Page 47 of The Councilor

“I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss both of you. You’ll tell Angie what’s going on?” I had to pull away for fear I’d be reduced to a sobbing mess.

“She’ll be pissed she missed you, but she’ll understand. It’s not going to be the same, although we’ll fight for your room.” Her grin had returned. “What about the rest of your stuff?”

“When you get a chance, put it in a box. I just don’t know yet.” I struggled to grab both suitcases and Mr. Bear, but she grabbed one from my hand, giving me a nod to try to add her support. There were few words that could explain this kind of situation to any normal human being.

She followed behind me as I returned to the living room. Aleksander immediately nodded to Kristoff, who grabbed the bags from our hands. If he noticed Mr. Bear, he didn’t react.

“I’m ready.” I clung to Mr. Bear like he was my only lifeline. In a way he was, a moment from my real past.

“Good.” Aleksander gave Jackie a nod as well.

“I hate to ask this but what about this place? Didn’t your dad rent it for us?”

“I assure you not only will you continue to have access, but I’ll make certain your rent is paid at least through the rest of the year. I will ask one thing in return. Do not tell anyone we were here or why your friend left.”

Aleksander’s voice was just as authoritative as usual.

“I can do that and thank you. Just… Mr. Semenov. Take care of my friend. She’s been through a lot in her life and doesn’t deserve to be with an asshole. I’m sorry if that’s crude.”

He smiled, which surprised me. “Not disrespectful at all. I promise you with my life I will keep your friend safe and try to make her happy.”

Jackie took it like he was looking for some kind of affirmation. She smiled and turned to me. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you. Think of me when you and Angie eat Chinese food.” The laugh we both issued was bittersweet and it was all I could do to get out of the apartment without sprouting tears.

I had a feeling my despair would continue for a long time to come.

And it already haunted me.

CHAPTER 14

Aleksander

With my lack of compassion and humanity, I was surprised I could see clearly how distraught Raphaella was. I had to remind myself she was being stripped from what had to have been a happy point in her life.

The apartment reminded me of the first one I’d lived in after moving out. I’d only had one roommate, but we’d gotten into some shit over the two years we’d lived together. Sadly, the memories I’d had weren’t all good ones, my roommate gunned down accidentally because he’d looked remarkably like me.

It was the first and only time I’d allowed myself to care about anyone. It wasn’t worth risking their lives.

With everything secure in the two vehicles, I moved toward Ivan and Kristoff. “Have at least two of our men watching the apartment above at all times.”

“Yes, sir. For how long?” Ivan asked.

“I don’t know yet. However, with the unrest on the street, I think we will be going through a rough patch. We’ll make a plan later. Just spend time when we get back on the security system. Tomorrow it’s business as usual.”

“You got it, boss,” Kristoff said and they both headed back to the SUV.

I scanned the street before returning, jumping into the driver’s seat and immediately starting the engine. I’d noticed the ratty stuffed bear before, but the way she was holding it tightly against her chest told me it was one of the few items she’d kept from her childhood.

Raphaella noticed me looking at her and shuffled the bear even closer. “Don’t make fun of me. Don’t you dare make fun of me. I wasn’t allowed to have friends, pets. Nothing. My mother couldn’t care less when I had nightmares. Mr. Bear was there through thick and thin, including my night terrors. He’s going to stay.”

I checked the rearview mirror and pressed down on the accelerator. “My lovely fiancée, while I savor being a real monster to pricks who deserve it, never to something or someone that makes people happy. Mr. Bear. Welcome to my rather unique world.” At least that garnered me a partial smile.

She was still holding him so tightly I was afraid she was going to fall apart. Given I had no idea what to say to her at this point, I remained quiet.

“That was very nice, what you told Jackie,” she said far too quietly.

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