Chapter 33
SLADE
“Keep your eyes on every airport in or near St. Petersburg, even the surrounding countries,” I say to Niko.
He reported that he saw Georgino at an airport in New Jersey and I have a feeling he is headed for Russia.
How did he find out we were in Russia? No clue.
I made sure Isabella’s phone didn’t have a tracker or anything while she was sleeping and he doesn’t know shit about me, or at least I don’t think he does.
“Of course, sir,” Niko nods before leaving me and Ryker alone in the office.
“You sure are doing a lot for this girl.”
“She’s nice to have around.” I shrug.
Ryker is sitting in the chair behind the desk, watching me while I’m standing next to the window, trying not to break shit apart in this room.
I woke up this morning with my arms wrapped around Isabella.
It was the first time I was able to have a good night's sleep since we got here. After we were done in the tub, I carried her to the bed and fucked her with her head shoved into the pillows.
After talking to her last night about my father, I needed a way to get everything I was feeling out.
I haven’t gone on a mission or killed anyone since we left for New York so I’m on edge.
And not snorting any cocaine doesn’t help either.
I had to stop with the lines because I know that if Isabella didn’t like the fact that I kill people, she would hate to know that I do or have done drugs.
“Are you having withdraws or something?” Ryker asks, raising an eyebrow at me.
Yeah I’m having fucking withdraws.
Withdraws from a girl with vanilla, rose scented perfume and a long wavy hair that I love tangling my fingers through.
I narrow my eyes on him. “No I’m not having fucking withdraws. I’m fine.”
“Then stop stressing out. For a girl you just like having around, you sure are doing a lot. It seems like you feel more for her. I mean come on, you’re marrying her on Friday after knowing her for what? Three or four months?”
I shake my head at him. “You won’t get it, Ryker.”
Ryker has lived through his twenties basically. He should be the one who has to settle down, but of course my dad knew I had trouble with women and that’s why he decided my required task would be to marry someone and have a kid.
Last time I saw Ryker with a girl was a few years ago when he came back home high as fuck from a party. A girl tucked under his arm as he swayed and she laughed.
He usually keeps his relationships private because overall he is a pretty private person. He talks to Landon more than me.
I just stick to myself and mind my business.
“You’re only twenty-one and you want to marry this girl? I just don’t get it,” he says.
“I can’t explain what I feel for her. And I’m not going to try with you, so drop it.”
Ryker stands up, fixing his shirt. “The girl doesn’t want to be here. You should let her go and live her life. Don’t stick her into your messes, Slade. Look at what happened to Landon.”
I roll my eyes. “Landon’s fine. Trust me, whatever he’s got going on with his girl, it’ll die down.”
“Okay but you’re not like Landon. He’s more level headed while you don’t even think 100% straight half the time.
” Ryker walks around the desk and up to me.
He puts his hand on my shoulder and I keep my eyes on him.
“I worry about you. I don’t want you to marry this poor girl and end up killing her just because she’s pissing you off or wants a normal life. She isn’t made for a world like ours.”
I glare at him. “Well then she’ll get used to it.”
Ryker sighs, disappointed, shaking his head lightly. “Whatever Slade. You do you.”
A line wouldn’t hurt at the moment.
“Well, we shouldn’t be late for family dinner,” Ryker says.
I rush out of the office, not waiting for him.
Ryker doesn’t know me.
He doesn’t know what I’ve been through or my current struggles.
So fuck him and his advice.
The only person who overpowers my dad’s voice in my head is Isabella and I’m not letting her go.
I walk down the hallway and go into the dining room, since dinner is starting.
My mom told us that we’d be having dinner together tonight as a family. She wants Ryker and I to take a break from work and join them for dinner because we haven’t had a proper family dinner in a while.
My mom is sitting at one end of the table while Angel and her boyfriend, Dimitri, are on one side of her. Isabella is across from them with an open chair next to her, probably for me.
“Oh, malysh. You’re here. Where is your brother?”
“He’s coming now, mom.” I kiss her head and then take my seat next to Isabella. I slide my hand onto her thigh. “How was your day?”
She shrugs. “It was fine. I mostly spent it in the room reading.”
I know she’s still trying to get used to all of this and it will take some time but I’m positive she’ll be okay.
This morning, I left her in bed after kissing her forehead. The only other time I saw her today was around lunch when I went to check in on her and see how she was doing.
My mom is spending a lot of time with her, ensuring she is comfortable. She’s the best, always making sure her guests are treated well and cared for.
“Are you sure you’re doing okay?” I throw my arm over her shoulder and rub her softly.
“I’m doing the best I can, Slade.” She gives me a forced smile.
I nod, knowing that’s all I’m going to get out of her.
Ryker strides in and sits at the other end of the table. “Let’s eat, da? I’m fucking starving.” Workers come in with food and they put it on our plates. While they serve us, my brother decides to use his big fucking mouth and say, “So, Isabella, what are your thoughts on the wedding?”
Isabella and Ryker didn’t really speak when she first came here because I was too busy having Ryker help me with the mess with Georgino.
“Um, there isn’t much to talk about. The dress is beautiful.”
“Oh wait until you see it, Slade. You’re going to fall in love,” my mom says with a bright smile, always trying to make the tension disappear.
I feel like I’m already falling and I don’t want to.
It’s scary to fall.
I’ve never been afraid of heights but this is a different kind of a fall.
One where you have no clue what the outcome will be or if someone is going to be there to catch you and help you up.
I smile at Isabella. “I’ll marry her even if she wears a trash bag.”
My eyes go to Ryker and I see him silently judging as my mom talks to Isabella. Angel is just in her own world, ignoring everyone but her boyfriend.
“How did you two meet?” Ryker asks, challenging me.
“She was about to get killed and I saved her,” I say in a stoic tone, not giving much information away.
“A hero, my brother.”
I glare at him. “Do you have something to say?”
“Mal'chiki,” my mom sings. “Not in front of Isabella. We want her to feel welcomed here. Ryker, mind your own business and stop worrying about your brother.”
Ryker chuckles. “I’m just curious is all.” Ryker looks at Isabella and all I want to do is stab him in the fucking eye. “My apologies, Isabella. This is the first time any of us has seen Slade with a girl so we’re all a little shocked.”
Isabella gives him a fake smile and shakes her head lightly. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
I run my hand up and down Isabella’s thigh and she gives me a soft smile before I continue glaring back at Ryker.
I’m warning Ryker to stay out of it.
When it comes to Isabella I don’t want anyone getting involved.
And if Ryker keeps fucking with me, not even us being blood will save him from what I have planned.