Page 3 of Mafie Trials

“What the fuck does that mean?” I yell, tossing shit off my desk like it’s not important to the foundation of my organization.

My secretary huffs, used to my outbursts when shit goes south, but this is worse than people not being on time or things not being organized. This is a little girl's life. She bends down to pick up the papers I’ll need for my meeting in fifteen minutes and neatly places them back together as she speaks.

“I will send a team to search for her but no one has been able to find her. It’s like she just disappeared.”

She didn’t though. The daughter of the second most wealthy family in all of Russia doesn’t just disappear unless there’s a reason. Someone took her. And I will use every resource I have at my disposal to find her.

“Cancel my meeting, nothing is happening until Eydis is here and safe with me,” I say as I walk to the small bathroom attached to my office. I’ve been thinking about adding a room here so I can properly change and be on the ready as needed but things have been too busy at home lately.

I change out of my suit and into some comfortable gear to track down whoever it is that killed my closest friend. I send a prayer up, hoping for guidance to find my future daughter-in-law.

What started as an arranged marriage, became so much more as Damir and my friendship grew. I loved him like a brother for the past twelve years, and he has always had my back. Our families might not be as close but I had always hoped that once we both settled into our roles our children would grow up knowing and loving each other.

I made him a promise when she was born. I swore to protect her with all that I am should anything ever happen to him, and I keep my promises.

I exit the bathroom to find my secretary standing there with my keys in hand.

“The jet is ready, but you need to hurry. It’s been eight hours since they were killed, she could be anywhere by now.”

As the memory of the second worst day of my life fades, I look at my son holding Eydis in his arms. He and I haven’t been close in a while, and while I know that’s my fault, my mind still struggles to push past looking into his eyes. Every time I look at him, it’s like I see his mother. Her loss pains me, but seeing my son's heartache over a girl I was supposed to protect, almost makes it hurt worse.

I didn’t just fail her, I failed him, again.

“Do you love her?” I ask him as he gently brushes Eydis’ hair. His movements stop for a moment before continuing.

He doesn’t look at me, his eyes are solely focused on every movement from the girl in his arms. “I didn’t think I’d ever love anyone again knowing that I can’t protect them from the world.” He looks at me with sad eyes and I know that choosing her for him was the right decision. “But this one snuck up on me, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let her go. I don’t just love her. That’s too simple. I want to give her everything, the whole world if she asks for it. I would rip my heart right out of my chest for her. So, yes I love her, and nothing you say could make me let her go.”

“I don’t want you to let her go. I want you to marry her.”

Alexi’s face goes pale and his movements freeze. Ever since we lost his mother, marriage is the one thing he swore to me was off the table. I agreed because I believed Eydis was dead or that I would never find her. Now, things have changed.

“What? Why?” he asks in shock.

“The reason I’ve been looking for her for all these years is because before she was born, her father promised her to marry into my family. I chose her for you.”

I can see the anger rising on his face. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

“Because I thought she was gone and you insisted on never taking a wife. However, it’s clear to me now that you have changed your mind. And I would make a decision quickly. It seems you’re not the only interested party.”

When I saw Lev and Damien’s pictures with her, I was furious. She is supposed to be for my son, not them.

“What do you mean?” he questions.

“I mean your so-called brothers have been trying to claim her as well. She was never for them, she was just for you.”

“Get out,” he seethes, his mood going from bothered to downright furious in an instant.

“What?” I understand him being upset that I didn’t tell him, but he already chose her. I don’t get why he’s angry.

“I control my rage with you often, Father. But with this topic, I will not be able to keep my voice down or stop myself from likely throwing you across the room, and I don’t want to hurt her by jumping up to show you who I am. So, respectfully, get the fuck out. Right now, all that matters is Evie. Until she wakes up and explains this all to us, I don’t want you here.”

“But son,” I start, and he raises his gun at me. Never did I think a girl would be the final straw that made him turn against me, but I’m honestly proud to see the lengths he will go to in order to defend her. She deserves someone like that. He’s already learning to be better than me.

“Alright, I’ll leave,” I concede, putting my hands up as I stand, “but I’m not going far. Call me when you’re ready to talk.”

My son doesn’t respond, he just keeps his gun aimed at me until I have the door fully closed.

“You know,” Lev says, startling me from behind, “I get where this could be weird for someone like you. Sharing someone. Loving someone more than yourself, enough to make them happy no matter the sacrifice.”

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