Her Volkovs #Book 4 novel Chapter 36

Belle's POV

I did not want to interrupt them and so I just walked out of the cabin. I know how important Yelena's memories are to both Nikolai and Alexei. Perhaps they just need time alone with her especially with all the things going on in New York. They miss her. She's Nikolai's only blood-related sibling and Alexei's ex-fiance'. They think it was their fault that she died tragically, the reason why until now, they both could not move on.

Yelena kissed her brother on his lips. And then Nikolai said this one particular word that registered in my mind so clearly because it was spoken with so much love and affection-- 'Malyshka'.

When I saw how the word rolled out of Nikolai's mouth like she's his everything, I just looked away and went out of the cabin because I did not want to overthink things. We have been on this road before with Alexei. It almost ruined us to a point that I honestly believed that we could not recover from it. I will not make the same mistake again.

There is nothing that I should be worried about. Whatever memories they are watching right now, I am sure it's because they miss her and nothing more. I despise myself for even thinking these thoughts in my head.

My heart skipped a beat when I felt someone touch my arm.

"Hey." Said Nikolai, he looked me in the eye with a confused expression. "Are you okay?"

"Uhm. Yes."

"You flinched to my touch. What's going on?"

"You startled me Nikolai. You should be thankful I just flinched." I retorted in a futile attempt to lighten up the mood.

"Are you sure?" Said Alexei while cupping my face with his palm.

They are both looking at me worriedly. I had to compose myself fast. "It's just this man who sells milkshake from the state fair. He got me so riled up."

"I see." Said Nikolai, signaling Andrey to come to him and I think I know why. Geez.

"No, Nikolai. It was nothing really, I got my milkshake so no worries. How's New York?"

He looks at me so unconvinced, obviously noticing my attempt to change the topic. He gazes at Alexei who is now talking to Andrey from not too far. I did not even follow the way they looked at each other because I am afraid they might see through me.

I just stared at the blanket of pine trees covering the mountains in the background of the lake. Fog is starting to crawl over the surface of the water as the sun starts to set. It is such a beautiful view but such an ominous atmosphere.

Nikolai slowly pulled me to him. I just closed my eyes as he kisses my forehead.

"Uhm, when do you think we can go back to the city?"

"You want to go back home? You don't like it here anymore?" He asks so gently like he's talking to a little girl.

"It's beautiful here Nikolai, it's just that-"

Yelena has memories here and I don't have a chance in hell competing against her for yours and Alexei's time even if she's only just a memory.

His phone vibrated and so I had the chance to think of an excuse, "Nikolai you should answer that. It must be important."

"There's nothing more important than you. Now tell me what do you want?"

Andrey cleared his throat as if getting his Boss' attention which Nikolai obviously did not appreciate. My husband was about to snap but I eased him down. "It's okay Nikolai. Go. We will talk later."

-

Nikolai: This better be so fucking important.

Andrey: The Germans want to make a deal.

Nikolai: They tried to kill my wife. The only deal I am willing to take is their heads rolling one by one.

Andrey: It's Victoria who wants to talk and make a deal. Safe passage for the Otto brothers back to Germany in exchange for the information as to Sergey Yvanislov's location.

Nikolai: (Looks at Alexei)

Alexei: The Germans are already on their knees. They have been cut off from the Conglomerate and no one in the underground world will dare lift a finger to help them. They are desperate, they know they have nowhere else to go.

Andrey: Boss, Otto's brothers are just kids.

Nikolai: (Narrows his eyes on Andrey) And how old are my babies when they tried to kill them?

Andrey: (Stayed silent.)

Nikolai: That's right. They are not even born when they wanted them dead. If Belle suffocated longer that night I would have lost her and my babies!

Alexei: (Nods at Andrey to leave them.) What's the plan? I'll handle it.

Nikolai: Make that bitch speak and kill them all.

Alexei: And the wife? (Looks in Belle's direction)

Nikolai: She wants to go home.

Alexei: That's fine. I don't like leaving her here anyway.

Nikolai: Matushka's in the mansion you say?

Alexei: Yes. Said she'll take care of everything for tomorrow.

-

Belle's POV

It's already dark when our entourage consisting of six armored SUVs took a short ride to where a helicopter is already waiting. It is larger than the others that we have. It's shiny, jet black and has the usual gold monogram V on it. Its interior is customized with white leather spacious seats, shiny wood, gold and green accents everywhere. It even smells so good in here.

Nikolai is talking to someone from one of the SUVs while Alexei is making sure my seatbelt is safely buckled.

"Alexei, to whom is Nikolai talking?"

"One of the men in charge with a certain job." He answers as he sits comfortably back to his chair, crossing one leg to the other and pouring himself a drink. He looks at me through the glass as he sips the golden brown liquid.

I can't help but bite my lower lip and look away as I feel like I'm turning crimson. He always has this effect on me and it's seriously driving me crazy. How could this man be this handsome and dangerous and yet so good for my health at the same time?

No wonder Yelena was in love with him. He is perfect in so many ways.

He chuckled and looked at me, his lips slightly pulled to the side. "You're blushing."

The arrogance of this man.

"I am just hot." I meant feeling hot like literally heating from the chest up but my reply made his smirk grow wider.

"No doubt about it." He retorted while taking another sip.

I gave up because there is no winning against him. I just shook my head and adjusted my bum on my seat.

Nikolai is on his phone and at the same time giving instructions to Andrey as he approaches us. The man is a workaholic and I admire him for that. He only gets to rest when the three of us are together in our own little bubble. And as his wife, I always make sure he gets to rest or do whatever he wants to do when he's with me and his brother. I will always by their side, supporting them.

Nikolai sat beside me and gestured Andrey to give the pilot the go signal. He puts down his phone and held my hand tightly as he knows I am not fond of heights. Alexei then ticked something from the tablet which darkened the window tint even more making it pretty much impossible to see outside. The cabin then switched to calming ambient lighting making our ride more comfortable. We did not even have to wear headsets as the noise has been dramatically minimized.

We landed on the lawn of our property where Dmitri and Boris are already waiting. I instantly noticed Dimiboy's wounded arm while Boris does not have a single scratch. I miss these two even just a few days of not seeing them. They were basically here taking charge whenever their Bosses are with me in the safe house.

I asked Nikolai if I can ride with Dimi and Boris in the other golf cart instead since it's just a few minutes' ride to the mansion. I told my husband that I miss the two and so he agreed after signaling them about something I did not understand.

I wanted to sit beside my pee buddy but the seat in front is basically cramped by the big man alone and so I sat behind him facing the other golf cart where Nikolai, Alexei, Andrey are at.

Dmitri instantly held on to the bar on my side to basically make sure that I don't fall off which is ridiculous by the way.

"Why are you wearing sunglasses at night?" I asked teasingly. I can see that he's got a bruise down his right eye he doesn't want to be seen.

"Eh, I look cooler wearing these." He replied.

"You look like MIB hunting for aliens." I retorted.