Page 102 of Brutal Promise

I’m nervous about seeing my dad. Machines are beeping. He appears to be sleeping. I walk ahead of Dmitry and take my father’s hand. Dmitry puts his hand on my shoulder.

“Dad, it’s me.”

The handsome man in the bed wakes. He blinks a few times.

“Izzy, it’s you. It’s real.”

“Yes. It’s me. How are you?”

“Much better now. It wasn’t a dream? You’re my daughter?” His eyes gain a sparkle at the realization.

“Yes. How are you feeling?”

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” He’s distinguished with gray hair around his temples. His high cheekbones make him look younger, as I know he’s in his early fifties.

“I’m going to worry about you.” My eyes are misty. “I was told my father was dead years ago. I can’t lose you again.”

A chair scrapes as it crosses the floor. Dmitry slides it under me.

“Tell me about it. My wife tried to kill me, and she knew about you. I had someone tracking her devices. I knew she didn’t love me, but she’s maligned men against me for power. She was after a jewel. I didn’t know what it was.”

“I’m sorry. We’ve lost so much time already. I want to get to know you.”

He moves his head in disbelief. I’m sure that was a bitter pill to swallow. Betrayal of a spouse is brutal at best. For them, it was fatal. I’m sure we’ll never see Llea again.

“You’re still the don, and business is going as usual,” Dmitry interjects.

“Terrible thing being a don. It takes up the years I have left, and for what? I have two children who are spoiled and live entitled lives of luxury I pay for. I wasn’t a good father. I spoiled them and my wife.”

“I don’t know anything about being spoiled. Mom and I got by. We didn’t have luxuries.”

“I see you were raised with old-world values. You take pride in paying your way. You have spunk, just like your mother. I admired that about her.”

“It wasn’t easy for her, but she provided for us.” I agree.

“She hated her father. He forbid us to marry. Our families were enemies. When he found out about me, he beat your mother. I found it strange that she was killed in a car accident. I’ve always had her in my heart.” He uses his other hand and places it on his chest. “What was your life like?” he asks. He sits taller in the bed, and his eyes go over my face, committing it to memory. “You’re so much like her. You look like her, you know. You have her gentle demeanor, but when you’re pushed, you’ll push back.”

“Maybe. Dmitry is a good provider. And we have a great home for the baby.”

“What baby?”

“Ours, it’s very early, but his family knows, so you should know too.”

“Well, that’s incredible. I never thought about being a grandfather, but I like the idea. I’d like for us to get to know each other.”

“We will,” I reply, wondering why he’s talking like this. “We are, aren’t we? We’ve seen each other twice in as many days.” I remain positive he’ll pull through. He has to.

His chuckles make a hearty sound. “True. However, I’m thinking of something more permanent.”

“What are you saying? We can travel between New York and England.” I glance at Dmitry. “Can’t we?”

“Sure, any time you want to go,” he replies.

“I’ve missed out on your entire life. I don’t want to miss out on anything. I want Dmitry to be the new don so that I can retire.”

I open my mouth and turn to my husband, raising my hands and silently asking what do I say to that?

Dmitry shrugs.

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