Page 28 of The Ties That Bind
“My problems should not be placed on your shoulders.”
“We are brothers,” the Russian replied passionately. “That is the way of family.”
“I…” Sir suddenly choked up and had to clear his throat. “I don’t know how to repay you for everything you have done, Anton.”
“You forget what you sacrificed for me when we were younger—but a Durov never forgets.”
“Like an elephant,” Brie interjected, wanting to bring levity to the difficult conversation.
“Da, but more like a prehistoric mammoth with massive tusks that will rip apart all of its enemies.”
Sir smiled slightly, nodding to Brie.
“Is there any chance we could speak to Faelan?” she asked, needing to hear his voice.
“I would put him on the phone, but he is still licking his wounds and is not up for the task.”
Brie frowned. “Can you let him know we are thinking of him, and Grace is being well cared for?”
“I will,” he assured her.
“Durov, give me something I can do to help, damn it,” Sir demanded.
Rytsar thought for a moment. “There is something,moy droog…”
“Name it.”
“I have a craving for a particular donut.Radost moyaknows the one.”
Brie smiled, remembering when Rytsar had shared his secret obsession with her. “I’ve never forgotten those donuts.”
“Better send one for the Pup, as well. It would be unfair not to share, but I don’t like sharing—withanyone,” Rytsar added with an ominous growl.
She giggled, recalling how upset he’d gotten with her when she’d snuck a bite of his Blueberry Bourbon donut.
“I will see to it, but I would like to do more,” Sir replied.
“Fine. There is something else you can do. Enjoy this time with your wife and unborn child. You were denied that chance with Hope, so make the most of it now,moy droog.”
“Brother…”
“Knowing you are both happy sustains me,” Rytsar stated. “I promise to call if anything changes.”
“Call even if nothing changes,” Brie begged.
Rytsar chuckled. “Fine, just to keep you from worrying because it is not good for the growing babe.”
Brie rubbed her stomach. She realized Rytsar might not be back in time for the birth, and the thought made her extremely sad. “I hope things go better than you expect, and you come back soon.”
“What will be, will be,radost moya,” he answered somberly. “I cannot leave until the creature is locked away and Wallace is strong enough for the challenges he must face.”
“We are grateful to you,” Sir replied, his voice gruff with emotion.
Brie could almost hear the smirk in Rytsar’s voice when he answered, “Do not concern yourself,moy droog. I am a man with multiple talents.”
Before he hung up, Rytsar told Brie, “Do me a favor,radost moya.”
“Of course.”
