Chapter 46
CHAPTER 46
R ussian Friends
Symphony
Two weeks later …
“Are you okay?” Michael asks as he walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
We are in Russia. We’ve just finished assisting Uri and Val in an extraction. A small child.
The girl is only four. I cannot imagine how scared she must have been. When I looked at the girl’s face, I thought of Vita.
My niece and nephews have come to mean so much to me. I would wipe out Vita’s kidnapper and his entire family if something like this were ever to happen to her. Uri and Val wouldn’t even have to ask.
“What if that were Vita? I can’t get her face out of my head. I remember how frightened I was when you rescued me. She’s so much smaller than I was.”
“No one is crazy enough to try something like that with Uri’s daughter,” Michael says through clenched teeth.
“Isn’t her father some Russian mob boss? Someone dared to take her.”
“Not someone. This was Misha’s own family. They’re”—he shakes his head—“they are all crazy enough to have a death wish in doing this. I am sure he has already murdered at least one person for this.”
“Why would someone do this to their own family?”
“I have kept you hidden from your uncle for years.”
“That’s not the same. Leonardo Trovati isn’t my blood. I am no more important to him than a piece of pooh on the bottom of his shoe.”
“People are complicated and will go to extremes when power and greed are involved. It will take some time, but Milanie will be fine, just like you were,” Michael says softly.
“I don’t like what this world does to children. I would never want our children to have to go through something like we have. Losing our parents, being kidnapped?—”
Before I can finish my thought, Michael spins me around and crushes his lips to mine. I’m taken by surprise as he kisses me passionately. I wrap my arms around his neck and return the kiss.
He breaks the connection and looks me deeply in the eyes. I cling to the front of his shirt as he has made me weak in the knees. He smiles back at me and cups the side of my face.
“You would like to have children? You want to have babies?”
“Yes. Is it something you don’t want? Not with me?”
“Of course I want them with you. You are my wife.”
“Why did you sound so surprised?”
I search his gaze, wondering what I am reading in his voice. Disappointment begins to set in. This is something adults get to talk about before they get married. We weren’t afforded that luxury or opportunity, and Michael may not want to pair his genes with mine.
“You are a dancer. You have never mentioned wanting to start a family of our own. I never thought to ask.
“We haven’t been using protection, but I didn’t think to ask. Yes, Symphony. I would like a family of our own.”
“I would like to be a mother. I only have a few more years left of my dance career. I would be okay if I had to retire sooner.
“I am on birth control for now. I can discontinue whenever you think we are ready. I very much would like to have babies with you. Please.”
He captures my lips again. This time more passionately. I moan into his mouth and lift on my toes to get closer to him.
“We are about to enter a war. It might not be time to start now, but we will revisit this. For now, practice always makes perfect,” he says against my lips while squeezing my butt.
“Shouldn’t we check on Val? We should see if she needs help with Milanie.”
“I’ve just come from their room. Milanie is fine. She’s fast asleep and I believe my brother and his wife are about to do the same thing we are. Come to bed, Symphony. We have done our part,” he croons as he tugs my hand for me to follow him.
Michael
If Misha Krupin decides he doesn’t want his own family’s blood on his hands, I’ll be happy to erase them all before we head back to America. I’d return to do the job if I had to. What they have done is unforgivable.
When Uri asked for me and Sim to join him and Val on this trip, I did so without question. Once I found out what we were needed here for, my blood began to boil. I was more than happy to be here to help.
Once again, I learned firsthand that Sim and I are a well-oiled machine together. We entered that hotel and cleared it as if we were breathing one breath. I knew then we were made to do this life together.
However, when Sim said she wanted to have a family, I began to think about how much I wanted that too. There is a lot of work I will need to do to make sure my children never have a life like the one I did. I’m ready for that.
“What are you thinking about?” Sim yawns.
“You really have never driven a car?” I say, not wanting to tell her all the thoughts I’m having about murdering people and starting a family.
Two things that shouldn’t be thought of in the same cycle of thoughts. We’ve just finished making love for hours. I want to keep the serene vibe we have going.
“No, Michael. I haven’t. You have provided me with a driver since I was fourteen. Adriano has never allowed me to go anywhere alone. I’ve never had the opportunity to learn to drive, although I would love to.”
I begin to work my jaw. Adriano hasn’t returned to Italy. He has been in our home working as one of the family guards. I haven’t told Uri I want him sent back yet.
Symphony seems to be attached to him. While I don’t like it, I am grateful to him for being there for her. I want to send him away without her being pissed off at me. I just haven’t figured out how yet.
“We will have to change that. I will give you your first lessons when we return home,” I murmur and kiss the top of her head.
“Thank you. I am most excited to go home now.”
I chuckle. “The company will begin rehearsals soon, won’t it?”
“Yes, I’m excited to start with them. New York has some of the best companies. I didn’t think I would make one.”
“I knew you would. They would have to be crazy not to extend an invitation to you.”
She releases a sweet giggle. “You do know that I am aware that you and your friends pulled strings.”
I roll her onto her back and begin to kiss my way down her body. She is right. LaSalle called in a few favors for her to get an audition, but her name spoke for itself. She earned the job.
“I have no idea what you mean,” I croon against her silky-smooth skin as I make my way down to her sweet pussy.
“Yes, you do,” she pants as I settle between her legs.
“No, baby. I don’t.”
I begin to feast on her and all else is forgotten as she begins to ride my face. I devour her until she comes in my mouth and then I take her body once more. We get lost in each other until she’s fast asleep in my arms and I’m lost in my thoughts again.
***
“Hello,” I whisper into the phone as I leave from the bedroom where Sim is fast asleep.
“Hey, Michael. How are you?”
“Julissa?”
“Yes, why do you sound so surprised?” she snickers.
“I wasn’t sure I’d hear from you again after our last conversation.”
“I’m sorry about that. I wanted to check in and see how you are doing.”
“I’m fine. I’m great actually. Everything has changed.”
“You sound happy. Did … did you and your wife talk things out?”
“We did. This is probably the last time you and I will talk.”
“Oh,” she says, sounding surprised. “Um, I’m happy for you. I’m glad things worked out. She’s very lucky to have you.”
“I’m sorry I dragged you into this?—”
“No, don’t you apologize. You were the only one who was truly kind to me. You were honest with me.
“I knew you loved someone else. I knew you were married. You also told me how much she meant to you and why we couldn’t be more.
“I had hoped … It doesn’t matter. Thank you, Michael. I will respect your wife and your marriage,” she says with a shaky voice.
“Julissa, I’m so very sorry. I thought … I didn’t know we could work things out. I always knew if I could, I would.”
“No, Michael, you don’t owe me anything. I saw how much you love her from the moment you told me about her. I’m glad I could be there when you needed a friend.”
“Thank you. I … if you ever need me. You know, if your life is in danger, call me. However, I do love my wife, and I know speaking to you will upset her, so I’m going to go.”
“Goodbye, Michael.”
“Goodbye.”
I hang up, but not before I catch her sobs on the other end. I feel like shit. I did care for her.
However, I’m crazy about my wife. I love Symphony in a way I could never explain. Maybe someday Julissa will find what she’s looking for in someone who can return her feelings.