Chapter 43
“Your language skills are improving daily, little mouse.” Alexei abruptly changed the subject.
“I had no one to talk to outside of the other boys and Apuso, and none of them were educated or wanted to better themselves. All they wanted was their next fix and to get away from Apuso. I had Julio so I didn’t go insane.”
“Julio is a good friend to you.”
Donal smiled. “Did you know that Julio is three-quarters Irish? His mother was Irish and his father was half Puerto Rican and half Irish. He gets his slightly tan complexion from his father, but his dirty blond hair comes from his mother along with his green eyes. His eyes are like a stormy sea off Cape Cod. I’ve seen the photographs in galleries.”
“His hair is dirty blond, I wouldn’t know. I’ve only seen it blue. Should I be jealous?” Alexei asked, thinking that Julio’s new salon might be located in California.
“Oh no, we never felt that way about one another. Julio was too busy trying to get ahead, and I was trying to escape. Neither of us had time for romance, and he isn’t my type.” Donal glanced up shyly. “You are.” Alexei smiled when Donal blushed.
“There is music in the piano bench, mouse. I have to make some phone calls so I’ll be downstairs in the study if you need me.” He kissed Donal then stood.
“Will my practicing the piano disturb Grigory and Vasily? They are only one floor down.” Donal appeared nervous.
“No, both of them like music, but if it does, I can always sound proof their suites.” He made a sweeping gesture with his arms. “This room has excellent acoustics. That is why I put the piano up here.”
“Thank you, Alexei.” Donal’s eyes glistened. “You made all of my dreams come true just by loving me. You didn’t have to buy me clothing or get me a piano.”
“Little mouse,” Alexei spoke softly and caressed Donal’s cheek, “these things are nothing to me, and you needed the clothing to appear by my side. Consider it a uniform. The piano was in storage along with my violin. If you don’t mind sharing your practice space, I’ll take it up again.”
Donal’s eyes lit up. “I can accompany you. I’m also learning chess so you have someone to play with. Kane and Sean are teaching me.”
“You like the Mates?”
“I love them. Even with me being the newest of the group and a prostitute to boot, they all treat me the same. They are so kind and so determined to do the right thing, as are you. I’m not used to that.”
“Get used to it, little mouse. People do things for those they love.” Alexei pulled Donal up and kissed him soundly.
“I’ll have to find things to do for you.” Donal sounded determined to give back.
“You give back every day. I love having you near me. I would like to spend an evening playing chess and listening to the piano. I want to discover what kind of television we like so we can watch it together and movies. I love American movies, especially the science fiction. By training, I am a scientist. That’s why Armand put me in charge of Research and Development. Now, I’m going to make those phone calls. Come down at four so Katya can serve tea.” He released Donal and entered the elevator.
Alexei went down to his study to call Armand.
“Martin, is Armand in?”
“Yes, Alpha Davidoff. I’ll get him to the phone.”
The next thing Alexei heard was Armand saying, “Yes, Alexei.”
“I found out about his mother and stepfather. They were well-off. Donal was trained to sing and play the piano beautifully. Arthur McConnell owns a paper box factory that manufacturers his boxes overseas. It used to be in Albany, but he outsourced the jobs. Another greedy bastard.”
“Yes, it seems like poor Donal was blighted with more than his share of greedy bastards.” Armand sounded contemplative.
“I can ruin him with your permission.” Alexei waited, his heart pounding.
“So long as you cause him no physical harm, you may do what you wish. Let me know what you decide to do. You’re going to have to get creative if you don’t want them to know about Donal,” Armand said.
“I’m going to talk to Eugene. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for Donal to see that man get his comeuppance,” Alexei said in a silky voice.