Her Volkovs #Book 4 novel Chapter 20

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Nikolai, Alexei, Axel, Artan and Matushka are standing side by side while waiting for Belle.

Matushka: Do I still need to ask why the Queen of the Russian Mafia is eating bacon strips like it's licorice candy and shooting the death glare whenever she looks at the four of you?

Momentary Silence

Artan: I just arrived.

Axel: I am just trying to protect her.

Nikolai: She's my wife so she's protected.

Alexei: Back off or I will kill you De Alba.

Axel: Is that a joke? Because to be honest that's quite funny.

(Matushka guided Nikolai to the side to talk to him.)

Matushka: Nikolai, get your shit together. I know Belle's pregnancy is overwhelming you. That's understandable. But just imagine what she's going through as well. She's pregnant with your twins and she also takes care of you and your brother at the same time. And baby boy, you and your brother are not the easiest men to take care of. Trust me I know! Please, don't make this way harder for her. Be gentle, listen to her, and trust her decisions.

Nikolai: She's stubborn and she attracts these men like fucking nectar to a bee!

Matushka: Is it her fault that she attracts men? Absolutely not! It's your fault because you can't seem to handle a woman who is exceptionally beautiful with an equally beautiful heart. I am sure your father, wherever part of hell he's in right now is very disappointed in you Nikolai. And one more thing, your brother is taking cues from you. So you better get your act straight before he does something to De Alba and bring the whole Conglomerate down. He's as blind as you when it comes to the princess. Now get your shit together.

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Belle's POV

"Mind if I join you?"

A familiar voice said from the back. The moment the cool breeze gently blew his signature scent towards me, I knew it was him. "Artan."

He enfolded me in between his arms. He then twirls my hair to the back of my ear and brushed my face with the back of his hand gently.

"Hey." He said. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thanks. You too." I replied. He just chuckles in response.

"Artan. Thank you for staying on Nikolai's side of the Conglomerate despite what happened. I'm so glad to see Aria wearing the gold ribbon."

"Aria can't be with De Alba's side. She may be a Bogdani but she's also a Volkov. "

"I know."

"You know?" Artan asked like he actually did not expect me to know about Aria's relationship with Nikolai.

"Yah. Nikolai told me that he's Aria's Godfather."

For some weird reason, Artan looked relieved. "Ah, yes. Godfather."

"Uhm. Why? Is there something else I need to know?" I asked.

"If there's anything, I'm pretty sure I'm in no position to tell you." He retorted.

"So there is actually something that I should know?" He's hiding something. I can just see it in his eyes.

"That's not what I said. Now, are you gonna give me some of that bacon or what? You've been pointing it in front of my nose for the past thirty seconds."

"You are being evasive. You know, whatever that is, I will probably find out sooner or later. I always do." I fed him with some bacon and he would bite my finger comically.

"Where have you been? Adnan told me you were doing some business before the Conglomerate meeting."

"You miss me?" He asked so gently.

"Yes." I replied as a matter of factly. "Also, I have to return something to you. Close your eyes."