Page 70 of Doc

“Yes and no. We know it’s someone from the De Luca side; fucking bastards just won’t go away. But we don’t know if it’s connected to the small rebellious faction we already took care of years ago, or someone knew. The people we’ve managed to capture and…interview, want us to believe they’re the same group as before.”

“And what do you think?” Because I know Cristian too well. He has his theories, whether he’s ready to share them with anyone else or not is the question.

“I am inclined to believe them. Though, why they stayed silent for so long after Tennant ripped through them years ago is a mystery, but if they are smart, they will have been buildingtheir defenses, and putting what they believe is a fool-proof plan together.”

I laugh a little. “I don’t know whether to be concerned for their mental well-being or admire their balls.”

“Both, I think,” he replies. “It takes someone both stupid and confident to think they can go up against me and come out the victor.” His grin is sharp and vicious. “I am looking forward to proving them wrong.”

“You sure you’re okay, Zaychik?”I can feel her concern for me from across the state.

“I promise, Ma. It was a run-of-the-mill dinner. Uncle Ivan and David were there, and you know Papa won’t do anything that pisses Uncle Ivan off too much.”

She makes a disbelieving noise, but lets it go.“Well, that should appease him for a little while at least. In his mind, he’s done his parental duties for the next few months. Which is good for you.”I hum in agreement.“Anyway, how’s the new job going?”

I smile. “It’s going great, I love the work and the people.”

“That’s great. I still wish you would have gotten out of that life entirely, but I’m glad you seem to have found your place.”

Doc enters the room and I grin at him, my heart skipping a beat at just the sight of my boy. “I really did, Ma. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I have.”

She’s quiet for a long moment before saying,“Is there something you want to tell me?”

Inwardly, I groan, knowing her ‘mother’s intuition’ has caught on to what I haven’t said. “I…might have met someone,” I admit.

Doc gives a gentle smile and walks over to where I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, pushing my legs apart and slotting himself in between them. Snaking a hand around his waist, I hold him close, letting him cuddle into me.

“Oh, Sory, that’s great! I knew you were being cagey a few months ago. Tell me everything? How’d you meet him?”

I laugh a little. “I really wasn’t looking for anyone when you asked me before, Ma. It just sort of happened. We fit.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. What’s his name?”

“Doc… He’s the Head Doctor for the Amatos, and before you say anything, I know what I’m doing. The Boss knows and he’s okay with it. Everyone has been really understanding and accepting.”

“Sory…”

“I know, Ma. I know, okay? I promise, I’m being smart about this. We both tried to fight it at first.” I tighten my hold on Doc at my words. “But sometimes you just know.”

“You’re an adult, Soren. I can’t say I agree with your choices, things could get messy for you, but I want you to be happy. If this Doc makes you happy, well, I guess me and your auntie have to make plans for a trip soon.”

I groan. “No, Ma. No trips. You and Tetya Kat are staying right where you are. Let us get our feet under us before we start doing the whole ‘meet the family’ thing, okay?”

She huffs.“Da, fine. I’ll allow you to get away with it, for now. But I am expecting an invitation sooner rather than later, Sory.”

“Yes, Ma. I promise, once everything is settled here, I’ll fly you and Tetushka out. I know the trips will be happy to see you, too.”

“I’ve missed them. I still think Petrov and Novikov babies would have been adorable. Things are truly over between Nico and David?”

I laugh and shake my head at the ridiculousness of my mother. Doc must be able to hear her because he looks at me with confusion in his eyes. “Later,” I mouth to him, before replying to the crazy woman on the phone. “Yes, Ma, they’re really over. Nico… Nico knows his limitations, and he cares too much about David to stay in a relationship that would end up emotionally killing them both. Which I can respect. I want them both to be happy, too. As much as they respect and care for one another, sometimes love isn’t enough.”

And in this case, love is the problem. Dominic being aromantic is something he’s been navigating since we were teenagers. I know ending things with David killed him, because they are truly good for one another, but that’s why he couldn’t stay with him. David might understand that Dominic doesn’t feel love like other people, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t wear on him.

You can be perfect for one another, and still not be compatible.

Ma sighs.“I know, it’s for the best, for both of them, but I hope this doesn’t scare Nico off relationships.”

“Me too.”

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