Yes. He will definitely be a good father.
It was crazy how things could turn the world upside down. Deaths and births. Back and forth. Over and over.
Death was still the worse of all phases in life. We saw people that we loved every day and suddenly, they were gone and when they went, a part of us went with them too. Who knew where we were going to end up. Was there a heaven and hell? Was it something else? Regardless, deep in my heart I believed in a form of afterlife.
A few more people came up front and spoke. I didn’t understand any of it. Misha never rose, but the older man, Rolan, that I’d meet from earlier, stood and said a few things. He must’ve had a funny speech. Many laughed during the time he stood, even Kaz and Valentina.
Once the service ended, we went to the cemetery outside. They brought the empty coffin with us.
Kaz continued to hold Natalya.
Valentina shook her head at me. “Watch, Emily. He won’t give me my daughter back until late this evening. I’ll have to argue with him to return her.”
I grinned.
“Payback is coming.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m taking your baby too.”
“Hey. I think that’s unnecessary.”
The sky was grey and foggy. The air grew cold and damp.
Among all of the grieving, I thought of X. He’d died in Prague on the same night as Kazimir’s uncle.
I miss you so much, X. Where will I scatter your ashes? Max and I have to get on that soon.
Struggling to hold back the grief, a tear fell down my face. I wiped it away.
At the burial site, the older woman in the purple and silver robe shared some words. She said something that brought an onslaught of tears from the surrounding crowd.
The casket lowered into the grave.
I scanned the crowd.
Zahkar and his wife stood across from us. Zahkar’s attention was on the coffin. However, his wife’s gaze focused on Kazimir, as he held his niece.
What’s her story? I know she better stop staring at my man like that.
I assessed her outfit. She wore a black suit with a very revealing cleavage and dark hair flowing down around her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes met mine. She must have felt me staring at her. She formed her lips into a smile, but I knew she didn’t mean it.
I don’t do fake, sweetie. I’ll have to ask Kaz about her later.
I didn’t smile back and took in the others across from me.
Nikolay held his wife close to him. Although they wore black suits, he brought the evil sorcerer cape back. The one he wore to Kaz’s party. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that his wife had a matching one too.
I looked at the other side. Abram watched me. He stood several feet down from Zahkar’s wife. He had on a dark gray suit with a blood red tie. He held his hands in front of him which caught my eye. For the first time since seeing him, I realized that he only had a thumb and a single finger on his left hand. The middle three fingers were missing.
What happened to you?
I reminded myself to ask Kaz, but I never got the chance.
We turned toward the limo with an awakened Natalya.
Kaz rushed us to the vehicle. “Hurry, mysh.”
“What are you doing?” I glanced over my shoulder, searching for Valentina. “Does your sister know you’re kidnapping her daughter?”
“She’s my niece.”
“Oh my God.”
He opened the door and climbed in before me.
Natalya giggled at Kaz and grabbed the point of his nose.
I got in the limo and scooted next to them.
Natalya gurgled something, trying to speak.
Our driver shut the door.
“I can’t believe we’re leaving without saying anything to your sister.”
“If I said anything, she would take Natalya from me.”
Natalya continued to squeeze Kaz’s nose. He popped his eyes open and made a high pitched noise. The little girl lost her mind with laughter. She let go of his nose. He returned his expression back to normal.
The limo drove away.
Valentina is going to shoot us.
Natalya brought her hand back to his nose and squeezed. Again, Kaz popped his eyes open and screeched. The baby giggled with glee.
“See.” Kaz nodded at her. “She prefers my company this afternoon.”
Natalya gurgled something.
“Do you want to see a puppy today?” Kaz smiled at her. “If you like him, then I will get you as many puppies as you want.”
I grinned at her. “But first, we’ll ask your mommy if it is okay.”
“No. Uncle Kazimir never has to ask. Whatever Natalya wants, she gets.”
“Oh wow. That’s how it is.”
This is my future—a spoiling dad. I guess that’s better than what I had.
Once we arrived at the castle, Kaz and I played with Natalya in our room. Harlem performed for the little one, jumping and trotting around. A pissed off Valentina grabbed her an hour later.
Chapter 12
My Partner-in-Crime
Kazimir
After the funeral, we partied as only the Brotherhood could—expensive booze, loud music, and high end food. While Misha didn’t honor most of Uncle Igor’s wishes on what to do after his death, he made sure to put in plenty of spectacles that would appease his followers by combining two of my uncle’s favorite rituals—The Drowning of Death, and the Carnival of the Dead.
The Czech Republic had an ancient custom called The Drowning of Death. Many Slavic tribes considered it an important religious ritual. Uncle Igor had always celebrated it. The custom heralded the end of winter. Villagers took straw mannequins dressed in rags to the river and threw them in, symbolizing the death of winter and rebirth of spring.
Uncle Igor had told me that the ritual had originally involved human sacrifice. The straw mannequins had actually been humans being thrown into the river.
Now Czechs celebrated this custom with bonfires and dancing. Misha took those two parts from the Drowning of Death.
Massive bonfires roared and circled the outer castle. Blue smoke rose in heaps and the scent of burnt wood filled the air. A full jazz orchestra played on the castle’s steps for all of Uncle Igor’s followers. They partied in the front of the grounds.
Meanwhile the brotherhood and close family participated in the Carnival of Death within the castle’s courtyard.
Emily and I stepped onto the terrace and headed to the celebration. Lanterns of colored glass hung from the surrounding trees. A tall man in a dark floor-length coat played a fiddle. Several men with silver hair beat drums. The waitresses were either masked, tattooed, or wearing elaborate face paint.
Emily and I strolled further through the courtyard.
Five women in sleeveless black gowns played flutes.
“This is crazy.” Emily looked around in amazement. “They’re all playing the same song and at the right pace.”
“I’m impressed. I had no idea Misha could put together a great party. I’m sure Ava and her grandmother helped with this too.”
“I like them.”
I shrugged. “They’re growing on me.”
We continued to move through the Carnival of Death, sampling treats. I sipped champagne and Emily had juice.
“Hmmm.” I led Emily toward a massive set of hedges. “No. Misha did it.”
“What?”
“He begged his father to put a maze on the huge property.” I pointed forward. “While we were at the funeral, he had one erected.”
“Let’s check it out.”
We explored the lush maze of thick bushes.
Music and laughter threaded from beyond the hedges. The maze ended at a small pond glimmering under the moonlight where a DJ spun records under a tree near the pond. He wore a white rabbit mask over his head, complete with thick fur. Many people danced around the shimmering water. I spotted Misha swaying to the rhythm with Ava in
his arms.
The crazy bastard is in love. It’s about time he stopped stalking and finally talked to her.
Emily grabbed my attention. “Let’s dance.”
And we did. We partied all night and I drank for the both of us. Misha and Ava came over to our side and danced with us. Misha attempted to show off, but he could not compete with my moves. Soon Maxwell dragged Valentina over. They twirled around us for a few songs and then disappeared into the maze.
The celebration didn’t end until the beginning of dawn.
Somehow I made it on the plane the next morning. Thank God Emily woke me up. I’d been pretty hung over with a sore throat from singing all night.
Valentina announced that she would be coming to Moscow. The only good part was that my niece Natalya would be near. Unfortunately, Valentina would be involved in everybody’s business and possibly shadow Emily every chance she got due to her being pregnant.
We slept the whole flight.
Once we landed, Valentina parked her plane right next to mine. The large group of us headed out in three limos.
In the limo, I took Emily’s hand.
Harlem slept soundly in her lap.
“Are you ready for this week?” I asked.
She quirked her brows. “What’s going on this week?”
“I’m closing windows and shutting doors.” I told her.
“So, you’re ready to hand out territories?”
“I am.”
“What about Misha?”
I considered the question. The day before the funeral, I had met Misha and Rolan in the castle’s bathhouse. While a few threats and blows had passed, I understood his situation and forgave him for his fuckups in the past weeks.
I squeezed her hand. “Misha won’t be my number one, but more like my own personal satellite, hovering in the sky and monitoring everything. He’s committed to me forever, but Ava has her career in Saint Petersburg. I need a number one in Moscow.”
She grinned. “After meeting Ava and talking to her yesterday, I didn’t think Misha would be leaving her in Saint Petersburg and moving to Moscow.”
“He loves his ballerina. Now that he has her, he won’t let her go. Misha can be extremely possessive.”
“Like cousin, like cousin.”
“Are you saying I’m possessive?”
“A smidgen.” She leaned her head against my chest. “Are you going to start holding meetings with your men this week?”
“Yes. It starts tomorrow morning.” I kissed her forehead. “And I want you there.”
“You do?”
“Yes. If I’ve learned one thing in these past weeks, it’s that you’re the best person at my side. You’re the most loyal person in my life and you’ll always protect me.”
“You want me to be your number one?”
“No. You’re more than that. You’re my everything. But, I want you involved in any of the big things I do when it comes to the brotherhood. Once again, I need your eyes.”
“And how will the brotherhood feel about that?”
“If I ever wondered about their thoughts, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. You’re the one that should be on my side. You’re smart, strong, and have always had my back, where many of them are questionable.”
“O-kay.”
“You don’t have to sit through all of them, but the one during lunch discusses top territories and promotions. You should know which men will be around me. These next months will be their probationary period. Watch them closely. Anyone you don’t trust, will go.”
She widened her eyes. “I’m nervous, but I’ll come to the meeting. And I definitely want to make sure that there are no more traitors around you. If I sniff them out, then they’re dead.”
“No, mysh. You just let me know. I will kill them. You’re pregnant.”
She frowned. “That’s right. I’m being careful right now.”
“You are. In fact, we will hold the meeting in our bedroom, so you don’t have to leave the bed.”
She smirked. “Not funny.”
“That wasn’t a joke.”
“Kaz, you better not have a bunch of people standing around me as I lay in bed.”
“Why not?”
“I can walk.”
“One doesn’t walk unless they have to.”
“Like I said, you better not have a bunch of people in our bedroom.”
“Is that a threat, mysh?”
She grinned. “It is.”
“I want you to be careful.”
“I haven’t done anything wild or crazy. In Prague, I followed the rules and didn’t explore any of the secret passageways.”
The limo came to a stop in front of the house.
Harlem chose that time to wake up.
I opened the door, left the limo, and guided us out. “Mysh, I have a surprise for you.”
“Really?” She scanned the grounds. Excitement flashed in her eyes. “Another puppy?”
I scowled. “Absolutely not. Harlem causes enough trouble.”
“Oh, don’t say that. He has been amazing.” She set him down on the ground. “I’ve never had a pet before. I actually didn’t think I would enjoy it, but. . .I feel like Harlem’s kind of getting me ready for the baby.”
“Hmmm.” I guided her along the side of the house, happy that Boris and Max hadn’t arrived yet. Only my security followed.
Harlem trotted along the property as if he owned it.
Emily looked up at me. “What’s the surprise?”
“Something I commissioned before we left for Prague.” I squeezed her hand. “Please, close your eyes.”
“Oh, God. I wonder what this will be.”
“Don’t worry. We discussed it.” I guided my mouse closer to her building. “I hope you’re fine with the fact that I did this alone.”
“Anything to keep you busy is a good thing.”
“You mean anything to stop me from bombing?”
“That too.”
A few minutes later, I stopped us in front of the spot I wanted her to see. My heart warmed as I took in the sight.
He followed the instructions. Good. I like it, but what will she think?
My body tensed as I gazed at the surprise. “Open your eyes, msyh.”
She did, took in the view, and gasped. “Kaz. . .”
A large elaborate fountain stood in front of us. It had been formed and molded with many materials—stone, fiberglass, ceramic and metal.
One angel hovered in the center. Water arched from her feet. Large wings expanded from her back. She held a baby in her arms as if getting ready to fly off and take the little bundle to heaven. High above the angel, three pairs of hands stuck out from heavy clouds.
Gold cursive letters covered the fountain’s edge. The words were in both English and Russian. They said, “Rest in peace, little one. We will always miss and think of you.”
Forever, our baby’s memorial would be between Emily’s building and my house. And never would we forget about the first twin.
But what does she think?
Tension thickened in my shoulders. I checked her reaction.
Emily’s eyes watered.
I cleared my throat and pointed at the hands. “Maxwell warned me about the clouds and hands. He thought I should take them out. . .but. . .I wanted to remember that my mother, father, and X are with our little girl, loving and looking after her.”
One tear fell down her cheek. “Kaz. . .”
“You can make any changes you want—”
Ending my statement, she hugged me hard, burying her face into my chest.
She likes it.
I wrapped my arms around her waist. “We never gave her a name, but I think she would have liked the fountain.”
Emily’s body trembled.
I tightened my hug. “I love you, mysh.”
Her voice went hoarse. “I love you too, baby.”
With the news of a surviving twin, I didn’t know how she felt about the miscarriage an
ymore. For me, there was still some loss. Everyone was different and mourned in their own way. Some bruises never left, especially the ones within the heart. Hopefully, this small memorial to her, would help us remember our first baby and move on.
She leaned away. More tears streamed down her face. “Kaz, this was so sweet.”
“It wasn’t too much? We didn’t know that you were carrying her, but it still hurt as if we knew. . .as if. . .”
“I understand.”
“And when the other twin is born, we can bring him or her here.”
“Yes. Baba said that it would be important to tell our child.”
I didn’t know how to take in that information. “If Baba told you the gender, don’t tell me.”
She wiped her tears away. “Are you sure?”
“I am. I will be happy regardless.”
She looked back at the fountain and then let out a long breath. “This is amazing. I’m going to spend a lot of time here.”
“Good. I will be here too.”
The other limos drove up to the house.
“Let’s go.” I led Emily away, not wanting to share her with anyone tonight. The rest of the week would be busy with brotherhood politics. For now, I didn’t want any interruptions. I just needed to lay next to my mouse and hold her in my arms.
Harlem barked as if demanding Emily to pick him up.
“Stop your yapping. She’s not carrying you.” I stared at the puppy. “You need some exercise. No fat dogs here.”
Harlem barked at me and then raced off toward the house.
I nodded. “He understands that I’m the alpha.”
“I doubt it.”
“You doubt my power?” I tapped her ass.
She shielded her butt from more assault. “Never mind. I apologize. You’re the king of the jungle.”
“There we go.”
Once we arrived upstairs, we didn’t even turn on the lights. We undressed as if we had an unspoken conversation to be nude this evening. My thick cock hung hard between my legs. I did my best to not pay the naughty length any mind. Any time Emily was around, he yearned to get wet.
We have to give her time.
Yet, that evening, she came to bed without her pajamas. No clothes. No bra cupping those full breasts. No panties covering her lush pussy. Nothing but warm flesh to see, hold, and taste.
The bleeding has stopped. Will she let me have her?
Dirty Passions Page 15
