My heart nearly broke in two seeing the way Aleksei held him close, his face pinched.
“We will soon, son. We will. I can’t go right away but I promise I’ll join you as soon as I can.”
Maksim walked in through the front door, shaking his head. “The police commissioner is on the phone for you.”
“Tell him I’ll call him later.” Aleksei was obviously annoyed.
“He said he tried you a couple of times. It’s urgent.” Maksim gave me a respective nod. “I can take Willow to the airport.”
“It’s all right. Just take care of your business. We’ll be just fine.” While the last thing I wanted was to take the ride without him, he had to finish this damning agenda in order for us to be together.
Aleksei hesitated, easing Dimitri down to the floor and crouching down. “You have to be a big boy for me. Miss Willow is going to take care of you for a few days until I can come to the islands. Will you do what she says?”
“Papa,” Dimitri whimpered, his little face pinching.
“Don’t worry, Dimitri. We’ll build sandcastles and splash for hours in the water. Okay?” I held out my hand, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
“Real-ly?” he asked.
“Absolutely. It’ll be an adventure.”
Aleksei growled under his breath before closing the distance. “I’ll call you later today to make certain you got there okay. My men will take care of you. Lean on them for anything you need.”
“I will.” I had no idea what else to say or how to explain my feelings. At this point, I wanted the next few days to be over with.
Whatever the consequences.
“Tell the commissioner I’ll call him in five minutes,” Aleksei directed. “The man can wait.”
“You bet,” Maksim responded, grinning as he walked out of the house.
Aleksei kissed my lips and led me out to one of the waiting SUVs, finally tousling Dimitri’s hair. “You’re the man of the house at the beach, little man. Take care of her.”
Dimitri giggled, twisting back and forth as only a little boy could do. “Don’t be long, Papa. I miss you.”
The rugged Russian with what turned out to be a heart of gold hunkered down, pulling his son into an embrace.
For about a dozen reasons, I couldn’t keep the tears from forming.
“All right. I’ll fly down as soon as I can,” Aleksei said, opening the vehicle door himself.
“Don’t wait. We need you,” I managed to say, hiding my emotions as I eased into the car, Dimitri climbing over me. I fixed his car seat, having no freaking idea what I was doing. Thank God one of the soldiers checked what I’d done.
I couldn’t stand to look at Aleksei as the driver pulled away. All I knew was that Aleksei was playing a dangerous game and all the players hadn’t been exposed. If this was what being involved with a mafia family was like, I wasn’t certain I had the strength to handle it.
I sat back in the seat, listening to Dimitri as he played with one of his toys. He trusted his father implicitly, unafraid of strangers. I wasn’t certain if that was a positive attribute or something that would ultimately cause him danger.
Either way, I’d promised to protect Dimitri with my life and I would.
I only hoped that wouldn’t be put to the test.
The ride was smooth, everything in order and I was able to see the signs for the airport only two miles out. I’d never been to St. Lucia. At least Aleksei had amazing tastes.
“What the fuck.” The same Russian accent as Aleksei’s pushed past the burly driver’s lips.
I jerked my head to the center of the SUV, unable to detect whatever they were talking about.
Thomas stiffened and within seconds, he’d reached for his weapon. Everything seemed to flow in slow motion as he shifted in order to look at me, throwing back his hand, his command echoing.
“Down!”
I threw my body over Dimitri’s, the single word bouncing in my ears. “Please, God. Don’t-”
Aleksei
Both Lorenzo and Dominick had already shut down their ports, putting a squeeze on Peter’s industry. What I’d learned from my father’s Capo had been enlightening, Paolo had hunted down and eradicated two soldiers with ties to Peter Church, but not before one of them spilled certain plans.
The largest shipment to date was supposed to be coming into an unknown port. The soldier had no idea where, only suspected the arrival was within forty-eight hours. He’d lost his life because of what he didn’t know.
My contacts had checked the various manifold lists, unable to determine any unusual activity. For that, I’d placed Miguel on notice. I had a feeling Peter was reacting to the heat I’d placed on his fucking head. Miami was certainly nice this time of year.
What I did know is that meant Peter had refused to adhere to my terms. This meant war and the man certainly didn’t realize something about me.
I never lost.
I’d talked with Jonas, but he hadn’t seen anything before the pipe bomb went off. At least the man was going to be all right.
“Robert, you and I both know that my father had nothing to do with the murder of the mayor.” I continued to pace the floor. I realized that the commissioner was in a tough position, fighting the news media, the local senator, other law enforcement officers, and every other politician to solve this horrific crime. I also realized that his appointment was on the horizon and he was bucking to remain in his position.