Chapter 1 #2
"Yes, I am." Dimitri responded calmly. "I cannot apologize for my delivery, because it will not be accepted.
I have to do what I think is best for me.
" He waved a hand at his sister-in-law. "You have a family and the company.
I have nothing." He closed a fist over where his heart was beating unsteadily.
"There's a hollow here that cannot be filled. "
"You think going to America is going to fill that space?"
A smile curved his lips. "Perhaps not. Perhaps leaving here would be the biggest mistake I've ever made, or perhaps it will be my salvation. I just know that I have to take that step." He turned to stare at his brother. "I'm hoping you understand."
The anger deserted Alexei. Love for his sibling was strong and durable. Part of his reluctance was that he would miss Dimitri. They shared everything, but he could see his brother's point of view.
"I do not want you to go."
"I know." A quick devastating smile flashed across his face. "I'll miss you too." His eyes swung to the silent woman watching the interchange. "Keep him in line, will you?"
Pushing back her chair, Anastasia crossed the room and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I'll try my best." She kissed his cheeks and then his lips, her expression one of love. "And keep out of trouble. Your nephew needs you."
His eyes clouded as he thought of the little boy. "I'll call frequently." He rubbed her back fondly. "And if you decide to leave him." He jerked his head towards his brother. "Just say the word and I'll be on the next plane home."
Watching the glower on his brother's face, he laughed and kissed Anastasia on the lips.
*****
Allison slipped out of her boots and padded towards the kitchen in her stockinged feet.
She hated the damn cold, and she also hated losing.
And that was what had happened. She had lost. Her argument in front of the judge had been impassioned but had lacked conviction.
The boy, Michael Williams, was going to a juvenile facility, where he "would pay for his crime and come to realize the full meaning of what it was to be a better person.
" The judge actually uttered those words out of her foul mouth.
Changing directions, she went to the cooler instead and grabbed a bottle at random. It wasn't until she had twisted the cork, she saw the name. Costa Regal Riche. An excellent blend, she thought cynically as she poured the wine.
Plopping down on a stool around the granite counter, she nursed the glass and allowed her self-pity full flight.
As well as indulging in "what ifs." She should have been better prepared.
Gathered enough evidence to prove that the boy who was just fourteen was misguided.
He had been brought up into the system. He never knew father or mother, had been bullied and was a classic case of misspent youth.
Taking a sip of the wine, she stared out the window moodily.
It had snowed earlier, and she could see the powdery substance dripping from the leaves of her evergreen that badly needed trimming.
Her job was consuming, leaving her next to no time for housework.
She hired someone to come in twice a week but grudgingly realized it was not enough.
She should make it three or four times a week.
She had laundry piling up and the place was a damn mess.
But she could not think of that now. She was going to have to find a way to get the sentence appealed or at the most, reduced.
Taking a sip of the wine, she closed her eyes wearily.
She also admitted to herself that she had been thinking of Michael more than ever.
She missed him. Oh, how she missed talking to him, hearing his sharp wit and clever advice.
The slow smile that crinkled his light blue eyes. Taking a shaky breath, she blinked back tears. She was going to have to put it aside. She was keeping his memories alive by thinking about him. But how could she not? Especially now.
She had tried going out on dates, but they all fell short. No one came close to the man she had loved for years. And yet, she had shied away from committing fully, telling herself that she had time. Convincing him that they should keep things simple. Now she was here wallowing in grief and regret.
Shaking her head, she finished the wine and went to put away the glass. She was not one for self-pity and was certainly not going to start now.
*****
Dimitri knew just where to find him. Ivanov Petrov was very predictable when he was moody. The door to his study was shut tight but not locked. Hesitating only a fraction, he twisted the ornate knob and pushed it open.
His father was seated behind the massive baronial desk, a drink in his hand and papers strewn all around him.
Petrov Industries was a vast company with arms all over the world.
They made some of the best whiskeys and hand-tooled cigars.
Their petroleum and gasoline were clean and environmentally friendly.
They had just recently ventured into kippers, caviars and fertilizers.
"I believe we've exhausted the topic, and I have work to do." He said all of that without looking up from the thick dossier he was perusing.
"Then you'll have no problem listening."
Dimitri stood his ground, when his gaze shot up, the surprise at his response, quickly masked. Leaning back, his father eyed him for a few minutes in silence, one that stretched Dimitri's nerves to almost breaking point.
Taking a deep breath, he plunged on. "I'm an adult and I need to find my own way.
Alexei is excellent at sitting in an office and making decisions.
That's not my strong point. I am a glorified accountant.
" He waved a hand in disgust. "I'm very good at figures, but you have no need for another CFO. You have an excellent team."
He walked further into the room, absently eyeing the stack of books behind his father's desk.
The Russian skyline was clearly outlined, the rosy tint indicating they were in for more snow.
It was natural at this time of year for them to be inundated.
Their winter was usually long and drawn out as well as icy.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his superbly cut black trousers, he rocked back on his heels and turned to face his father. "You never talk about her."
Ivanov's mouth tightened ominously. "You would do well to leave the topic alone."
"She was my mother, and I cannot just shove her from my mind."
One thick brow shot up. "You believe that's what I'm doing?"
"I think you're not allowing yourself to grieve."
For an instant, there was pain, stark and vivid on the swarthy face.
Dimitri was about to apologize when he responded.
"You have always been sheltered and show a marked lack of interest in the company.
You enjoyed the privileges but refuse to sit down and do the job.
" He flicked a hand in dismissal. "Go to America and try and be a farmer.
When you've failed in that venture, I hope you'll have the good sense to return home where you belong. "
With that, he pushed forward and picked up the contract, the gesture one of dismissal. Dimitri stood there for a minute, fighting anger and frustration, before turning on his heels and walking out.
*****
"Won't you come to bed?"
Alexei turned to look at her, a smile softening his features.
"Did you perhaps don that scrap of material disguised as a nightgown to allure your very weak and vulnerable husband?"
"Never weak, my love." Stretching out a slender hand, she waited for him to come to her. Shaking off his worry, he climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her close.
"They are both lonely and incredibly stubborn." He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "Neither refuses to budge. I feel as if I'm caught in the middle of a cold war."
"Your father can be a very inflexible man."
Resting his chin on top of her head, he thanked whatever fate had sent Anastasia to him. She was his rock and was a shoulder to lean on. As the heir to the Petrov fortune, he shouldered a lot, so much so that it felt as if the weight of it all was crushing him.
Dimitri was never one to take on the responsibilities and as a second son, he was not required to give his all. Alexei was. Normally, he did not mind, but sometimes it was taxing. And with his brother leaving, there wouldn't be the usual daily conversations.
Dimitri might not come into the office on a daily basis, but his contributions were well met and implemented. His brother was brilliant with figures and had a sharp mind, a very sharp mind. He was a genius, which Alexei suspected was the reason for his restless energy.
"Mother's death has left a hole, a space that cannot be filled." He murmured it softly, absently kissing the top of his wife's head.
Lifting her head, she stroked his cheek, her fingers gentle. "She was a lovely woman, inside and out. I often wondered if you compare me to her and find me lacking."
He gave her a startled look, a slight frown touching his brow.
And took his time to respond. He had often wondered the same thing.
"She was gentle and kind but being the only woman in the household of three strong men, she had to be even stronger.
" A smile touched his lips. "And yes, you remind me of her. In more ways than one."
He touched his lips to hers, the kiss taking on a different tone when she moved into him.
*****
Sleep was as elusive as peace of mind that night and Dimitri found himself sitting on the edge of his king-sized bed, just staring at the flames flickering inside the hearth. He had trouble sleeping at nights and had resorted to taking sleep aids, something he did not particularly care for.
Pushing to his feet, he wandered over to the massive hearth and stood there staring into the flames. He was convinced that it was the right decision. Going away would give him a new perspective.
His father expected him to fail, but that was fine with him.
His mouth twisted cynically. His grandparents had expressed their joy at having him in their home and could not wait for him to arrive.
Perhaps there, he would be free to grieve his mother freely without feeling the guilt associated with it.