Her Volkovs #Book 3 novel Chapter 38

Belle's POV

"Madame?" Yuri asked when he noticed my silent sobs. I'm trying to face the opposite direction to hide my tears from him but the man is quite persistent. He sat beside me in bed, enveloped his arms around my waist and softly pulled me toward him. He then held my chin to make me face him.

"The Boss is heading back to the hotel as we speak." He continued gently. Using is other hand, he took a hanky from his chest pocket and wipes it on my face.

This man is really sweet. Well, all of Nikolai's men I guess. They are frightening to say the least, given that they are mobsters but there's a side of them that people dont get to see. They are affectionate and gentle. And they care a lot, especially when it comes to the Mafia, our family.

"Yuri. I'm fine, you don't have to do this."

It's as if he did not hear me, he just continues wiping my face.

Seconds later Nikolai came barging in the room. I was able to gather a tiny amount of strength to get up on my knees and throw myself to him. Nikolai instantly wrapped his arms around my back and pulled me to a tight embrace.

"Nikolai! Where did you go? When I woke up you were gone!"

"Shhh.. I'm here baby. Everything's gonna be okay."

"But where did you go?!"

"You wanted space, so I gave you space even if it was against my damn instincts."

Right. What is wrong with you crazy woman!

Nikolai removed himself from the embrace and cupped my face. He made small kisses on my lips, nose and around my face like he really missed me. It hasnt been that long since he left but why does it feel like its been forever?

"Now, where else do you want to go? After Moscow, do you want to go to Paris? How about Milan?"

"I want to go back to New York, Nikolai."

He sighed, "Baby, if this is about what happened--"

"It's done. I have made my decision. I want to go back to New York and I want to start anew. Just the two of us Nikolai. I'm fine in a small house or at the penthouse. Wherever you choose I don't care, just as long as it will only be us. You, me and our baby."

"Did you and Alexei talk about this?" He asked.

I thought by now he and Alexei talked about what happened. Obviously, Nikolai doesnt have a clue that his brother and I have broken up.

I removed myself from him and sat on the edge of the bed to rub my legs so that I can stand on my own. "Yes. I told him that we are better off this way."

Nikolai's temper has quickly changed. "And? I'm sure as fuck that he did not want this to happen!"

"Sure." I replied blankly as I stand up to gather my things.

"Did you give him the chance to explain his side?" He continued.

"I asked him if he sees Yelena whenever he kisses and makes love to me. I also asked him if he loves me just because I look like Yelena. So yes Nikolai, I gave him the chance to explain."

He looked at me with a furrowed eyebrows,"Why are you so worked up about Alexei and Yelena? She's dead Belle! My sister is dead! "

Oh my god. I cant believe Nikolai would even think of me this way. "I have nothing against Yelena! All I was asking from Alexei was his honesty! I want to know the truth! I want to know if he's really in love with me! That I'm not just a phase in his grief. In your grief!"

This is just all too much. I turned my back on Nikolai, went inside the bathroom and turned on the shower to silence the sobs that are about to burst out of my mouth.

~

Dimitri and Nikolai talking on the phone.

Dimitri: He's been pretty fucking crazy and restless, Boss. I don't know what happened but whatever it is, Alexei is not doing good. When he arrived, he killed one of the three motherfuckers we caught near the house without getting what we need first. Now the other two are so fucked up I'm not sure if they can still rat.

Nikolai: Shit. Where is he now?

Dimitri: He's at Zora. I'm sure he's not there right now to talk some business. What's going on Boss? I thought you don't go to pussy club no more because of Madame? I know I wouldnt if she's my wife. You know what I mean?

Nikolai: Shut the fuck up Dimitri! This does not reach Belle no matter what. Put a plug to whoever sees him there. I don't care how you do it, get Alexei out of there and bring him to Matushka. I'm gonna deal with him when I get back.