Chapter 96 Going To Russia
Enzo.
Russians are fucking bastards.
It'll take six weeks to clean up the mess Mincetti caused while ensuring my business doesn't collapse. I have to hand it to them; they're meticulous when it comes to revenge. Not only did they burn down my warehouses, but they also took control of some of my drug fields in Russia.
This meant I had to negotiate with the Russian thugs and convince them to return those fields, all the while ensuring the relationship didn't turn hostile.
But now it's all done, and I'm returning home. I used to despise New York and everything it stood for. The Russo mansion never felt like home, especially after what happened within its walls. But that's all changed.
Because I know there's someone waiting for me there. Olive skin, blue eyes. I missed Rose. So much that sometimes it was damn hard to breathe.
I wanted nothing more than to go home and hold her in my arms, but I couldn't distract myself. Absence strengthens feelings. And now my heart physically can't stand being away from her any longer.
Now nothing can keep me from her. Unfortunately, I stumbled upon my first test.
O-checkpoint, when I arrived, and Isabella wasn't there. Matthew and Marina come running to me with wide smiles as soon as they see me.
It's strange. A year ago, I scared the crap out of them, and now they both greet me with hugs. I'm surprised I don't mind. I even like it. In a very short time, I've become very protective of my little cousins.
I ruffle Matthew's hair after we've finished exchanging pleasantries.
"Where's Rose, Matty?"
He smiles. "She's at her other house."
I raise an eyebrow. "Her other house?"
Marina nods enthusiastically.
"She took me there. To her art studio. And she's teaching me pottery, Uncle Enzo. She says I have a natural talent. And we draw sometimes, too."
"She plays video games with me," Matthew interjects.
I chuckle quietly. A twinge of anxiety pierces my chest at the thought of Rose returning to her art. I can only hope it's because she wanted to teach Marina. However, judging by how rarely she wanted to talk to me on the phone while I was gone, I doubt it. Something's still wrong.
"You two are watching TV again. I'll go get Rose," I tell them. I turn around, then stop, realizing something. "Where is your mother?"
The twins exchanged glances, something flickered in their eyes before they looked back at me. Their expressions were to blame.
"She left," Marina replies.
My jaw clenches. "When did she leave?"
No one should be able to leave this house without my knowledge.
"Three days ago. She said she was going on a trip," she replies nervously. "She told us not to tell. Isa said we shouldn't tell either."
Denise sneaks out of the house, extremely anxious for a variety of reasons. I think she's feeling better. This woman never liked me, which means she might be up to something. My hand slides over my jaw.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt her," I tell the twins, trying to ease the worry in their eyes.
"You promise?" Matthew asks, his voice shaking.
I nod once. They smile slightly at me before returning to the living room. I only need a moment to change into something else before I get back in the car and head to De Luca's.
I'm allowed through the gate, though as soon as I step out into the lobby, Roman is waiting for me. He has a glass of some kind of liquid in his hand.
As I approach, his eyebrow rises.
"Well, unless it's a man who dared to come to Russia and survived," he says, tipping his glass in gratitude.
Despite myself, I smile. "Not everyone's a coward, Roman."
"Eh," he shrugs, apparently unaffected by the insult. "The only reason you survived is because your family hasn't had that many skirmishes with the Russians in the past. If I'd set foot on their territory, I'd have been shot in seconds. That's why we don't mix. "Not worth the risk," he says, shaking his head.
"I can imagine," I say dryly. "Where's my wife?"
Roman's expression turns humorous at my tone. "It's funny you call her that, even though you're not even married yet."
"We are married in every sense of the word," I reply.
I know it in my heart. Rose and I may not have walked down the aisle yet, but she's mine. She promised."
"That's interesting. Just one question: did you do anything to her when you left?"
His dark blue eyes sweep over my face.
"Because my sister is a talented artist, but I worry when she spends so much time locked in her room. What did you do, Russo?”
"I'll let you know when I'm ready to start talking to you about personal matters between her and me."
His eyes darken. I remember he's still her brother, and soon we'll be family, so I calm down.
"We're fine," I say, hoping it's not a lie. "Just a couple of things we need to sort out. You know how it is."
I can see in his eyes that he understands.
"Okay," Roman softens. "Just be careful around her. She's my only sister, Enzo."
"I know."
"She's upstairs in her studio. Third door on the right," he tells me, gesturing with his hand. "Oh, and you two are expected at our Thanksgiving dinner in a couple of weeks. I suppose congratulations are in order, since your wedding is coming up soon."
I grit my teeth and nod, too focused on getting through to Rose to think about what he means.
When I knock on the door, there's no answer. After knocking again, I enter, and the sight of Rose takes my breath away. She's at her workstation, sitting with her hands wrapped around clay, sculpting.
There's a soft, serene smile on her face. She's wearing earbuds, so she doesn't immediately react to my presence.