Page 36 of Sheltering Hollis

“Dimitri and I want to talk to you about something.”

Olive’s eyes brightened at the mention of my name. “What is it?”

Hollis glanced at me, and I nodded, encouraging her to continue. “How would you feel about going on a little trip? To Arizona?”

Olive’s face lit up. “A trip? Really? Can we see cowboys?”

I chuckled, the sound filling the small room. “Maybe. And you’ll see where I live and meet my friends.”

Olive looked curiously from me to her mother. Her nose scrunched up. The little girl wasn’t stupid. “Would we come back here?”

“How would you feel if we didn’t come back here? If we went with Dimitri and made a new home?” She took Olive’s hand in hers, and it was at this moment that I realized that I hadn’t played all my cards correctly. Olive could say ‘no’ right now, and I think Hollis would stay here. My heart stilled in my chest. If that happened, I’d stay here with them. There was no way I could leave without them.

“You’ll have your own bedroom,” I pitched in desperately. “My house has a yard, too,” I added, looking at her face for clues.

“Do you have a dog?” she asked, canting her head to one side, her blond curls flopping over. It hit me like an arrow in the heart that she’d be my daughter, and I’d have to be responsible for keeping boys away for ten years or so. Fuck if I’d let some dick head date my daughter.

Hollis seemed to be trying to signal me, but I plunged ahead. “Well, I don’t now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have one. Puppies are a lot of work, but there is room for one.” Hollis elbowed me hard. “You’ll have to get your mom’s permission.” I smiled wide and nodded at Hollis. There, I’d said the right thing, right? Hollis glared at me. Maybe not.

“What about a kitten?” Olive threw out; her eyes narrowed—another elbow from Hollis. I was playing for keeps, so if it took a kitten, I was going all in.

“Sure, I don’t see why not, moya milaya. Ouch!” The elbow again. Olive clapped her hands.

“Okay, when can we go? I want an orange one and books.” Her little eyes sparked at me.

Hollis groaned, “Okay. That’s enough, Olive. Get the brush so I can do something about your hair. Off you go.” She bundled her daughter off the couch, but Olive was quick to eagle-eye me before she left. I gave her a wink to let her know I was on her side. The last thing I wanted was for Olive to back out.

“Okay, no more agreeing to stuff before we talk about it,” Hollis scolded as soon as Olive left the room.”

“Sure, malysh. Sorry.” But I wasn’t; kissing her hard, I knew I won. Kittens, puppies, whatever the price, I’d pay it.

After more discussion about our plans, we decided to leave until next week. There was a storage unit to arrange and Olive’s school to call. Hollis had notice to give with her apartment, and it seemed like a full list.

I had a moment of panic when I came around the corner and interrupted a mother-daughter conversation. Hollis had been checking in with Olive without me to make sure that she really was okay with the move, leaving her school and the place where she was comfortable. Olive hadn’t pulled any punches and had told her mother that she’d like a fresh start with a place with new memories. I wasn’t sure that Hollis was taking into account the thought that perhaps Olive wasn’t quite as okay as she thought she was. It was a lot for a little girl to be left alone like she was. It wasn’t Hollis’ fault and wasn’t in her control, but there were moments when I caught Olive staring off, looking haunted. I’d resolved, though, that the subject would be broached of a therapist in Arizona. Maybe it’d be a healing place for both of them.

In the meantime, I had plenty to do for the Brotherhood remotely or otherwise. I also called Maddox and told him we would be coming shortly.

I was on the brink of a new beginning with Olive and Hollis, and I knew that as long as I kept my new little family together, I could handle anything.

My phone buzzed incessantly on the kitchen counter, the screen lighting up with Maxim’s name. I glanced at Hollis, who was methodically packing boxes in the living room. The sunlight filtered through the apartment’s windows, casting a warm glow on her as she folded clothes and carefully arranged Olive’s belongings. Her movements were deliberate, but I could see the tension in her shoulders and the way her brow furrowed with each item. This was hard for her, packing up the life she’d created for them here.

I sighed and picked up the phone. “What’s up?” I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Dimitri, what are you doing?” Maxim’s voice was sharp, frustration clear in every word. “You were supposed to be back by now. There’s business that needs handling, and you’re off playing house?”

“I’m not playing house, Maxim,” I replied, my eyes still on Hollis. “I’m taking care of something important.”

“What the fuck” Maxim scoffed. “More important than the Bratva? I thought you were going to rejoin the family. Finally, come home.”

“No,” I said firmly. “That isn’t going to happen, Maxim. I’m sorry if I gave you any impression that I’d return. That was never my intention. I was always going to return to Arizona. Also, I’m going to marry this girl.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, the silence heavy with disbelief. Maxim’s voice lowered, turning cold. “You know it doesn’t work that way. We need you here. You can’t just walk away.”

“This isn’t up for debate,” I said, trying to keep my voice level. “I’ve made my decision. I’ll be returning to Arizona. I’m not walking away from you,” I countered. “I’m prioritizing. There’s a difference.”

“That doesn’t sound any better.” He sounded frustrated. “Dimitri, you’re a part of this. You can’t just come and go when it suits you.” I was sure he was grinding his teeth right now if I knew my brother. He hadn’t changed at all. Maxim was a control freak. I had always been the one piece in his life that he couldn’t quite figure out how to control — no matter how hard he tried. “Are you sure you should marry this girl?”

I glanced at Hollis again. She caught my eye and gave me a small, reassuring smile. “Yes, I’m sure about marrying her. I have never been more sure of anything in my life. As to me coming and going. Maxim, I know my obligations. I’ll handle what needs to be handled, but it won’t be on your terms.”

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