Chapter 52 Birthday Talk
Jordan's P.O.V.
Eating breakfast with an entire Russian mafia family wasn't something I had ever imagined doing, but here we are. Anushka and I talked last night about her concerns about Dakota being exposed to their lifestyle. I agree that some of what they do could be a bad influence on her. However, I also see the effect she has on them. Dakota isn't like most kids. She has her own mind and is as strong as her mom. Her uncles and grandfather are already under her spell.
Anushka and I also talked about checking in on our businesses to make sure everything is running smoothly. We're both still supposed to be on vacation, but the last thing we need is surprises when we return. I have Raymond doing a little remote monitoring of the financials and operations on his end. We'll check in later ourselves after everything calms down.
"What kind of birthday party do you want?" Christov asks as Courtney, Bobby, and Gavin clear the table.
"One without guns," Dakota replies, raising her eyebrows at him. She is adamant about the guns, and I get it. There was a shootout right outside our door, and her mom almost died.
"There won't be any guns. I promise. What else do you want?" he asks.
"I like fairies and dragons," Dakota says excitedly.
“I'm glad you still like some kid stuff. I was starting to think you had skipped your childhood years." Yurkov says.
"She's never had a big birthday party before. It was always just the two of us," Anushka tells them, and I almost start laughing when her father and brother's eyes light up.
"Then we will make this the best party ever. Do you have other kids you want to invite?" Christov asks her.
"Tyler and Sarah, but that's all." Dakota answers.
"You can have anyone you want," Victor says, but Dakota shakes her head.
"No, thank you. I want a small party with my family." Yep, they all just melted into puddles at the table. What child talks like she does? She's not just mature. She's smart and has good sense.
"We'll make it the best small party you've ever had," Zakhar tells her. I get a text and look at my phone.
"Lee is on his way up," I tell Anushka.
"Who's Lee?" Christov asks.
"My physical therapist. I'm hoping that before long, I can walk without help. I didn't realize how getting shot in the chest would affect my whole body. I feel weak when I walk, but I'm getting stronger." She smiles at them, and I kiss her forehead. To others, she may appear fragile, but I know the truth. Anushka is stronger than anyone else in the room.
"Do you want us to leave?" Kozar asks. I want to say yes, but Anushka shakes her head.
"No, you can stay. It won't take long, and I have a few things I would like to discuss with all of you when he leaves. Bill will be coming soon, too. He's the designer working on Dakota's room." She says as I push her to the living room. Lee and the man I hired to stay with him walk in a minute later. He looks at Anushka's dad and brothers with concern.
"My dad and brothers stopped by for a visit," Anushka tells him. I look at Christov, and he's beaming at her. It's the first time she has called him her dad.
"It's okay, Lee; they don't have guns," Dakota tells him. That doesn't seem to make him feel any better. Just looking at the six men can make anyone feel intimidated. Well, anyone other than Dakota.
Lee gets to work with Anushka while the rest of us sit in the living room. Zakhar sits next to me.
"How long have you and Anushka been together?" He asks.
"Only a few weeks. We met when we were both on vacation. She and Dakota found me on the beach right after someone poisoned me. Dakota forced Anushka to help me. We haven't been apart since." I smile at Anushka as she walks with Lee. She's doing better today.
"You two have been through a lot, but you're already engaged, and Dakota calls you daddy. That's fast." I nod and look at Dakota, sitting deep in conversation with two of her uncles.
"Dakota asked if she could call me daddy right after we met. She has a way of making people do what she wants. I knew I was going to marry Anushka after being with her for one day. After she was shot, I referred to her as my fiancée so the hospital wouldn't give me hell about staying with her. Dakota asked me what a fiancée was, and I explained it to her. Two days later, when her mom woke up, she asked Anushka if she could wear a pretty dress when we got married. I proposed, and she said yes. We have been through so much together, it feels like a lifetime." It's hard to explain in words that Anushka and Dakota are my reasons for living. I love them both so much.
"I envy you. I never thought I wanted a wife and kids, but now I'm beginning to reconsider. You're a businessman. Can I ask you something?" Zakhar lowers his voice so no one else can hear him.
"Sure." I look from Anushka to her brother.
"We live in two very different worlds, and I know I don't have to tell you that things in my family's world aren't always legal. Hypothetically, how hard would it be to change from what we do to having all legit businesses?" I'm shocked he's asking, but I don't show it.
"It may not be easy and would take some time, but I think it can be done. I can help you, and I know Anushka would help, too. She single-handedly turned Stewart's bankrupt business into a thriving success. If anyone has a sound business mind, it's your sister." I look back at Anushka, and she's smiling as she walks with a cane, Lee on one side, and Courtney pushing the wheelchair behind her.
"Thank you, and thank you for being there for her and Dakota. We had mixed feelings when Dad told us about them yesterday, but not anymore. Most of us already have Dakota pegged to take over one day. However, we know we'd better have everything on the up and up if that happens, or she'll have all our heads." We both laugh as we watch her explain something to Yurkov. Dakota will definitely be a boss one day, but right now, she's still a little girl, and I don't want people to forget that.