Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“Trust me when I say this, Emily. You two are not the same person. Do not punish yourself for her crimes.”
She pursed her lips.
“If you need to shed tears for the couple, I understand.” I let out a long breath. “But, do not carry this sorrow yourself. Please, give it me. Let me hold onto the guilt and pain, the disappointment and anger.”
More tears spilled from those beautiful eyes.
“That guilt and pain is mine.” I kissed her forehead again. “All of it is mine, just like your heart and soul.”
Someone knocked on the door.
Goddamn it.
“One moment, mysh.” I wiped the tears from her face and left the bed.
As I headed to the door, I heard Paolo whispering to her in Italian. Slowing my walk, I glanced over my shoulder and saw him patting her back.
A sad chuckle left her. “I wish I knew what you were saying.”
He nodded. “Mysh.”
She switched to Russian. “I am better because of you. Thank you.”
Relief washed over me.
She’s going to be okay with this. . .eventually.
I turned back around and opened the door.
Several members of the hotel staff pushed in carts topped with silver trays of covered food. Sweet and savory aromas rose from them.
Emily gave the boy a sad smile. “Pancakes.”
Paolo’s face brightened. “Pancakes.”
The staff began to set up on the side of the room.
David entered.
I quirked my brows. “Any news?”
“The Butcher wanted to come up here to check on Emily this morning. He was adamant about it. So, I respectfully told him to go back to his room.”
Sarcasm laced my voice. “I am sure he understood and headed back.”
“There was a small scuffle among his men and ours, then he understood and left.”
I considered what Baba said about the Butcher knowing someone who could help us defeat Fela.
We shall talk later, Jean-Pierre. Do not worry about that.
I smirked. “Any more sign of Fela’s men?”
“None.”
“We should hold a meeting to end this.”
“I assumed you would say so. The hotel is preparing a banquet room now. What time will the Mouse and you be ready?”
Emily spoke for me, “In an hour, David.”
He and I turned her way.
She rose from the bed, grabbed Paolo’s hand, and walked the boy over to where the staff set up. “Make sure everyone is there too. Misha, Harlem Crew, the French, and of course our people.”
David nodded. “Anything else, Emily?”
“Make sure the table and space is sufficiently cleaned for Giorgio,” Emily said. “And have a bowl of sweets for Max. Everyone should be relaxed and united.”
“I will.” David nodded again and looked back at me. “Do you have anything else for me?”
“No tea.” I grinned. “Just coffee.”
“No, David.” Emily helped Paolo into a chair. “Make sure there is tea, juice, and water too. We want everyone comfortable.”
I frowned.
“Got it.” Smiling, David left.
I looked at my lioness as she placed several stacks of pancakes and a large portion of eggs onto a plate. “Mysh, I like when you take the lead.”
The hotel staff hurried away, but didn’t close the door.
Emily carried over the plate to me. “I’m glad you don’t mind my taking over. I’m just ready to leave Italy.”
“I believe we all are.”
“Let’s do this meeting. Figure out a plan. And get the hell out of this country.” She handed me the plate along with a fork. “Eat, baby. It’s going to be a long day.”
Beaming, I took the plate and fork. “This is for me?”
“Of course, Kaz.” She headed back to the table. Her ass perfectly swayed under that gown.
She picked up another plate, placed one pancake on it, and a small spoonful of eggs. Then, she put the plate in front of Paolo. “Here you go, baby.”
I beamed some more.
I got mine first.
Paolo grabbed his fork. “Pancakes.”
Emily winked at him. “Tons of them.”
She will be a good mom to our son.
This soothing sensation flowed through me. It was like a warm hand on my heart, enveloping me in calm and making my skin tingle.
Suddenly, I caught movement on the side of the room, stiffened, and snapped my view there.
What was that?
The damned lamp flickered on and off again.
Unsettled, I frowned. “Wassily!”
The lamp stopped flickering.
He rushed in. “Yes, Kazimir.”
“Get rid of that lamp over there.” I gestured with my fork. “Something is wrong with it.”
And it is. . .creeping me out.
“Okay, sir.” He hurried that way.
Music sounded from the television.
Paolo chuckled. “Binky!”
Emily laughed with him. “He is a silly bird.”
Still standing by the door, I forked up some eggs and watched Wassily simply lift the lamp from the nightstand and walk off with it. The plug trailed behind him.
Confused, I held the fork of eggs in front of me. “Did you. . .unplug it?”
Wassily shook his head. “It was not plugged in.”
But. . .
A cold shiver ran through me.
Wassily left with the lamp. Emily and Paolo laughed at the dumb bird on the television.