chapter Thirty-Nine
No More
Misha
“I had so much fun with Auntie Kurtrina,” Milanie says for the millionth time.
I have tried to change the topic every time. I don’t want to talk about her aunt. I was gutted the moment I came face to face with the woman. She is as gorgeous as her twin.
Only, there is something in her eyes that says she is as damaged as I am. It is that look that had me grab my daughter and put space between her aunt and me. I will not fall for another one of Senator Gabriel’s daughters. It is bad enough, I want to kill the man for the glares he has thrown my way.
The only thing stopping me is that he is Milanie’s grandfather. Otherwise, he would have had a blade through his throat by now. I am that irritable this evening.
“Papa, why do you look like you smell something stink?” Milanie’s voice breaks into my thoughts.
I burst into laughter and pluck my daughter from her seat. I give her a big hug. She has brought the first signs of real laughter to me in much too long.
I kiss her temple. The wedding reception is coming to an end. I have more than done my part. It is time I go and rebuild my life.
“You can tell me all about your time with your auntie on flight, Da,” I say, as I stand and start for the exit.
“You would love her, Papa. She is so much fun. She makes pretty pictures on her computers for work,” Milanie says with big round eyes. “I want a computer to make pictures on, Papa.”
“Then you shall have one,” I grin at my daughter.
I stop outside and hand my ticket to the hired valet. There are so many cars here. LaSalle outdid himself this week. The wedding was just as beautiful as all the other events leading up to it. My friend did well by his bride.
“I want to talk to you,” I hear come from behind me and my back stiffens.
“Aunt Kurtrina,” Milanie sings.
I sigh. Just my luck. I turn and look down at the little woman I’ve been avoiding. Even with the short blonde hair, she is gorgeous and too much of a reminder.
“Make this quick, I have plane to catch,” I snap.
“What have I done to you,” she hisses back.
“I will take Milanie,” Shura appears, reaching for my daughter.
I’m glad he does because now I can say just what I want to. I glare at Kurtrina, and she returns my glare. I want to grab her and shake her. Tell her to stay away from me.
“Answer me! What have I done to you,” she growls.
“You were born,” I snarl. “You will forever own a face I love and hate. You will always remind me of what I did not do. I did not keep her safe. Net, I will not forgive myself for that and you are just reminder of fact I failed.”
“Oh, come on, are you serious,” she huffs. “So, what, you are going to run back to Russia with your tail between your legs because I look like Keisha? You’re going to rip my niece from me because you can’t deal? You’re some piece of work.”
I narrow my eyes and move into her face. “How do you know I’m returning to Russia?”
“What? Do I look stupid? It’s written all over your face you are about to run,” she hisses back.
“Fuck you,” I snap.
“Net, fuck you, pussy,” she snarls.
I go to rain hell on her, but a sharp sound whizzes by me. I know that sound. I bring my gun from my back and wrap my arm around the little witch in front of me.
How the fuck do I get hard now, while someone shoots at me? I really am crazy, but she feels so good. Focus, Misha.
“Get down,” Afanasy roars as he runs towards us.
More gunfire zips by us, shattering plant pots and vases, kicking up chunks of pavement. Afanasy and I begin to fire back, while I use my body for shield to block Kurtrina.
LaSalle’s men move into action swiftly. I feel my blood boil at the thought of someone trying this shit here, today. It only takes a moment for LaSalle’s men to diffuse the situation.
I look down at Kurtrina and she is shaking, but looking beyond me. I turn to see what she is looking at. I close my eyes and curse when I see Afanasy lying on his back in a pool of his own blood.
Kurtrina shoves out of my hold. “Afanasy,” she screams and runs to his side.
I follow to see what I can do until help comes. This doesn’t look good. Afanasy looks up at Kurtrina and cups her face with a bloody hand.
“S-sorry,” he coughs up blood. “I should have told you I was in love with you sooner.”
“What?” Kurtrina cries. “Afan, you’re talking crazy. Shh, help is coming. You hold on for me, okay?”
“Listen to me, I love you. I wanted more than your friendship. I…I would…die for…you,” he says on his last breath.
“Afanasy,” Kurtrina hollers. “Afanasy, Afanasy please. Afanasy, someone do something. He’s dying.”
I wrap my arms around her and tug her back. “He is already gone,” I say.
“You’re such a heartless bastard. Get your hands off me,” she snaps.
I sigh and release her. Trust me, I don’t want to comfort her. Not with the way my body reacts to her. I turn my back and go to find out where I will start killing people.