Page 136 of Possess Me
Meanwhile, I was of the opinion that life was about more than bank accounts and casinos.
All because of one feisty woman.
“Yes, I believe you are correct. I’m certain our Pakhan shared that I was almost gunned down while attending to… business. Business that should have been benign and nonviolent. Imagine my surprise when a bunch of Italians tried to shorten my lifespan.” They said nothing as I poured. It took me turning around to face them to realize that I was the odd man out. They were all in sync about whatever the forthcoming discussion was. “I’m surprised to see you here, gentlemen.” I used the term loosely.
“We knew after the way things were left between us and given the fact you were almost killed while accepting our hospitality that our presence was mandatory.” Ludolf studied me like a specimen under glass.
“Why don’t we cut to the chase. The last few days have been notably difficult. Who are you really and what the hell do you want with this family?” My question was pointed as they all would be.
Ludolf shot both my uncle and father a look. I instantly noted my family members weren’t concerned in the least about their sudden appearance.
Because they’d been invited to the party.
“Before we continue with the game of charades, I need to know something, Pops. Did you know about Megan’s true identity? Did you know she was an Italian princess?” For the first time in years, I witnessed my father being highly uncomfortable. “You did.”
Mikhail gave me a cautionary look since my tone changed dramatically with the last two words.
“Not at first, son, but when you became serious, I had her checked out.”
“That would have taken DNA.” When he said nothing but stared at me blankly, I laughed. “You did. Why the fuck didn’t you tell me? At least that would have answered questions as to why the fuck my life had been destroyed!”
“Do not raise your voice to me! I am your father.” He pounded his hand on the credenza that he was standing beside for emphasis.
“Take it easy, Viss,” Mikhail cautioned again.
“How can I take it easy when the past came back to bite me and another woman who had no fucking clue who she was or her importance in this twisted world?”
Uncle Boris cleared his throat. “There are some things you need to know, Vissarian.”
“Then by all means tell me. I’m all ears. I was hunted down like some dog only to discover that Fallon was a valuable commodity. Did you arrange having her as my pilot?” I threw the accusation at Ludolf.
At least he had the decency to look uncomfortable.
“With our blessing,” my father said, indicating the former Pakhan and my uncle.
I scratched my head, uncertain what to make of the entire shit storm I’d been shoved into. “That cost my friend his life. Did you know that? Did you even care? Or was he just another pawn in some sick game?”
“Calm the fuck down,” Mikhail said under his breath.
After throwing him a harsh look, I swallowed half the liquid in my glass.
Emilio sighed. “We are sorry to hear that.”
“Oh, yeah? Is this just a game to the five of you? And you, my own cousin. Why didn’t you say something to me?”
“He didn’t know,” Uncle Boris said with full authority in his voice.
“Why keep it from the Pakhan of this Bratva?”
“Because it was necessary. We needed to know if Fallon was a willing participant.” My father’s voice held an air of arrogance.
That only made me that much more furious.
“Do you have any clue that her stepbrother thinks she belongs to him? That he killed his own father and stepmother, the woman who stole Marcos Bruni’s heart because of his obsession with her?”
“It’s more than that,” Mikhail finally interjected. “Tell him everything.”
“Yes, please do because I’m about ready to walk out of here.” When I started for the door, Mikhail moved in front of me, his eyes imploring. I backed away, locking eyes with all of them. “Tell the story.”
