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“Probably not.” He lets out a gust of air. “My wife has crashed through every wall I’ve erected. Blood and death have always defined my life, and softer emotions were beaten out of me long before I knew what they were. But Gianna has found a way to show me that love is possible. I believe she will go with me no matter how dark the road or what horrors lie ahead. It has made me stronger. Invincible. And if you are fortunate, it will do the same for you.”
I study one of the most dangerous and ruthless men I have ever encountered and know the statement wasn’t made lightly.
My phone pings with a text notification, and I scan it. “Fuck me.” Looking up, I laugh. “Lina and her best friend found a key they think is linked to the accounts in the Caymans.”
Alexey nods with satisfaction. “That is good news, cousin.”
I nod and rest both my hands on my legs. “Lina is hoping there’s a letter or something from her Father in the safety deposit box. The money isn’t as important as discovering why he never made contact.”
“I’m sure he didn’t want to lead anyone to her door.”
“That’s what I suggested.”
“Take the plane. Nothing is settled yet, and until we can sell everything off, it’s best to be cautious.”
“Thank you.” I push myself to my feet. “I’ll give you the itinerary as soon as I speak with my wife.”
“Make a honeymoon of it.” He stands and walks around the desk. “You have been at my side since we were teenagers, and as your Vor, I order you to take some time off.”
I take his outstretched hand and clasp it tightly. “I have never refused an order and won’t start with this one.”
“Wise move.” He tips his head toward the door. “Now get the hell out of here and buy Lina a bottle of champagne.”
“Yes, Vor.” I stride out of the office and wonder how she managed to find a needle in a haystack.
***
As I walk off the elevator, the unmistakable sounds of a celebration filter down the hallway. “Guess they started without me.” I stride down the hall and press my hand against the pad, the door slides open, and I see Lina and Stasia dancing. “The party has started.”
Lina stops and holds open her arms. “We found the password too.”
Stasia refills their glasses and lets out a loud whoop. “I knew that ugly painting held a secret.”
“No, you didn’t,” Lina laughs as she accepts the glass. “We got lucky.”
“Whatever.” Stasia twirls in a circle. “Picasso, shimaso. Who cares if it’s real.”
I watch Lina lift a painting. “The frame was loose and I disassembled it.” Holding up a piece of crème paper, she squeals. “Yuri, this could be the password.”
Kissing her head, I take the paper and study it. There is a name of a bank in the Caymans, along with an address. “It lists your full name, place of birth,” I look up, “what’s the rest of it?”
“I assume it’s the name of the doctor who delivered me and the hospital.”
“Damn.” I look into her shining eyes and know it’s not about the money but the fact her father remembered the details of the day she entered the world and used them as the key to unlock a great deal of money. “Maybe this is the note you were hoping for.”
Taking the paper, her smile falters. “I was hoping for a little more, but this will do.”
Pulling her into my arms, I hug her tightly and press my mouth against her ear. “You have me. I will love you enough, so what you missed will no longer be important.”
“Is that possible?”
Her hands dig into my back, and I know I will spend the rest of my life ensuring it is. “Yes, my love.”
“Are clothes about to start flying off?” Stasia asks loudly. “Because if so, I’m gonna call an Uber and head home.”
“Fedor can drive you,” I reply, pulling out my phone.
“Thank you. I’ve had too many glasses of champagne to drive.”
