She was just as important to me as Tatiana had been, both beautiful women challenging and precious. I refused to allow anything to happen to a woman I’d grown to adore. There was no rhyme or reason and the timing was horrific, but the majority of us are never given a second chance. The beautiful gift was something I would never take for granted.
I walked quietly toward the living room, leaning against the doorframe. Neither Willow nor Dimitri knew I was close. I’d tried very hard to be a good father to my little boy, making certain his life was filled with educational toys and trips to glorious locations, ice cream parties and time spent with friends. I’d enjoyed nothing more than reading to him at night before tucking him in, his little face a wonderful reminder of his mother’s love. I wasn’t certain I had the capability of keeping him in a bubble. He deserved so much more.
“Would you read dis?” Dimitri asked, handing Willow a book. I couldn’t help but stare at his little hands and my mind reeled from hearing the excitement in his voice. Every day was a gift to him. He had no idea of the horrors of the world.
“I would love to read to you!” Willow’s expression, her entire demeanor had changed, excited about a period of time spent with my child.
I waited for a few minutes as he actually curled against her side, so comfortable in her presence. I loathed the fact I’d have to interrupt for any reason, the guilt kicking my ass. When I walked into the room, I crouched down, holding out my arms. “Come to Papa.”
Dimitri frowned at first then he was the fresh burst of energy that greeted me every morning, jumping off the couch and flying into my arms. As he nestled his little head against my chest, I locked eyes with Willow.
She had tears in her eyes, a knowing smile on her face.
“Would you do Papa a big favor?” I asked, finally easing his head back so I could look at him.
“Sure!”
“Would you go up to your room and play for just a little while so I can talk to Willow?”
Dimitri wrinkled his nose, slowly glancing in her direction before nodding his head vehemently. “O-tay, Papa.”
I heard his little footsteps as he ran toward the stairs, and even thought I should remind him there was no running in the house, I couldn’t bring myself to chastise him. My heart was heavy as I rose to my feet, moving to sit on the other side of the couch.
She seemed more casual than before, her leg curled on the cushion, her gaze locked on me and the book still in her hand.
“I’m certain you have several questions,” I offered first.
“I don’t even know where to begin, but I understand both you and your personality more now that I know. The locked room. That’s his?”
“Yes. Now, you can understand why I’ve been so private about aspects of my life. Dimitri is very important to me and if anyone knew of his existence, they would use him against me.”
Willow brushed her hand along the back of the couch, her expression contemplative. “I understand, but you can’t keep him locked away.”
“I’ve come to realize that, but right now, he’s a target and I can’t afford to have him placed in the middle of this bullshit I’m having to deal with.” I felt my throat tightening, heard the ragged breathing sounds.
“That’s why you want me to leave. Right?”
I nodded, finally able to look her in the eyes. “It’s important that you’re both out of harm’s way. I’m arranging for the jet to take you to a house I own in St. Lucia. Several of my most trusted men will be going with you.”
“How long do you plan on keeping us there?”
“Until it’s safe.”
“Which could be never, Aleksei. I don’t want to live my life in a glass cage either,” she said with discord in her tone.
“You’re not going to have to. I’m bringing in certain people to help me. We will beat this.”
“This,” she scoffed. “You make it sound like a single incident. If this other Russian mafia family is trying to take over, don’t you think they have dozens, hundreds of ways of destroying you, like insinuating your father is responsible for murder?”
I took a deep breath. “Absolutely, which is why I have to use every method of caution.”
“Tell me about Dimitri’s mother. Was she killed by some enemy?”
I suddenly felt the need for a drink. My entire body ached as I moved to a standing position, my legs like lead weight as I walked toward the bar. “Nothing so dramatic. She had cancer, the disease taking her within months of her diagnosis. She was so young, so vibrant and I loved her.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I shut down after that, spending what energy didn’t go into business to care for and protect Dimitri.” I poured two bourbons, watching intently as the liquor flowed into the glass. As I handed her the drink, I could see she was still uncertain of everything.
Including me.
“That I can understand. He’s magnificent,” she whispered, allowing another smile.
“He’s his mother, one happy little boy. Sadly, he doesn’t know the family he was brought into.”
“A good family with values, a father who loves him. That’s what he needs, Aleksei. Stop being so hard on yourself.”
I walked toward the back doors, staring out at the pool. “I thought I could wrap my world in the two of them, building this house for Tatiana the way she described. She came from the old country not long after my family moved. I’d known her since high school. She truly believed in goodness, including within me.” I had to laugh. “Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as I’d hoped.”
“The playroom?” She seemed embarrassed to ask.
I was able to laugh easily. “She specified every piece. Her trust in me was without question, her desire to submit so intense, just as much as our love. She truly gave me an understanding about relationships.”
“That’s why you don’t sleep in the master bedroom.”
I half laughed, nodding once again. “Very astute. I couldn’t after she died. I have an intercom system in the room downstairs when Dimitri is home.”
“You miss her,” she whispered, obvious agony in her voice.