Page 5 of Defy
Chapter Three
LOGAN
After tying up a few loose ends at the shop, I decided to ride out to my dad's place. Earlier this morning I got a text from Nikolai telling me our dad was flying in and wanted to see the both of us. His timing is perfect because I plan on asking him if he has a place I can take Bella away to for a few days.
Knowing Bella and I are on the same page with the baby making has done wonders with the stress I've been under. The two of us getting out of town is a much welcome idea.
The gate opens as I make my way down his long driveway. I pull up alongside my brother's car and park my bike. As I begin to climb up the steps, the front door opens.
"Ah, it's good to see you, son. Come, let's catch up." My dad greets me.
After he pulls me in for a quick hug, we make our way into the living room where Nikolai is relaxing in a deep-seated leather chair next to the fireplace.
"Logan, good to see you. Would you like a drink?" He asks me.
"A cold beer sounds good," I reply sitting down on the couch. Leaning back, I stretch my left arm over the back of the couch and stare out at the water through the large window. I come out here at least once a week to hang with my brother, that is when he isn't hanging out at the club. I've watched how well he has adapted to being here in Polson over the past couple of years, and how much he loves his job with the construction company. We've also gotten to know each other, and there is definitely a lot of layers to Nikolai Volkov.
Handing me my beer, my dad takes a seat beside me. "It feels good to see you both."
My brother chuckles as he sips his glass of bourbon, "We talk at least once a week, Father. What is there to miss?"
"Yes, but that is not the same as being here, son." Leaning forward, he places his elbows on his knees and swirls the amber liquor in his tumbler, "I've decided to make a permanent move to the States," my dad adds.
Nikolai and I exchange a look of confusion. I'm the one to question him as to why. "Everything okay? The family in danger?" It's one of the first assumptions that comes to mind. Maybe because trouble seems to weasel its way in lately wherever my family is involved, so I guess you can say I'm a little defensive.
"No," he tells us sternly and with conviction, then smirks, "I'd like to see someone try and touch my family. Death would be swift,” he finishes.
I know who Demetri Volkov is and what his reach can and will do to those who oppose him or stand in his way. It’s the rest of the world who never wants to know.
"To be honest, I want to be with my family, my boys. And I'm bored. I can run things from here for awhile. I'll fly back when needed." He tells us.
I'm not about to question him further. By the look on my brother's face, he doesn't look too thrilled with the new-found information. He has gotten used to having the place to himself, minus the staff. Setting his glass down, Nikolai stands and walks over to the window. He silent for a moment before turning around to address our father.
"Who are you leaving to run things back home?"
I watch as my father's expression changes. "Sergei is under strict orders to always report to me. Always. Nothing has changed. You are questioning my decision?"
"It's not you I question. I've never liked Sergei. You are aware we never got along. I don't trust him." He looks at our father.
Leaning back Demetri sighs, "I have others watching as well, son. He has given no reason for me not to trust him. Sergei has been loyal to this family for many years. He is like a brother to me."
I feel so out of place right now. Clearing my throat, I cut through the tension building between the two of them. "I wanted to ask a favor," I direct my attention towards my dad.
"Name it," his baritone voice comes out smooth and relaxed as he sinks back against the couch.
"I would like to take Bella somewhere for the weekend," I rub the back of my neck with my right hand. I feel awkward asking a personal favor from him, "You happen to have a place we could use for that purpose?"
He smiles, "I have several. You want something in the States or out?" he asks.
"Something close," I tell him.
He sits for a moment and rubs the scruff that has grown on his face. "I have a place in Seattle. Would that be suitable?"
It's drivable. "Yeah, that would be great," I inform him.
"Then it's settled. I'll make some calls and have the place ready for you. Everything okay with the two of you?" he studies me.
It felt good to open up a little to Jake. Talking to Quinn helped as well. Maybe I should share with my dad and brother as well. "We've been going through a rough patch. Not with our relationship, but with trying to start a family. A while back Bella suffered a miscarriage before we could confirm and share the news with everyone. Keeping it from everyone has taken its toll on us." I confide in them.
