Chapter 89: My Love for her

Dimitri.

I keep staring at the woman cuddled in my arms and for the first time in a very long time, I feel like I have the world. Like I have conquered every obstacle to attaining the highest level of fulfillment. It has been a while since we have been like this. What I felt for her used to be confusing. Especially since it was foreign and new. Nothing I had ever tasted. But now I'm sure. I'm sure about what I truly want. My path has never been clearer. At first, it felt like she wanted to be anywhere except near me so it came as a shock when she went looking for me just to talk.

All I need to do is to end this threat soon so that I can spend the rest of my days loving her.

My phone vibrates and I ignore it again. I put it on earlier but I'm not in a hurry to get back to the reality of what is happening. I have to pull myself away from her to get ready for work. She is still sleeping by the time I'm ready. She finally shifts and comes awake when I kiss her on her forehead.

“You're leaving?"

“I have to get to work."

“Okay. Have a nice day." And she goes back to sleep. That's all I get? Have a nice day! I was expecting several declarations of love.I guess we can't have it all.

“I love you."

I make my way down to the basement before I leave the house and head for a particular cell. He is sitting and staring ahead like something is interesting on the walls. I get that he has been my right-hand man but even brothers have to be punished when they act out.

“Come out. We got something to talk about." He practically drags himself out and into a seat.

“What is it, boss? Did finally realize how much you missed me?" He should not be acting smug when I feel like throwing him down a building. “Or are you here to give me my well-deserved punishment?"

“Don't try to get smart with me. She is the only reason you're still breathing."

“Then you should bring her down here so that I can thank her."

“I am not letting you get anywhere close to her again."

“You cannot do that."

“I can and I will. Something could have happened to her."

He scoffs like I am making no sense “And you think nothing would have happened to her here? She could have run into someone else if not him and what do you think they would have done to her."

“And what did you do when you found her?"

“Would you have expected me to drag her back to you on her knees? She is pregnant and already has a health condition. I could not bring myself to stress her more than she was. She had already decided that she wanted to leave and there was nothing I could do to stop her. I'm sorry, boss but you pushed her away. The least I could do was make sure she's happy and safe."

“You work for me. Your loyalty is to me."

“And why can't you see that that is why I went with her? She already made up her mind. Her friends were with her. I was not sure if there were other people there apart from him. I had no time to prepare for anything. Or would you have preferred her leaving without anyone?"

“You could have killed him and brought her back."

“Maybe I should be thanking God that I didn't considering what we just found out." I do not like that he is referring to the imposter.

“I'm sending you out on an assignment."

“Where and when?"

“Italy. In three days. My godfather will be here in two."

“And what is in Italy?"

“Some of Wesley's business transactions, the illegal with cash only, have been traced to Italy so I need someone out there." I pass him a paper with a drawing.

“I know this drawing. What has this tattoo got to do with Italy?"

“Maybe you were not paying attention before you left. Most of the people we caught have this same tattoo. Hernandez, Herman, Charles even."

“So it's not just a tattoo. It's a symbol."

“Great job catching up. I have to know how deeply Wesley is connected to this and who else is partnered with him."

“Are you gonna tell your godfather about it?"

“No. Which is why I need you to go. You know how to do things without pulling unnecessary attractions."

“Or perhaps you think I'm your last hope because everyone is busy with their love lives and won't have time for you." He smiles at himself like he thinks he deserves a trophy for getting the best score in a quiz. “How do you know I'm not in a relationship and need to get back to the woman of my dreams who probably thinks I'm lost?"

“I don't. But I know that you work for me and you owe me for my mercy."

“You said I owe it to Vanessa." I glare at him and he raises his hands in surrender. “It is good that you aren't telling him about it. He is practically the King of the Italian underworld and if you know nothing about Wesley's business then it's because he is keeping it from you. The question now is why?" I have a bad feeling about this and I hope I'm just overthinking this.

“Get out and get some rest. I need you in your full strength in two days." I stand and he follows.

“You mean I get to leave?"

“You could stay here if you want to. I have no problem locking you back in." I start walking out and he follows like a lost kid. I get into my car and he gets into the passenger seat. I glare at him and he gives me an innocent look. “Why are you following me."

“My car isn't here and I need a ride home."

“You could get a ride elsewhere." I don't need a crowded car.

“I could. But I have no money. You stripped me of everything before you locked me up. Please, boss."

I look to the balcony one more time to see if I can get a glimpse of her before I leave but she isn't there.

“Don't worry, boss. She'll be there when you get home." He's right. I'll see her when I get back.

“Shut up, Hayden. No one asked you." He laughs silently as I drive out.n I get back.

“Shut up, Hayden. No one asked you." He laughs silently as I drive out.