NEW YORK
Artan: The Russians are annihilating the Germans. New York underworld is in total chaos and I don't see this one ending soon.
Axel: It's not good for business but it is what it is. As long as the Conglomerate is standing, we will let the problem solve itself.
Artan: So, it was Victoria and Sergey Yvanislov all along.
Axel: And someone from the Conglomerate. I will find out soon.
Artan: Otto sent word to you to meet Volkov. Did the Russian wolf listen to you at all?
Axel: (Snorts) Does he ever?
Artan: (Shakes his head.)
Axel: We have got to give it to the man. Just when everyone thought the Russians are no more when his old man died, the motherfucker kept his house together and proved to everyone he's better than the old wolf.
Artan: Story of our lives.
Axel: Story of our lives. (Raised his glass for a toast)
The two looked over the New York night skyline in silence. They are standing by as the mob war goes on between the Russians and the Germans.
Axel: So, Volkov's wife huh?
Artan: (Smiles and drinks his scotch.)
Axel: The woman has got some quick reflexes. I have learned the hard way not to startle her otherwise you'll be seeing Estrellas flying around your thoughts in no time. (Recalls the time Belle kneed him on his crotch when he brought her gelato by the pool in Colombia and then how his world turned in slow motion when he finally stood face to face with her. Her similarity with Yelena is uncanny and yet the difference is also undeniable.)
Artan: You too?
Axel: What do you mean me too? You mean you saw stars too?
Artan: I saw very bright stars Axel.
(The two shook their heads in disbelief.)
Axel: So the two of you had something going on?
Artan: She's--- my special lady.
Axel: Special like Yelena?
Artan: Yelena and I-it was a mistake. She was upset with Volkov one and two. It was just one drunken night.
Axel: And yet you have Aria in your life.
Artan: Aria was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was just thankful that Yely did not keep her from me.
Axel: That's the Yely I know.
Artan: And the Yely you almost married.
Axel: (snorts) Almost.
Artan: You were competing against blood, Axel. You already lost before you even started.
Axel: (shakes his head and then downs his liquor)
-
Safe House
Andrey: Did you finish your mission?
Yuri: You can't ask me questions like that.
Andrey: You may be above me in the organization but I am still your brother. I am here to protect you.
Yuri: Stop acting like you care it doesn't suit you.
Andrey: Yuri, you may find it hard to believe but I am here to make sure you get to live another day after going against the Boss and Alexei.
Yuri: (snorts) I know why you are here Andrey. You are here because you know that if I get banished from the Mafia you are next in line. You will take my place in the organization.
Andrey: I am here because if you get banished from the Mafia every single motherfucker who wanted to kill you will be knocking on your door in no time. As soon as they find out you don't have the wolf's protection they will come for your head.
Yuri: I know how to deal with the consequences of my actions Andrey, so stop with the act.
Andrey: For a man whom Papa Vyacheslav calls his golden boy, you sure are one hell of a stupid asshole Yuri. You ruined your future in the Mafia and everything that comes with it just because of a woman?
Yuri: Tread carefully with your words when you speak of her. You know nothing.
Andrey: Well then tell me brother. Tell me why are you still alive? Why were you not banished? Why did the Boss and the Underboss kept a blind eye even after what you have done?
Yuri: Get out of my face Andrey. We have a job to do.
Andrey: Hmm. Alright. (Walks away uneasily as if he wants to say something)
(Awkward silence as Andrey gazes at Yuri)
Yuri: What's wrong with you?
Andrey: In the boathouse, Madame Volkov was on your lap, caressing you. You were lapping her skin and her breasts were pressed against your body. She was all over you and you were all over her like I'm watching a fucking romantic drama in the movies. All of these are happening right in front of her husband and the other husband, you know---our BOSSES. I just find it fascinating.
Yuri: Are you done? Did you get it all out of your system? Can we do our fucking jobs now in peace?
Andrey: Well-I'm just wondering---.
Yuri: (Sighs in defeat) I'm done with you! (Gets inside the room where Belle is resting and shuts the door in front of Andrey)
-
Belle's POV
I covered Nikolai with the duvet we took from the room as he sleeps. The night seems to be so peaceful and quiet. Alexei and I are by his side as I check my second husband's wound. He got shot when we were fleeing the scene where the Germans attacked us. And he doesn't look like he's bothered at all.
"Dr. Marcus said you and your brother should be resting more so your wounds heal faster Alexei." I said as I snuggle up with him. I inched my nose on his neck and inhaled his scent. My goodness. This man smells absolutely sexy just like his brother.
"I will rest when I am sure that you are safe and what happened last night never happens again."
"But Alexei, you and Nikolai said that the Russian Mafia has a lot of enemies."
"I guess there's no rest for the wicked." He retorted, satisfied of himself that he referenced a song.
"You're not wicked---maybe Nikolai is, but not you." I whispered to him. A giggle escaped my mouth and so as Alexei's.
"Princess, you've never seen my wicked side."
"Hmm... perhaps you're right. But no matter, I will still love you 'til the end of time."
"Until the end of time?"
"Yup! And until yours and your brother's balls sag."
"What?" He looks down at me all amused, his eyes are glittering.
"Hehehehe." I giggled. He just doesn't realize how serious I am. I will love them until we grow old. How old? False teeth falling off from the mouth old. Deaf old. I just could not see myself without them in my life, like ever.
He pulled me tightly towards him and kissed me on my lips with a smile on his face. "Princess, you are one weird woman."
Alexei and I talked and made out until we capped our night with sex beside Nikolai and the fireplace. Alexei took it slow and sensual knowing that I am in a delicate situation. He kissed me all over my body and made love to me, telling me under his breath that he loves me before the two of us fell asleep.
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