Chapter 66 Dinner Guest
Anushka's P.O.V.
I was nervous about letting Dakota leave, but I knew Gavin would keep her safe. I'm hoping that the giant teddy bear of a man has found a woman who interests him. He has too big a heart to be alone. While they were downstairs, the police called and said they had arrested Phillip. He was so scared that he admitted everything. Now they're looking for Stewart. I wish them luck with that.
I can now walk independently, but Jordan still stays by my side. He has been incredible. My dad and brothers have been great, too. I'm starting to wonder if they even have a business because they're always here. Kozar said they have other people who can handle the day-to-day.
"Dakota's birthday is going to be incredible. I can't wait. Even if it's small, we're going to make sure she has everything she wants, including a fire-breathing dragon and fairies." My dad says. I shake my head and chuckle. When they're planning a child's birthday, it's hard to remember what they do for a living.
"You don't have to go that far. She's easy to please." All of them look at me with their mouths open.
"Are you kidding? I missed out on your childhood, but I won't miss hers. She's going to have the best of everything. I'm glad Luka and Corrine will be there too. Corrine reminds me a lot of you, Anushka." Dad says, and I look at Yurkov.
"Yeah, she's a lot like you. She never put up with my crap. I didn't appreciate it at the time. I just hope she'll give me a second chance." He looks down at his hands. I'm anxious to meet this woman and my nephew. Before I can say anything, my phone starts ringing. The number's not familiar, but I answer it anyway.
"Hello?"
"Hello. Is this Anushka?" A man with a heavy Italian accent asks.
"Yes, who is this?"
"Oh, I'm so happy to speak with you. My name is Santino Buccheri. You probably have no idea who I am, but I knew your mom." I can't believe it.
"I know who you are. My mom wrote me a letter, and she mentioned you in it. You were her first love." I glance at my dad, and his face is tight. Russian and Italian mafia bosses probably don't get along.
"She was the only woman I ever truly loved. I'm sorry for calling out of the blue like this, but I just learned of your existence and your mother's passing. I was wondering if I could meet you." I don't know what to say. I do want to meet my mom's high school sweetheart, but having him here with my dad and brothers wouldn't be a good idea.
"Hold on just a second, please." I cover the phone up.
"Santino wants to meet me. I assume you don't want to be here when he does, so can you eat somewhere else tonight?" I plead with them. None of them looks happy.
"How do you know it's not a trick? He's been looking for something he can use to get to me, and he may try to do something to you in order to do just that," my dad says.
"He sounds genuine. We have our men here, and we won't allow guns." I tell them.
"Fine, but we'll be next door at Kozar's, so if you need us, call immediately," Dad says. I nod and put the phone back up to my ear.
"Can you come to dinner tonight?" I ask Santino.
"Yes, thank you. What time should I be there?" He sounds so excited.
"Six, and we have one requirement. No guns are allowed." My dad and brothers relax slightly.
"Okay, I'll see you at six. Thank you." I disconnect the call and wait for the arguments to come. When no one says anything, I'm shocked.
A couple of hours later, my dad and brothers leave, and we get ready for Santino. Gavin told me he'd be going back downstairs after Santino leaves, and I fully encouraged him to.
"Santino is on his way up. They said he's alone," Jordan says, looking at his phone. Gavin, Bobby, and Dakota stand at the door with Jordan and me behind them. I'm only allowing Dakota to be up there because the men downstairs check everyone before they come up here, but I would never tell her that. She takes her job seriously. When the door opens, a handsome man with thick black hair walks in.
"Open your coat," Dakota instructs him. Santino's eyes widen, but he does what she says.
"What's your name?" She asks him. He looks flustered. I guess he's never been questioned by a child.
"Santino," he replies. Dakota tilts her head to the side and studies him. I'm used to her doing that when trying to decide if someone is good or bad.
"Okay, you can come in. You have nice eyes. I will call you Sandy." Gavin and Bobby chuckle lightly while Santino looks appalled.
"Why Sandy?" He asks, following her over to Jordan and me.
"It's easier to say. This is my mommy and my daddy. The kids over there are Sarah and Tyler. Courtney is their mom, and she's cooking dinner." Dakota explains.
"What's your name?" He questions her.
"Dakota," she says. Santino smiles and looks at me.
"She has Gloria's spirit. I can see her in both of you. It's nice to meet you, Anushka." He holds his hand out to me, and when I give him mine, he kisses the back of it.
"It's nice to meet you, too. Thank you for calling us. Please come in and sit down while we wait for dinner." We lead him into the living room. This should be interesting. I just hope my dad and brothers keep their promise and stay away.
_________________
Galdino's P.O.V.
I knew my dad was going to meet that Russian bitch. It makes me sick that he would want to meet her just because he had something with her mother a long time ago. I may not touch her right now, but Dad won't be the boss forever. When I take over, the entire Kondrati family will be killed, starting with Anushka and her daughter.