We won’t be able to go without bodyguards.
How many do you usually have? *Grumpy face*
Two, driver and byk.
As much as anyone could call Dom an obsessive psycho, I had to admit having these men close to him was reassuring, and I was fed up with everyone thinking they could easily snatch me up anytime they damned wished. Plus, what possible harm could there be in protection?
It’s fine. Will you meet me at the airport?
I glanced up to see the estimated arrival would be in an hour, and since I was already wearing my jeans and a white shirt with ballerina flats on, I would make it on time.
Yep.
Then we can go directly there.
Sure.
I’m going to take a nap now. Bye-bye, sis.
*Blowing a kiss*
Aww… how cute. *heart*
Grinning, I half listened to Michael and Konstanciya bickering over the latest movie and the soundtrack used in it, when the memory of my phone call ten days ago with Ciara came up.
Taking a deep breath, I dialed the number, waiting for the line to connect us, and on the fifth ring, she picked up, curiosity in her voice. “Alo?”
Clearing my throat, I said, “Ciara?” She grew silent, probably contemplating hanging up on me. I wouldn't know how to react in her situation. She probably mourned the loss of her sister; how could she not? Ciara wasn't my biological sister as I thought, but the loss of her company hurt me, because she was the only person who I considered a friend, and she had guided me through every process. Based on my research on various psychological studies, people tend to block all the unpleasant things that had happened to them and move on. As odd as it was, I had no desire to block Ciara from my memories.
“Angelica… I mean Rosa?” she corrected herself.
“Yeah.”
Another silence, and then she started talking like old times. “Truthfully, I didn't expect you would ever call me again.”
Relieved she was open for contact, I replied, “Of course! I’d like to think we can be friends.”
She giggled into the phone. “We sort of were. Can’t stop being them overnight.”
“Yeah.” The laughter died, washing away the awkwardness we had felt in the beginning, and I found the courage to ask the question bothering me.
“How are your parents?”
She exhaled loudly, and the sound was uncomfortable in my ear. She must have held the phone really close to her mouth. “Devastated would be the appropriate word for it. They lost their daughter.” Her voice lowered, laced with sadness. “I lost a sister. Angelica… my heart aches for what she had to go through because of that sick man.” So Vito filled them in on my backstory. “However, the bitter truth is always better than a sweet lie. At least now we can cherish her memory.” Then she added, “They don’t want to speak with you in case—”
I cut her off, “I understand.” And honestly, it was never my intention to keep in contact with them. They failed to give me any warmth, and I had an amazing parent myself. Most of the time, they concentrated only on their wishes, having frowns and scowls for me. Ciara had to get away from their toxic environment, even if it was just for a vacation. “Have you ever thought about visiting Russia?”
Her loud squeal was answer enough as we came up with a plan for her.
The touch of a small palm snapped me out of my thoughts as the little boy with grey eyes studied me curiously, so much like his father. Yep, Radmir’s kid to the bone.
“Hi,” he said calmly. “Do you know where my mommy and daddy are?” Raising my eyes, I silently asked for help, but Michael, Kostya, and Konstanciya just shrugged.
Peachy. Who left a kid with strangers without creating some kind of story? “They are talking right now, honey.”
His lower lip trembled and he rubbed his cheek, but before he could erupt in tears, Kostya called to him, “Jake.” The boy focused his attention on Kostya as the tattooed man placed the plate holding a hamburger onto the small table by the couch where the boy had lain. “How about a little snack? I will call your parents now, and they’ll come.” Jake blinked a few times, but then took a huge bite out of the food.
“Radmir is going to skin you alive if you interrupt them,” Michael said.
