Her Volkovs #Book 4

Belle's POV

I did not want to interrupt them and so I just walked out of the cabin. I know how important Yelena's memories are to both Nikolai and Alexei. Perhaps they just need time alone with her especially with all the things going on in New York. They miss her. She's Nikolai's only blood-related sibling and Alexei's ex-fiance'. They think it was their fault that she died tragically, the reason why until now, they both could not

move on.

Yelena kissed her brother on his lips. And then Nikolai said this one particular word that registered in my mind so clearly because it was spoken with so much love and affection-- 'Malyshka'.

When I saw how the word rolled out of Nikolai's mouth like she's his everything, I just looked away and went out of the cabin because I did not want to overthink things. We have been on this road before with Alexei. It almost ruined us to a point that I honestly believed that we could not recover from it. I will not make the same mistake again.

There is nothing that I should be worried about. Whatever memories they are watching right now, I am sure it's because they miss her and nothing more. I despise myself for even thinking these thoughts in my head.

My heart skipped a beat when I felt someone touch my arm.

"Hey." Said Nikolai, he looked me in the eye with a confused expression. "Are you okay?"

"Uhm. Yes."

"You flinched to my touch. What's going on?"

"You startled me Nikolai. You should be thankful I just flinched." I retorted in a futile attempt to lighten up the mood.

"Are you sure?" Said Alexei while cupping my face with his palm.

They are both looking at me worriedly. I had to compose myself fast. "It's just this man who sells milkshake from the state fair. He got me so riled up."

"I see." Said Nikolai, signaling Andrey to come to him and I think I know why. Geez.

"No, Nikolai. It was nothing really, I got my milkshake so no worries. How's New York?"

He looks at me so unconvinced, obviously noticing my attempt to change the topic. He gazes at Alexei who is now talking to Andrey from not too far. I did not even follow the way they looked at each other because I am afraid they might see through me.

I just stared at the blanket of pine trees covering the mountains in the background of the lake. Fog is starting to crawl over the surface of the water as the sun starts to set. It is such a beautiful view but such an ominous atmosphere.

Nikolai slowly pulled me to him. I just closed my eyes as he kisses my forehead.

"Uhm, when do you think we can go back to the city?"

"You want to go back home? You don't like it here anymore?" He asks so gently like he's talking to a little girl.

"It's beautiful here Nikolai, it's just that-"

Yelena has memories here and I don't have a chance in hell competing against her for yours and Alexei's time even if she's only just a memory.

His phone vibrated and so I had the chance to think of an excuse, "Nikolai you should answer that. It must be important."

"There's nothing more important than you. Now tell me what do you want?"

Andrey cleared his throat as if getting his Boss' attention which Nikolai obviously did not appreciate. My husband was about to snap but I eased him down. "It's okay Nikolai. Go. We will talk later."

Nikolai: This better be so fucking important.

Andrey: The Germans want to make a deal.

Nikolai: They tried to kill my wife. The only deal I am willing to take is their heads rolling one by one.

Andrey: It's Victoria who wants to talk and make a deal. Safe passage for the Otto brothers back to Germany in exchange for the information as to Sergey Yvanislov's location.

Nikolai: (Looks at Alexei)

Alexei: The Germans are already on their knees. They have been cut off from the Conglomerate and no one in the underground world will dare lift a finger to help them. They are desperate, they know they have nowhere else to go.

Andrey: Boss, Otto's brothers are just kids.

Nikolai: (Narrows his eyes on Andrey) And how old are my babies when they tried to kill them?

Andrey: (Stayed silent.)

Nikolai: That's right. They are not even born when they wanted them dead. If Belle suffocated longer that night I would have lost her and my babies!

Alexei: (Nods at Andrey to leave them.) What's the plan? I'll handle it.

Nikolai: Make that bitch speak and kill them all.

Alexei: And the wife? (Looks in Belle's direction)

Nikolai: She wants to go home.

Alexei: That's fine. I don't like leaving her here anyway.

Nikolai: Matushka's in the mansion you say?

Alexei: Yes. Said she'll take care of everything for tomorrow.

Belle's POV

It's already dark when our entourage consisting of six armored SUVS took a short ride to where a helicopter is already waiting. It is larger than the others that we have. It's shiny, jet black and has the usual gold monogram V on it. Its interior is customized with white leather spacious seats, shiny wood, gold and green accents everywhere. It even smells so good in here.

Nikolai is talking to someone from one of the SUVS while Alexei is making sure my seatbelt is safely buckled.

"Alexei, to whom is Nikolai talking?"

"One of the men in charge with a certain job." He answers as he sits comfortably back to his chair, crossing one leg to the other and pouring himself a drink. He looks at me through the glass as he sips the golden brown liquid.

I can't help but bite my lower lip and look away as I feel like I'm turning crimson. He always has this effect on me and it's seriously driving me crazy. How could this man be this handsome and dangerous and yet so good for my health at the same time?

No wonder Yelena was in love with him. He is perfect in so many ways.

He chuckled and looked at me, his lips slightly pulled to the side. "You're blushing."

The arrogance of this man.

"I am just hot." I meant feeling hot like literally heating from the chest up but my reply made his smirk grow wider.

"No doubt about it." He retorted while taking another sip.

I gave up because there is no winning against him. I just shook my head and adjusted my bum on my seat.

Nikolai is on his phone and at the same time giving instructions to Andrey as he approaches us. The man is a workaholic and I admire him for that. He only gets to rest when the three of us are together in our own little bubble. And as his wife, I always make sure he gets to rest or do whatever he wants to do when he's with me and his brother. I will always by their side, supporting them.

Nikolai sat beside me and gestured Andrey to give the pilot the go signal. He puts down his phone and held my hand tightly as he knows I am not fond of heights. Alexei then ticked something from the tablet which darkened the window tint even more making it pretty much impossible to see outside. The cabin then switched to calming ambient lighting making our ride more comfortable. We did not even have to wear headsets as the noise has been dramatically minimized.

We landed on the lawn of our property where Dmitri and Boris are already waiting. I instantly noticed Dimiboy's wounded arm while Boris does not have a single scratch. I miss these two even just a few days o not seeing them. They were basically here taking charge whenever their Bosses are with me in the safe house.

I asked Nikolai if I can ride with Dimi and Boris in the other golf cart instead since it's just a few minutes' ride to the mansion. I told my husband that I miss the two and so he agreed after signaling them about something I did not understand.

I wanted to sit beside my pee buddy but the seat in front is basically cramped by the big man alone and so I sat behind him facing the other golf cart where Nikolai, Alexei, Andrey are at.

Dmitri instantly held on to the bar on my side to basically make sure that I don't fall off which is ridiculous by the way.

"Why are you wearing sunglasses at night?" I asked teasingly. I can see that he's got a bruise down his right eye he doesn't want to be seen.

"Eh, I look cooler wearing these." He replied.

"You look like MIB hunting for aliens." I retorted.

"You're inches away from me baby Madame, quit roasting me or else--" He said while trying to dodge my hair from hitting his face.

I giggled, "Or else?"

"I'm going to kiss you."

Another giggle escaped my mouth, "You would not dare." I know he wouldn't. Nikolai and Alexei are literally in front of us.

"Dammit." Is the only retort he could muster.

This made me burst into laughter, I got misty eyes. "Dmitri I have missed you and Boris."

"I have missed you too baby Madame. It's boring when you're not here. No beauty in sight is no life at all."

I just shook my head at him.

"And I miss eating your hair like this." He added sarcastically. I'm trying my best to hold my hair together but for some reason, some strands would land on his face and most of the time straight to his mouth. When we arrived in the mansion, I instantly hopped on Boris' back so I can piggyback ride. I wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered to his ear, "Hey Boris, I have missed you."

He just grumbles his reply as usual. I kissed him on his cheek which the men left in the mansion instantly took notice. Boris looked at them dismissively, making the men look the other away in fear.

We entered the grand foyer and saw batches of red daisies and baby's breath beautifully arranged. There are people busy making the flower arrangements and some are busy preparing for something big. Something really special.

My goodness this is for my birthday tomorrow. I knew it. I should have told Nikolai and Alexei earlier not to have preparations like this. I want my birthday to be simple. Just dinner with the people that I love would be enough. Especially now that we are in the middle of a mob war.

"I guess it's going to be a very special day tomorrow Boris." I whispered.

The next morning, I woke up early to welcome the day that I am 27 years old. I kissed Nikolai and Alexei on their lips and prayed. I prayed and thanked God for another year given me and for giving Nikolai, Alexei and these little Volkovs in my life. For some reason, I found myself not asking for more. I am sincerely content and happy.

I tried calling my parents as I know they are awake at this time in Palawi but to no avail. I cannot reach them, perhaps they are busy. Just when I was going back to sleep I got a call from my best friend. When I answered, she sang happy birthday both in our language and in English.

"Thank you A."

"I know you're up early. How's the birthday girl in the middle of the craziness of the gangster world?"

"I'm good. Still overprotected. You know how Nikolai and Alexei are."

"I know but please next time watch what you are eating? You can't have another allergic episode or your babies will go swimming outside your vagina on their own. And you know I am not even being funny here."

"I know Mum." I said trying to lighten up the mood. We both know her words could not be truer. I have to be very careful now. I am just lucky I was able to survive that night. If we lose our baby, I don't know what I will do. More so, I don't know what will Nikolai do. I don't even want to start guessing.

"So, do you have any plans today?" She asked.

"Well, I guess Nikolai and Alexei took care of the preparations since yesterday. Matushka is here as well. All I know is that we will hear mass later at Kovrov."

"So your back in your mansion?"

"Just last night."

"I see. Uhm B, here's the thing. I thought you're still kept somewhere because of what happened so I went out of town. And I don't know if I can come back today."

"Hmm. Out of town where? With whom? Omg. You have a boyfriend and you're with him?"

"Whow. Jumping to conclusions is not a sport B."

"Don't even A. What's his name? Give me his complete address. I'll have someone look into him. Where are you? I'll send men over."

"Calm down Mary Arabella! What is wrong with you? Ultra Boss and Extra Boss' craziness is rubbing on you severely."

"Okay. I am calm." I wonder if I can have this number traced later? Just to check if she's telling the truth.

"I'm here for a quick job. I get to be paid good for a night shift as a caregiver."

"Hmm. How many times have you turned down Alexei's job offers?"

"B. If I work there, I will most probably be putting my nose where it does not belong because I care too much about you and I am the type of chick who does not back down especially when I am being tested by dicks."

"Hmm. I guess you're right. I don't need a third parent in the mansion." I retorted playfully.

"No, the point is whether you admit it or not, your Nikolai is a dick and don't even try to defend Alexei because he is no lesser dick."

"But I love those dicks."

"Exactly. Too many dicks in the mansion. Not good for me."

There's a moment of silence after she said that and then we burst out laughing.

After the call, I went back to sleep to get more rest because I know this is going to be a long and busy day.

I woke up to Nikolai and Alexei looking at my face like creeps. Alexei brushes the back of his hand on my cheek while Nikolai is kissing me all over my face.

A smile instantly formed on my face. "Hey."

"Hey baby."

"My princess."

Nikolai took a tray of food from the table and placed it onto the bed. It has three bowls of oats topped with berries and toasts on the side.

"Wow, brunch in bed. Thank you."

The two are already wearing white shirts, the sleeves folded up just below their arms revealing their watches on the left wrist and their tattoos on their right forearms. They both smell so attractive -the scent tha speaks romance, power and testosterone combined with a bit of roughness and lust. It is indeed a happy birthday to me.

"What time is church?" I said while kissing Alexei's veiny hand and his ring and then doing the same to Nikolai.

"It's fine, we have time princess. You have all morning to rest. Church is this afternoon." Alexei replied.

As we eat our brunch, I realized that the two have not spoken of or hinted at talking about my birthday. I don't understand why. I am sure they know that I saw the preparations in the whole mansion last night with the red daisies and all.

But then again, these two have their own way of giving surprises. I decided to just give them a little nudge, perhaps they will give a hint about their plan or something.

"So, it is a special day today." I say, heat crawling up my face.

"It is a special day." Nikolai answered stoically. Not the reaction I was expecting. If this is an act, he sure is a good actor. But why would he look passive-sad even?

Alexei on the other hand remained quiet. He finished his bowl of oats, wiped his mouth with the napkin, and then told me to prepare for church after I shower. He specifically told me to wear either white or black. Not the first choice I had in mind for my birthday but I obliged nevertheless.

On our way to Kovrov, our entourage consisting of five black SUVS ran like we were being chased or something. We made a few traffic stops and still we arrived at the Orthodox Christian Church in roughly under twenty minutes. The two are still in the same mood. And to be honest, I feel like we are going to a funeral rather than to a birthday mass.

I remember what Amy said to me about jumping to conclusions and so I refrained from doing so.

There are a lot of people coming into the church, most if not all are wearing black. Women and children going inside are holding red daisies in their hands. The Russian Mafia's elders are present and almost everyone in town is here. Nikolai told us to go inside first as he was going to speak with some of the elders waiting for him outside the church.

As we near the entrance my heart started to bang in my chest. That feeling of doubt and uncertainty is slowly creeping into my thoughts. What if I was wrong all this time? What if there is no surprise? What if Nikolai and Alexei truly did not remember my birthday that is why they did not even say a simple greeting this morning? What if this is all me being delusional?

I got my answer almost immediately when the doors to the church were opened. I feel like I have been drenched in cold water as reality hits me in the face. This is not my birthday mass.

We are at a church service for the dead.

There are red daisies on the altar and a framed picture of a woman in front. The flowers they are arranging last night at the mansion are not for me. The feast we are having tonight is not for my birthday. What Nikolai said about today as a special day is not for me but for his sister. This is why Nikolai looked so sad and Alexei was not himself this morning.

Today is Yelena's death anniversary.0000