It almost hurts to look at him because I know what’s coming. I know I’m going to have to say goodbye, and it’ll kill me.
But for now, this has to be enough. Sitting here with Milo, laughing with him, feeling his shoulder press into me, it gives me something I haven’t had in a long time.
Hope.
One day, baby. One day I’m going to take you back.
And nobody is going to keep you from me again.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
KIRILL
The hours at work drag,and I already can’t wait to get home and see my son.
As soon as I think that, she appears in my mind. I can’t wait to see her either. Every time I think of her on that stage, selling herself like that…blyat, I can’t think straight.
Curling my fingers around the edge of my desk, I tap through a few emails, barely registering a word before my office phone rings.
“Meeting. My office. Now.” Konstantin’s tone is tight.
My mind immediately goes to the Whitlocks and the problem we still have with them.
A few minutes later, I’m in the corridor, headed for his door. As soon as I step inside, Aleksei appears behind me, looking like he’s been dragged through hell and decided he liked the scenery. His shirt is clean, his suit still immaculate, but his face has seen better days.
Settling into one of the armchairs, I let my gaze sweep over him. “What happened to you? Had to keep your eyes open all night so your wife doesn’t stab you to death?”
He scoffs as he drops into the chair beside mine, that smug smirk already in place. “If Fiona wanted to stab me, she wouldn’t need me asleep.”
“Good to know your marriage is thriving,” I chuckle.
“Speaking of marriages…” His eyes cut to me. “Have you asked your homeless girl yet? I’m sure she’d prefer your bed over the car she sleeps in.”
My nostrils flare, and I have never wanted to kill him more. “Watch your mouth.”
Aleksei shrugs. “I am just worried about her. It’s not every day the woman you care about joins one of our auctions. Did you invite her to spend the night at least?”
“I told you to watch your mouth.” My teeth grit.
His smile widens like he’s pleased with himself, like this is his favorite sport.
“Enough,” Konstantin cuts in. “We have real business to discuss.”
“What’s so urgent?” I shift my focus to him, grateful he saved Aleksei from getting his face rearranged.
The last thing I need is blood on my shirt. It cost too much.
Konstantin leans back in his chair. “I found a contact. For the weapons.”
Aleksei’s eyes narrow. “Who?”
“The Albanians.”
We’ve worked with them before. Just not for this.
Aleksei tilts his head, considering it. “How fast can they move what we need?”
“It will take time,” Konstantin says. “They need a secure route, but they want assurances. They want to know we are all aligned before they move product.”
