand with a flourish.

As he leads me inside, my mind races with the possibilities. Seeing Chad again under these wildly different circumstances is going to be good.

“Lead the way, darling," I say, squeezing Lev's hand, ready for whatever drama awaits us inside.

Lev swings the door open and we step into the office. There’s Chad, embodying the classic d-bag aura, lounging back with his feet propped up on the desk, chattering away into a headset. The moment he catches sight of us, the color practically vanishes from his face—a picture-perfect moment I wish I’d caught on camera.

Lev calls out in a booming voice for the rest of the staff to take a break. And just like that, they scatter, leaving us with Chad, who sits up straighter, confusion and fear mingling in his eyes as he rips off his headset.

"Are you here to hurt me?" Chad’s gaze flicks between Lev and me, sizing up the situation.

Lev crosses his arms, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "That’s entirely up to Dalia here.”

I can’t help the wicked grin that spreads across my face as I step forward, soaking in the sudden shift of power. Chad, who once thought he could toss me aside like yesterday’s news, now looks about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm.

“Well, Chad,” I start, “we just thought we’d drop by. You know, catch up, see how you’re doing.” I pause, letting the suspense hang in the air. “And maybe settle a few old scores.”

Lev casually pulls up a chair on the opposite side of Chad's desk, crossing his arms as he settles in comfortably. "Let’s get some things straight," he says.

Chad, already looking like a cornered cat, tries to jump in, probably hoping to spin his usual yarn. "Look, I can explain—"

Lev cuts him off with a swift, "Shut the fuck up, Chad," delivered so smoothly it almost sounds polite. Chad snaps his mouth shut, the message received loud and clear.

"Now," Lev continues, "Maura enlightened me about your cozy ties to the Flannigan’s." He tilts his head, watching Chad squirm under his gaze. "Interesting story there. Seems like you bolted with Dalia’s cash because you got cold feet before your fake wedding to a Flannigan."

Chad's eyes flick around, desperately looking for an ally or an out, but finding neither. He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing like a buoy at sea.

"Yes, okay, I was scared," Chad admits. "They threatened me, and I thought I was protecting myself."

Lev nods, as if he expected as much. "So you stole from Dalia and ran, thinking you’d save your skin with her cash?" His tone is incredulous but calm, as if he’s merely confirming the details of a story he’s already pieced together.

Chad nods slowly. "Yes, that's what happened.” His voice is barely above a whisper.

Lev turns to me with a smirk that's all too familiar. "There you go," he says. “The cards are all on the table. I’ve dealt more harshly with rats for much less than this.”

Chad’s already pale face goes ghostly, looking like he might keel over any second.

Lev continues, his gaze flicking to me, "But it’s Dalia’s call. So, what do you want to do?"

I flash a grin, the gears turning wickedly in my mind. "Well, I’m really not in a murdering mood today. I think I want him alive and suffering. And I want his suffering to be of the financial variety—hit him where it truly hurts."

Lev chuckles, nodding in approval. "Good call. So, Chad, here’s the deal," he leans forward, locking eyes with Chad, who seems to shrink under his stare. "You’re going to pay back every last cent you stole from Dalia. And let’s tack on some steep, steep interest while we’re at it. You pay up, you get to keep your life and all your limbs. How’s that sound?"

Chad, his voice quivering, nearly stumbles over his words, "Please, please, I’ll do anything, just... just don’t kill me."

I cross my arms, my smile unwavering. "Start writing those checks, Chad. Consider it your penance for messing with the wrong woman."

Lev gives me a satisfied grin, looking like he's wrapping up a routine business meeting instead of extorting an ex. "I think we have an understanding," he says.

He fixes Chad with a look that could freeze lava. "I'm planning an expansion in LA, which means I have eyes and ears in town. My people will swing by every two weeks for your contributions. I'd strongly recommend not being late."

Chad's nodding so fast I'm worried he might sprain a neck muscle. "I won’t.”

With that sorted, Lev stands and we head for the door. Stepping out into the sunshine, he throws a playful glance my way. "Apologies for not bringing a gun this time.”

I chuckle, shaking my head as we slide into our car. "This time, your words packed all the bang we needed."

As we pull away, the LA skyline rolling past, I poke at the last bit of intrigue he dropped. "So, an expansion to LA?" I ask, eyebrow cocked.

He flashes me that secretive grin of his and stays mum. Trust Lev to keep things spicy, always holding one last ace up his sleeve.

His gaze drifts, lost in thought as he navigates through traffic. I watch him for a moment, curious about the sudden shift in his mood. "What's up?" I prod.

He flicks a glance my way, something intent sparking in those dark eyes. "I want to marry you," he blurts out, straightforward as ever.

A smile spreads across my face, warmed by the thought but amused by the timing. "I'd love that, especially considering how our last wedding was interrupted before we could be declared husband and wife.”

He shakes his head, his expression serious. "No, you don't understand. I want to marry you now ."

"Now?" My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. This man really doesn't do things halfway.

"Now. Not here in LA, though.”

"Then where?"

"Where else? Vegas, baby.”

I can't help but grin, caught up in the wild, impulsive plan.

"Let's do it.”

Without another word, Lev swings the car onto the freeway, the lights of LA fading behind us as we speed toward Vegas, ready to gamble on a lifetime together in true high-roller style.