T – Don’t make plans for dinner, baby, we are going to my parents’ house
Me – What?! You can’t just spring this on me right now! Dinner’s in a few hours!!!!!
I’m going to strangle that man. He wants to have dinner with his parents and I know nothing about them. I also have nothing nice to wear. Oh my God, they will probably think I’m some hussy after Tate’s money or something crazy.
T – Yes, baby. Be ready at 7. I’ll switch out cars then and we can go.
Me – OK. You so owe me for this!
T – Whatever you want, Красота <3
Me – TTYS Sugar Dimples <3
Awww he sent me a heart! He’s so sweet sometimes.
I send London a text. Hopefully she’s not with Cam, so she can help me find something.
Me – 911. I need you to help me find something NICE, not slutty to wear to Tate’s parents for dinner tonight.
“Seriously, lazy ass, you couldn’t walk down the hall to Cam’s room and ask me in person?” She’s wearing a cocky smirk. She has on one of Cameron’s white undershirts and a pair of his boxers. He would probably scold her if he saw her so informal walking around the house, but she totally looks hot in it. He seems to like to keep London in check. I think it’s good for her considering she’s normally a total wild child. She has her hair pinned on top of her head in a messy bun and is sucking on a Blow Pop.
“I didn’t know you were in his room or I would have. What are you doing? You look like a total bum, are you guys staying in tonight?” She shrugs and looks a little bored.
“Eh, he has stuff to do so I’m just hanging out and doing laundry. I might head to that little pastry shop right outside the neighborhood and get a pastry and coffee. I don’t know, it depends if I decide to get dressed or not.” She looks really bummed out now. I pat the spot beside me on the bed and she comes and sits next to me.
“Is everything going okay with you and Cameron? Y’all just jumped into it. I wasn’t sure if this was just a fling or if you really like him.” I take her hand in mine to offer her comfort and my attention.
“I know, I thought it was going to be a one-night stand type of deal, then after that night maybe two nights. He kept right on me ever since we met and went out the first night. I told him about you going to Tate’s parents and he thought it was soon. I mean, I know you’ve been seeing Tate longer than me and Cam have been, but it’s like the thought of me meeting his family never once crossed his mind. That hurt my feelings so I told him I thought you guys were crazy and I prefer to do my own thing. After that he looked pissed off and told me he had shit to do. He stormed out, saying he’d be back whenever he was done. So I have no idea what’s going on right now. I usually never even give guys this kind of chance, but I’m a little addicted to Cameron right now.” Aww poor London. That sucks. It sounds like Cam was being a dick but who knows, I wasn’t there to see how it all went down. I won’t tell London that though.
“That’s really shitty, London, I’m sorry you are dealing with that right now.” I hug her and rub her back for a second.
I’m okay, you know I’m not one to put up with any shit. Now, let’s find you something awesome to wow the future in-laws! I’m excited for you!”
“Ha! In-laws, yeah, they will probably think I’m a hussy after Tate’s money with my luck.” I get up and walk to the closet that Tate has moved all my belongings into from my suitcase.
“Oh no, I’m pretty sure they will know what this means. Tate’s what, like, twenty-two years old? And Cameron was saying that Tate has never introduced a female to his parents or family. So relax, they will know you are the real deal.” She smiles big at me like this is the greatest news.
“Holy shit! This is even more horrible! Now I know they will hate me! His dad will probably have one of his guys sink me to the bottom of a lake somewhere with cement around my feet!”
She bursts out laughing at my descriptive picture and I just glare at her. If my leg still wasn’t so sore I’d leap at her ass. She smirks at me and shakes her head; bitch knows me too well to know exactly what I’m thinking.
An hour later and I’m dressed in my white sundress and some cute white wedge sandals that Avery had packed with her stuff. Thankfully Avery has smaller feet than London so I can borrow her stuff. We figured white was the virginal color so hopefully his mom will approve. It’s also the longest sundress I own. I leave my hair down and put a few curls in it. Not too fancy, but at least it looks like I made an effort with my appearance. I put on some mascara, blush and lip gloss. London sprays me down with my Heavenly perfume by Victoria’s Secret and I’m all set. It all worked out with perfect timing too because it is now 6:30 and Tate just pulled up to the house.
Muffin runs to the front door at full speed and is jumping around whining, waiting for his dad to get inside. Tate comes in and he looks gorgeous. He’s wearing a light grey button up shirt and some black slacks. He looks professional and sexy but not overdressed. Muffin takes up his attention for a few minutes. I love that he cares so much for his dog. Muffin is such a good boy. He has definitely stolen part of my heart, too. Tate looks up and his sparkling hazel eyes take me in before they meet my green ones.
“Damn, little lamb, you look breathtaking.” His eyes dilate as he walks toward me. He bends his head down and kisses me on my lips, soft and sweet, while he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his solid chest.
“Fuck, I love coming home to you. I meant it this morning when I told you I want you to stay here.” Wow, I thought that was just the sex haze talking from him earlier.
“I love being here too, Tate, but I also have London to think of. I can’t just leave her when she’s here for me.” I wrap my arms around his neck and pepper little kisses all over his jawline.
“Then I’ll tell Cam to keep her, too.” He says this like it’s the simplest answer and that Cameron will just keep London, like it’s not their relationship or anything.
“No, Tate, I will talk to London about what she wants first and then we can talk more about it, okay?” This pacifies him and he twirls me around.
“Alright, let’s go to my parents’ house, Красота.” I grab my small purse and head to the garage to get into Tate’s grey Bentley Continental GT Speed. God, I fucking love this car!
“This car is my favorite, sugar dimples. I love how it sucks me back into my seat when you go fast.” I smile at him and put my seatbelt on. He starts to laugh and it lights up his face. Gosh, he’s beautiful.
“I am glad you like her, she is a good car. Would you like to drive her later? Maybe on the way back?” He kisses the tip of my nose and I sigh. He’s freaking perfect and I’m the lucky one who has him.
“Maybe sometime but tonight I want to just sit back and watch you drive her. You look so sexy when you drive.”
“Sexy, huh?” He gives me a cocky grin and I swat at his arm. I relax into the butter soft leather seat and watch the pretty scenery of Knoxville turn into the beautiful scenery of Tellico Lake where his parents live. Now that was a great drive. Thirty miles of highway and his car got to really spread her wings. It felt like we flew, the drive was so comfortable and smooth.
Tate’s parents live in a very upscale gated neighborhood full of mini mansions looking over the lake. We pull up to a huge house that looks like a small castle made out of tan stone. The yard has a large circular driveway that is lit up and there is a beautiful pond off to the side at the front of the house. On the opposite side of the house there are trees and a beautiful wooden pergola with outdoor seating. The house is on just enough of a hill that when you look past the pond you can see a gorgeous view of the lake. I bet the view is even better on the second floor of the house or from the back yard.
Tate opens my car door and takes my hand to help me out. While I climb out, the front door opens and a tall, slim man walks outside.
“I had to come see for myself if you really brought a date to dinner, Мой брат (my brother) Luka.
” The man walks up to us and I see it’s his brother, Viktor.
“She’s красоты (beautiful), huh?” he says to Tate and gives me a wink. I have no idea what he called me but hopefully it wasn’t fish food.
“Yes, брат, she’s my Красота,” Tate says to his brother then looks at me.
“I’m sorry to be rude, baby. This is my brother, Viktor, I was telling you about.”
“Hi, Viktor. It’s very nice to meet you.” I put my hand out to shake and he laughs. I look at him confused; I don’t know what’s so funny.
“No, no, no, Luka’s Красота.” He pulls me to him and gives me a hug. Tate smiles, so this must be good. I pat his back a few times then pull away. Tate puts his arm around me and I can feel myself blushing.
“Oh, Красота, Отец (beauty, father) will eat you up! He will love this, Luka. This is what he needs right now, to see you find someone. And such a Красота at that! My God, your children will be absolute angels!” Holy fuck! Did he just say our children? I haven’t made it in the front door yet. Oh no, I bet he has a crazy family. I bet that is going to be where all his flaws lay. I’m kind of scared to meet this Отец (father) person. Whatever that means. I let Tate lead me into the house. I’m scared to let go of him or they might try to start breeding me before we even sit down to dinner.
The inside of the house is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s decorated in rich colors and golds. Everything screams wealth and almost feels as if it’s never used, it’s very sterile. There is one thing that I love though. On a side table there are these little doll things of all different sizes. They are beautifully painted and don’t look like they belong in this room.
“Those are called Babushka, princess,” a loud voice booms with a strong Russian accent. I jump beside Tate. Tate chuckles quietly then turns us toward his father. His father walks to us with his arms opened. I’m assuming it’s his father. He’s very good looking just like Tate and is in his mid-fifties I’d guess. Tate walks into his father’s arms and they embrace each other.
“Отец (father),” Tate says and kisses his dad’s cheek. His dad kisses Tate’s cheek and replies “Сын (son).” Then his dad turns to me and pulls me in for a hug and in a strong Russian accent says “And you, princess, you call me Papa, Да (yes)? His smile is dazzling and it reminds me of one of my favorite things about Tate. I smile and nod at him.
“Come, my son and his Красота, let us get vodka and sit for dinner. Viktor, join us!” I follow the three men who are all well over six feet tall. They make me feel like a pixie next to all of them. We walk into a bar area and there is a very pretty blonde lady sitting on one of the cocktail chairs. She looks at me with distaste and then glares at Tate.
“What is this, Luka Tatkiv? Why you bring a woman here?” she says in a nasty voice full of venom.
“She is my Красота. I brought Emily to meet my family and have dinner.” Tate squeezes my hand reassuringly and gives me a small smile. I squeeze back. I’m okay right now.
“Luka, if it is time, we will send you to Mother Russia. You get good Russian girl to be your bride. They will know how to take care of you and stay out of your businesses.” She glares at me the entire time she says this and Viktor laughs loudly. I feel tears burning behind my eyes, but I refuse to let my eyes fill with them.
“ENOUGH, MISHKA!” Tate’s dad roars.
“My son brings his Красота here to meet his family, you shut up! You treat princess as family, she is my daughter now. Now we eat жаркое (roast) and enjoy good vodka. Come.” I like Tate’s dad even more after that. I wasn’t expecting it to be easy to meet his family, but for his mom to say to find someone else all because I’m not Russian makes me so angry inside.
To say dinner is awkward is an understatement. We all sit at this huge table in the dining room. A little old Russian woman they call Vivi serves us ice water and chilled tumblers with a different vodka in each. Geez, if they keep this up, I’m not going to be able to walk, thank God there’s food! Whatever we are having smells amazing. Vivi wheels a shiny silver cart out and puts, what looks to be, a giant roast on the table. There are a couple other side dishes filled with things, but I have no clue what they are. It all looks amazing.
“Princess, you like жаркое (roast)?” Konstantin smiles as he asks. I bet Tate’s dad is a lady killer with that smile.
“Well, sir, I’m not sure what that is exactly, but this food all smells amazing!” I smile back and hope he was referring to the food and not my ovaries or something.
“Yes, Vivi is a very good cook. Please eat and enjoy.” I dig in and I think it’s the best food I’ve ever tasted.
“Tate, did you tell princess about what it is we do?” His father looks at Tate. I would expect Tate to shy away from this question since the Mafia is so secretive.
“Да (yes), I did. We had a complication arise and a few things were revealed. She is smart, and figured some of it out before I was able to explain.” He looks at me proudly.
“I hope no business complication? Did you need assistance? Or is this the old boyfriend problem? Nikoli handled it, Да (yes)?” His dad peppers him with questions and it surprises me they are openly discussing this in front of me.
“No, the businesses are good. Yes, it has been handled, although I handled this case personally. Yes, it was the ex. You heard?” His father laughs when Tate says he handled it personally.
“Ahh, my son, the infamous ‘Knees’. Am I right, son, you took out his knees first?” His father seems to soak up immense joy in hearing about Tate being violent. It’s like he’s proud his son is called ‘Knees’. Is that even a name? I have to talk to Tate about this later. Tate smiles and nods. Viktor starts laughing when Tate nods.
“You see, little princess, it is funny to us because the whole time Luka was growing up, if he got into a fight he went for the person’s legs and broke their knees. We thought the poor boy didn’t know how to defend himself. Turns out he was incapacitating his opponents. Very smart, my son is. As he got older he got more and more creative in breaking knees and eventually was honored with the name ‘Knees’. You go to Russia and everyone knows who The Boss is that is named ‘Knees’. You grow up fast in the life of a Boss. I smile at him and hold my breath. Hearing about Tate breaking people’s bones growing up is not my idea of dinner time conversation.
“Vivi, the торт (dessert)!” his dad yells and I jump. Tate looks over at me like I’m the crazy one. I shrug and look for Vivi. She comes walking in slowly with a huge cake covered in strawberries and a creamy sauce.
“Oh god, it looks so good, and if it’s anything like dinner then she needs to just put the whole cake on my plate!” Everyone laughs loudly and Vivi looks at me with a smile for the first time. Shit I said that out loud? I guess she likes the compliment. Tate’s mom even laughs a little and her expression toward me seems to thaw. I don’t know if it’s because I made her laugh or if it’s because of Vivi’s reaction. Dessert is considerably less awkward and I find myself enjoying the evening. Tate’s dad told me stories of the boys growing up and what Russia is like. Mishka chimed in a few times with little details. His father said they try to spend Christmas at their country house close to Moscow every year. He said if the weather permits then I will get to come with Tate in a few months. I look at Tate and he seems really excited at the prospect of me spending Christmas with him. I thank Mishka and Konstantin numerous times for having me as a guest. I butter up Mishka with compliments about the food and house, and it seems to break through her shell.
Mishka embraces me in the foyer and in a strong, feminine Russian accent she says “Little Emily you must join me for lunch, we have much planning to do.” I smile and hug her back.
“That sounds wonderful, Mishka, I look forward to it.” As soon as she lets me go, Konstantin squishes me in a strong hug.
“Little princess, you must come pick a Babushka to take with you home.” He smiles and lead
s me toward the table.
“Oh no! I couldn’t, they are so beautiful, but thank you.” I look at Tate and he nods like ‘yes, take one’.
“Да (yes)! I insist, please!” I look at the Babushkas. They are all so beautiful and look very expensive. I reach out and run my hand over a smaller one that is painted bright blue. This one would look so pretty next to my bed.
“Good choice, princess! Now, go keep my son company and he must bring you back many times!” I beam a big smile at both of them and Tate says his goodbyes. Viktor walks out with us. He opens my door for me and gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Good night, Сестра (sister).”
I smile back at him. “Good night, Viktor.” My door closes and I’m left alone with Tate for the first time in three hours. I can’t believe we were here for that long. The time just flew by once his dad started his stories.
“My family loves you, Красота.” He looks like he’s glowing, he’s so happy.
“Ha! I wouldn’t go that far. I do like your family a lot though. Your mother is so beautiful when she finally warms up and Vivi’s cooking was out of this world!”
“Oh, no? You don’t think so? My mother just invited you to a private lunch because she wants to plan a wedding for us. The Babushka my father insisted you have is a fertility doll. My brother just kissed your cheek and called you ‘little sister’. Yeah, I’m pretty sure they loved you tonight. My mother would have spit in your face if she didn’t like you and my father would have called my Uncle Victor.” Well shit. I guess I did okay after all. I’m glad to be on the Mafia king and queen’s good side that’s for sure. His mother would have spit? And to think I almost cried when she said I wasn’t good enough since I’m not Russian. What a crazy night, I can’t wait to tell Avery and London all about this.
Secrets Page 12
