Page 44 of Used By the Bratva

Epilogue - Ashan

“Catalina, slow down,”

“Jamie, let her run, she’s just a little girl,” I said, squeezing Jamie’s hand as we entered the third Gambling Den out of the six, we now own. “She’s safe here; the staff loves her, and she knows our routine by now.”

“Yes, Ashan, I know but she can still get herself into trouble, don’t you think?” Jamie replied, grinning up at me. “We love coming with you once a week to the den and checking in on your success,” she added raising to her toes as she kissed me on the cheek. “But she needs to stay close so I can make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble as little ones tend to do. You know.” She turned her head and lifted her eyes for the last part, making me smile.

Jamie was still as beautiful as the day we got married, and with each passing year, my love for her seemed to grow. The last couple of days she appeared to have a glow about her. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but felt sure something was up. She hadn’t spoken about it, and I would wait until she was ready, but I felt sure she may be pregnant again.

Pulling her into my arms, I kissed her hard. “You know I love you so much,” I breathed out letting go.

“I know,” Jamie responded as she turned and headed after Catalina. I stood watching as the two entered the restaurant area before heading up to my office. Once I checked all my mail and ensured operations were running smoothly, I looked for them.

As expected, I found them in the kitchen. Catalina was sitting on one of the counters, and Jamie was standing beside her, holding her. The head chef was making them milkshakes as usual. I stood in the door for a bit, admiring my girls. Catalina’s dark locks hung over her shoulders, framing her pretty face.

Most people who meet us together always comment on how much she looks just like me. But I see Jamie in her smile, her laughter, and her attitude. After receiving their milkshakes, they head out the back door to the little picnic spot I set up last year for the workers. The two sat basking in the sun, enjoying their drinks filling my heart with love.

I waited a while so they could at least finish their drinks before stepping out. “Come on girls, we still have a couple left to do,” I said, waving at them.

Catalina jumped right up and trotted over, grabbing my leg and hanging on to it. “Daddy, Daddy, we had milk.” She said, smiling widely at me.

Patting her head, I replied softly. “Yes, I saw honey, what flavor did you have?”

With a twinkle in her eyes, she replied loudly, almost screaming at me. “Strawberry like always.”

Glancing at Jamie, with a smile, I continued. “Now we have to go. Are you ready?”

Catalina let go of my leg and ran to the door screaming over her shoulder. “Come, Mommy, come.”

Jamie was already at my side, and we headed back in. Once they gave their glasses to the washer, we left and went to the next den. On our way there, Jamie received a call from Evelina. She nodded as she spoke and agreed.

She turned to me as she hung up. “Something has come up that they are going to need my help with. Can you drop me at Leo’s house?” Jamie said.

“Don’t you have a class this afternoon teaching those brilliant young minds all about computers?” I replied.

Jamie smiled, “Yes, I do, and I’ll be done in time. They just need to stop an attack on Luder’s system and need to find out who is trying to invade him.”

Shaking my head, I turned up to the next street and traveled to Leo’s place. “So, should I pick you up in a bit, or will Leo drop you off, then I can get you afterward?” I inquired as we pulled up to his gate.

Jamie gave me a quick kiss on the cheek as she got out. “I’ll have Leo drop me for the class and you can pick me up.” Glancing at Catalina, she continued. “I love you both, be a good girl and listen to Daddy, okay.” Jamie sent her a kiss and closed the door.

Catalina shook her head and waved at Jamie as she went inside. I drove off once she was inside and headed to the other three dens. Cleo was the manager at the one and she kept an eye on Catalina while I did my checks.

At the second last den, Catalina walked with me. But I had to carry her for the last bit when her legs got tired. Frank sat with her in my office at the last den, looking at dog videos on my computer.

After making sure everything was running according to procedure, I took Catalina to her dancing lesson. She was doing well but wasn’t a top dancer. Yet, she enjoyed it so how good she was didn’t matter. Life was about having fun.

Leo called as I waited for Catalina. “Hey, how’s things going?” I asked, answering my phone.

“Great man, Jamie caught the guy trying to access Luder’s network and secured it again. I dropped her off for class, just wanted to let you know.” Leo said.

“Thanks, Leo, I’ll get her once Catalina’s dance class is done. Have a good one.”

“A good evening to you too,” Leo added before hanging up.

Catalina’s class was still half an hour. Once she was done, we grabbed some Chinese and headed to collect Jamie. Jamie’s computer class had just finished when we arrived. I greeted her young students as they left the premises.

She offered classes twice a week for young adults who wanted to learn more about working with and on computers. The technology era created a great need for learning, and Jamie knew a lot. She was proud that she could provide greatly needed protective computing classes.

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