Chapter 17
Seventeen
Aria
I tap my crimson red nails impatiently against the mahogany desk, my heels clicking on the cold, bland floor. “I need a PET scan scheduled for my patient, Corey Wilkinson, in two weeks,” I tell my patient coordinator, Alicia.
Alicia pulls up her tablet and scrolls through it. “Of course, Aria. His mother is eager for the results. She’s really worried about her little boy.”
I nod, my jaw tightening. “I understand. See if you can get it scheduled early in the day. I might get the results from it sooner and be able to relay the news.”
She nods frantically, tapping away. “It’s all set. I’ll make sure his mother knows it’s scheduled and relay any other information.”
I flash her a genuine smile. “Thanks, Alicia. I really appreciate it.”
Alicia shoots me a soft smile before our conversation turns somber. “I’m so sorry to hear about Haley. I know you did all you could for her.”
Haley Larson, a little girl I’ve been trying to save for the last year. Over the night she passed away. I would eat myself alive in my early years, but now I know I can’t save them all…even if I want to.
Turning on my heel, I stride over to my office and head inside.
I check my emails, send a few last minute messages and father up all my things.
Still, the weight of my patients’ fragile health battles always remain heavy on my conscience.
At the end of the day, I know I’m their last hope and that’s a heavy weight to bear.
I just want to do all I can to make sure they make it as far as they can.
My phone buzzes, and I glance down to see a text from Maxim.
Dinner at 8?
I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. Just seeing his name pop up on my phone sends a thrill through me.
I chuckle to myself and type him back.
Sorry, can’t. Have dinner with mom tonight in a bit.
He doesn’t waste any time texting me back.
Fuck, I forgot about that. Have fun and I’ll see you when you get home.
I reply back as I throw my purse over my shoulder.
Sounds good, see you later.
I quickly change into a simple black dress before I get ready to leave. Stepping out of my office, I offer a final wave to Alicia before making my way down the long hallway, the overhead fluorescent lights casting an eerie pallor over the polished hospital floors.
At the end of the corridor, I push open the heavy exit door, leaving behind the sharp scent of disinfectant for the crisp evening air.
Andrei is waiting for me in a sleek black town car, its windows tinted so dark that it’s impossible to see inside. He steps out as he spots me, his suit impeccably tailored to his muscular form. His jaw is sharply chiseled, his eyes as cold as ice. The perfect picture of a mafia bodyguard.
“Aria,” he greets, holding open the car door for me as I approach.
His tone is respectful but impersonal, a reflection of our strictly professional relationship.
He’s Maxim’s right-hand man, the one he trusts most in this world to keep me safe, and I’m no fool to realize that he’s been spending a lot of time watching over me since the shooting.
Sometimes, he’s even sitting outside of my office on the chairs in the hallway.
It was working fine at first, but eventually some of the hospital administrators began asking questions about who he was.
I couldn’t tell them the truth for obvious reasons, so I explained he’s a security guard that works for my husband.
All they know is that my husband is well off and has some enemies because of his business.
I was basically told he could be on the property, but he can’t be posted outside of my office every single day. So, Andrei came up with a random schedule on where he’d be and when, and I check in every half an hour with him if he doesn’t have eyes on me. It’s a win-win for the both of us.
I slide into the backseat, my heels sinking into plush carpeting. The interior smells like a mix of old-fashioned cigars and Maxim’s pungent cologne.
The mere scent immediately makes me think about him. Our relationship has been tumultuous, to say the least, but there’s an undeniable magnetism between us.
I tap my nails against the door handle, knowing I’ll see him in a couple of hours. But first, I have dinner with my mother and I can’t wait to see her. We haven’t had a night out in a bit and it’s long overdue.
The drive to the restaurant is a blur, my anticipation growing with every block we pass. When the car finally pulls up to the valet, I step out, my black dress glued to me like a second skin. The hostess greets me with a warm smile, leading me deeper into the dimly lit restaurant.
And there she is—my mother, already seated at a cozy table in the corner. Her eyes light up when she sees me, and she rises to pull me into a tight embrace. “Aria, darling, I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.” she murmurs.
I squeeze her back, the familiar scent of her floral perfume comforting me. “Hi, Mom. It’s so good to see you.” I slide into the booth across from her, my gaze sweeping over the elegant, yet inviting space.
“I ordered you a margarita. I know how much you love them. Plus, I figured you might want one after a long day at work. Mango okay?” she says with a wink.
I chuckle, “Yes, you know me so well.”
My mother leans back in her chair, her expression softening. “So, how are things with Maxim? I can’t help but think you being so quiet has something to do with him.”
It’s true, I haven’t been texting or calling her as much as normal, but it’s only because I’ve been so overwhelmed with everything going on.
My mother’s words sort of throw me for a loop. How quiet have I been? Has it been so bad? I debate this over in my mind carefully before responding. “Things with Maxim are...they’re going surprisingly well, actually.”
Our waitress comes over with my margarita and a drink for my mother. We halt the conversation going on between us and put in an order for an upscale version of loaded nachos.
My mother raises her brows, “Well, huh?”
I trace the rim of my glass, a small smile playing on my lips. “Yeah, things are going really well.”
She raises a perfectly groomed brow, leaning forward with genuine interest. “I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first given this was all your father’s doing.
But the way you talk about him now, it’s clear he’s won you over.
Not only that, but he can’t be as horrible as your father if you’re smiling the way you are. ”
I nod, my gaze drifting to the flickering candle on the table.
“I’ll be honest with you, I hated him when we first met.
I don’t know if it was just him, or if I hated him because of what Dad was making me do.
Don’t get me wrong, Maxim was arrogant and controlling, everything I despise.
” I chuckle softly. “But somewhere along the way, he started to...soften. To show me a side of him I never expected.”
My mother reaches across the table, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m so glad to hear that, darling. You deserve someone who will treat you right, who will protect you.” Her eyes grow serious. “Especially after what happened at your wedding. Do you have any updates on that?”
The memory makes my blood run cold, but I force myself to meet her gaze. “Dmitri and my father think it’s Maxim’s ex, or her family.”
My mother takes a sip of her drink and raises her brows. “Dmitri? Is he helping you with this?”
I give her a curt nod. “Yeah, and honestly I’m glad.
I trust him so much more than father. Dmitri…
he’s the only sibling on that side who I feel like actually gives a damn about me, you know?
Lev and Konstantin aren’t bad or anything, but Dmitri’s taken the time to get to know me, or at least respect me. ”
My mother nods, “He was always a kind boy.” There’s a hint of sadness in her voice.
I reach out and grab her hand. “Hey, is everything okay?”
She forces a soft smile. “Yes, I just can’t stand Tatiana, or the shit she put those boys through. I know I’m no angel. I mean, I fell for a married man. But, I was young and stupid. Tatiana on the other hand, she’s always been so callous and cruel. I can’t believe the things she did to them.”
I furrow my brows, not quite following along. “I don’t understand. You’re acting like something happened?”
She licks her lips and sighs, “Something did. Your father was away on business and she had the boys sent away. You were a child, so I never told you about it, but she sent them to some sort of horrible camp. They were beaten, abused, and Tatiana told your father it was to humble them so they knew her word was law when he wasn’t around. ”
I take a sip of my margarita and process what she’s just told me. “I know she’s a horrible woman, but to do something like that to her own children is insane.”
Mom nods, “I know. I can’t believe your father didn’t kill her.”
“Yeah, I don’t get why they’re still together.
It seems to me like she’s only a pain in the ass.
She’s cruel, sadistic…I guess in a way she’s like him.
” The moment I say it a flashback of my father’s hand flying toward my face hits me.
“He hit me the other day and Maxim made him pay for it.” I look right into my mother’s eyes.
A different waitress comes back over with our loaded nachos and asks if we’re ready to order. I honestly haven’t even taken a second to look over the menu, so I order chicken pineapple fajitas and a burrito to-go so I can bring Maxim a doggy bag home.
Once the waitress is gone, Mom speaks up. “Why the hell did your father hit you?”
I roll my eyes, unable to believe my father’s reasoning for it. “I got disrespectful, and until Tatiana pointed it out, it wasn’t that big of a deal.”
Mom scoffs, “Of course it fucking wasn’t. I’m tired of playing the nice guy. Lord help her the next time I see her.”
I pick up a chip and shove it in my mouth. “I’m sure she’s traumatized from what Maxim did. She was right there and witnessed the entire thing.”
Mom smiles and a sinister glint covers her eye. “Good, I’m glad. It’s some karma coming back to bite her in the ass. Hopefully your father learned his lesson, too.”
“Yeah, well, Maxim made sure he’ll never be putting his hands on me ever again. If he does, I’m sure he’ll lose his other hand.”
She nods, a small smirk playing on her lips. “Good. He needed to be put in his place. It was long overdue.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.
“This might sound crazy, but I’m just so relieved I married Maxim.
It’s refreshing to have someone in my life who truly has my best interests at heart.
When we were first matched I didn’t think any of this could be possible, and look at the great relationship we’re having right now. ”
My mother’s expression softens, and she reaches across the table to give my hand another squeeze.
“I can see it, Aria. The way you talk about him, the way your entire demeanor has changed—Maxim is exactly the kind of man you need. I think he’s good for you, and he’s obviously making you happy.
Maybe, you can embrace your bloodline now instead of being angry about it.
You’re a Zuyev, which means you have a place in the Bratva, and I know you’ve hated it since you were a child.
Just…embrace it now. Feel your power. After all, you’re going to be the Bratva queen at some point. ”
As much as I never wanted to accept that fact, it’s the truth. “I know, and honestly my perspective is changing.”
My mother’s eyes gleam with a knowing smile. “And I must say, he is quite easy on the eyes as well.”
I feel a flush rise to my cheeks as I let out a soft laugh. “That he is. I’ll admit, I was put off by his arrogance at first. But the way he’s worked to win me over...” I trail off, shaking my head in disbelief.
“Ah, yes, the infamous charm.” My mother leans back in the booth, taking a sip of her drink. “I always did think you needed a man with a firm hand to tame that fiery spirit of yours.”
I quirk an eyebrow at her. “Whoa, no one can tame my fiery spirit. And you really think Maxim is the one who’s going to do that?”
She nods decisively. “Without a doubt. The way he so swiftly dealt with your father’s transgressions? That’s the kind of protection I want for my little girl.”
A small shiver runs down my spine at her words. “When he told me that, I didn’t know what to think. But now, I can’t deny I feel safer knowing Maxim will go to such great lengths to protect me.”
My mother reaches across the table, her fingers brushing mine. “Then he’s exactly the kind of man you need, Aria. Someone who will stop at nothing to keep you safe.”
I would never have agreed with her in the beginning, but I do now.
Maxim is the man for me, even if I didn’t want to believe it at first.