Chapter 33 Nikolai
NIKOLAI
There were times—while tree branches slapped the car and we rattled over huge roots—that I wasn’t sure we would survive the drive. I did not want it to be Ambrose’s driving that killed us when we’d managed to kill my father and destroy Ivanov’s power.
We made it somehow. He took us to Remington’s family home out in Metairie. That’s where Dante was, and Remington had decided it would be the best place to meet and go over plans.
When we got there, I stayed back with Alina as Lorenzo raced inside to see his brother. Ambrose ushered all of us inside. Landry moved slowly. He was obviously still in pain, but he also seemed reluctant to join us.
“This is family business,” he said when Alina tried to help him up the steps. “I shouldn’t be here.”
“It’s medical business,” Alina said.
Ambrose rolled his eyes at the two of them as we stepped inside.
The Theriots’ home was amazing. I felt like I was in a palace.
It wasn’t like I’d grown up in a small house or without seeing luxury all around me, whether I was allowed to have it or not.
But this home didn’t feel cold like my father’s house or other places I had been with family.
Remington came to greet us. He sent Ambrose and Landry in one direction so Landry could get examined.
“Lorenzo should be seen by the doctor too,” I said.
“I will see to that once we’ve talked. You two can wait in here.” He gestured toward a room designed as an old-fashioned home library with tall shelves, leather-bound volumes, and a rolling ladder.
It was a beautiful room, but I didn’t want to be stuck there while Remington talked to Lorenzo. I knew Lorenzo would tell me what happened in their meeting, but I wanted to hear it firsthand.
Before I could work up the courage to say so, Alina said, “I got access to Ivanov’s cameras, and I killed Dimitri for you. I should be part of the debrief.”
Remington’s eyes widened as he stared at Alina. “You really are a lot of trouble.”
“A lot of help too.”
He made an overly dramatic sigh, then motioned for us to follow him. We entered a bright sunroom with huge windows on three sides. Dante was sitting on the couch with Rafe on one side of him, Lorenzo on the other.
“Tell him he’s supposed to stay in bed,” Lorenzo demanded.
Remington smiled. “I am not here to be a nurse, but I don’t think sitting on a couch is going to kill him at this point.”
“If he pulls out his stitches—”
Dante held up his good hand. “I am not laying in that bed for one more minute. We are going to sit right here, and you’re going to tell me everything that happened.”
“Let’s all have a seat,” Remington said.
I sat on another sofa with Alina. I didn’t want to ask Lorenzo to leave his brother’s side, but I was nervous facing Remington without being next to him. After everything I had been through, I shouldn’t be. I knew that for the most part, he was on my side.
“Do we have any word on Ivanov?” Lorenzo asked.
Remington shook his head. “The fucker is still evading us, but we will get him. He hasn’t got any protection except that which he can hire himself.
The Koslovs have managed to cut off access to most of his accounts, so he’s going to have trouble funding himself in hiding.
” He focused on Alina. “Do you have any idea where he would go?”
“No. The only places he regularly travels are Las Vegas and Miami. There’s nowhere else I can think of that he’s stayed for an extended time, but he wouldn’t mention any secret hideouts in front of me.”
“Do you think he’s left the country?” Lorenzo asked.
“That is what I would do if I were him,” Remington said. “But obviously, he and I don’t think the same way.”
Alina huffed. “I hope not.”
“We have got people watching—good people. If he turns up on anyone’s radar, we will send someone or go in ourselves.”
“I want it to be me,” Alina said.
“I understand, but eliminating the threat is the most important thing.”
She blew out a breath and nodded. “I know.”
I reached over and took her hand. Lorenzo’s gaze went straight to where our intertwined fingers lay on her thigh. I rolled my eyes at him. No way was he jealous of her.
“Lorenzo, do you have a problem?” Remington asked.
“No. Well, yes. A lot of them. Ivanov being on the loose is the main one. But I also need you to know that Niko is staying here with me.”
I froze. Was now really the time to bring this up?
It was Alina’s turn to squeeze my hand in comfort. My heart was beating so hard I could feel my pulse in my ears.
Remington glared at Lorenzo. “You think you can make this decision on your own, after I told you what the plan was?”
“You said Niko would start over somewhere once Dimitri and Ivanov were eliminated. Ivanov is out there somewhere. Niko is staying with me.”
“And when we catch Ivanov—”
“If.”
“We are going to get the man. He is going to fuck up. His twisted needs will see to that eventually. Once Ivanov is eliminated, we’ll have another discussion.”
“Lorenzo—”
Without even thinking, without fear holding me back, I said, “I don’t want to leave. I should be part of this conversation.”
“And you should get a say in this, why?”
Lorenzo spoke before I could. “Because I am in love with him, and he is mine.”
Remington’s eyes widened, and he looked at me, noting Lorenzo’s watch still on my arm. “And you? You feel the same way?”
“Yes. I don’t ever want to leave Lorenzo.”
Remington sighed. “Why does love keep derailing our plans?”
“You got together with Henri before any of the rest of us found someone,” Lorenzo said.
“Yes, but that is—”
“It is no different.”
Remington huffed.
Alina spoke next. “I want to stay too, and I want to help with the search for my father.”
“You would be a lot safer if we sent you somewhere else.”
“If my father can find me here, he can find me anywhere. I can help you. I have proven that today.”
“Don’t you want to have some kind of regular life?” Lorenzo asked.
Alina shook her head. “What I want is revenge. Once I get that, I want to go to college and get a degree in computer science. After that… I don’t know. I have money hidden away. Probably not enough, but I’ll see.”
Lorenzo gave a pointed look at Remington. He sighed. “We have plenty of money. We’ll help you pay for school if you help us with your computer skills.”
She smiled. “It is a deal.”
“I would like to go to school as well,” I said.
Lorenzo smiled. “We’ll work that out.”
Rafe shifted, accidentally bumping into Dante’s shoulder, and Dante sucked in his breath. I studied him and realized he did not look good.
“That’s it. You’re going to bed,” Lorenzo orders.
Dante glared at Rafe, and Rafe held up his hands. “I’m sorry. I just had a cramp.”
“I want you in my office.” Remington pointed to Rafe. “Believe it or not, he is actually pretty damn useful.”
Lorenzo grinned. “It‘s about time. I’ll get Dante settled. Are we staying here tonight?”
Remington nodded. “You’ve probably got a concussion. Landry assuredly does, and Dante shouldn’t be moved yet. We’re going to lay low right here.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
“Alina, there is a room set up for you. Our housekeeper will show you there.” Remington motioned for Rafe to follow him.
Lorenzo and I were helping Dante when the housekeeper came in.
“Are you going to be okay?” Niko asked Alina.
“I’m fine. Really. You two need some time together once you get this one settled.”
We did. We really did.