“Yes. I know it sounds insane to force Isla to marry you, but?—”
“Whoa! I never said anything about marrying her.” The words flew out of my mouth unbidden. It was a knee jerk reaction.
“Christ, are you serious?”
“No. I’m not serious.”
“Whether you admit it or not, you love her. She had your baby. Marrying her is what comes next. Padre will expect you to do what’s right. You know how old-world Catholics are, so you better start ring shopping.”
“I don’t need a ring. I have my mother’s.” I just never planned to give it to anyone. Her wedding ring was all I had left of her. My brothers hadn’t been as fortunate to get their mother’s ring back. Selfishly, I’d rather buy a new engagement ring for Isla than give her my mamma’s.
“I know. Just thought it sounded good so when will you see her next?”
“In a couple of hours. She’s working.”
“Maybe you should call Rosa for advice on how to win over Isla.”
“No. She’ll question me, and I can’t tell anyone else about Pippa until I talk to Padre.” I exhaled a labored breath. “The last eighteen hours have been too much.”
“Want me to come out to help with Isla?” he asked.
“No, but thanks. I created this mess and I’ll clean it up.”
We fell into casual conversation for the next half hour. Roman updated me on the casino renovations then hedropped a bomb. He’d overhead Wolf talking to his brother Kira. The discussion had sounded heated so Roman questioned Wolf. It seemed some Russians, the Zotov Bratva, were looking for Kira, and he might be in danger. Wolf asked if his brother and men could stay in the guest house.
“And you said fuck no, right?” I asked, getting off the bed and going to the minibar for another drink.
“Wolf is family. I couldn’t say no.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about the Russians before we discussed Isla and Pippa? I can’t bring them to the estate if the Bratva is after Kira. Knew that asshole was a waste of breath.”
Wolf’s brother had been nothing but hot air. He knew nothing about running casinos for the richest, most-powerful, A-list customers like mine. In fact, Jinx’s husband and his brothers were more helpful to us.
Kira was a leech and Wolf was better off without him. My brother-in-law wouldn’t even use his birth name. Instead, he made Timur Orlov his legal name now that he was no longer hiding from his family. The decision had spoken volumes and proved he also didn’t trust his brother. Kira had yet to bring their mother to Canada. He had dozens of excuses and Wolf was about out of patience.
“I didn’t think it would matter,” Roman replied nonchalantly. “Your family belongs with you.”
“It does matter. I won’t put my girls in the line of fire.”
“Wolf has his MC on standby. At a moment’s notice, we can have them and Rosa on a jet and out of the country. They’ll be safe, brother.”
“I’ll consider it.” I started pacing again. The estate truly was a fortress. There was even a fireproof panic room. “I need to go so I can check in with Paolo.”
“Want me to send a crew for added protection? You shouldn’t be without your right-hand man.”
“I won’t be here long enough for anyone to know I’m here. Keep me posted about Kira.”
“You do the same about Isla and your daughter.”
“I will.” I ended the call then promptly dialed Paolo.
He answered on the first ring. “Boss.”
“How’s it going?” I asked.
“Quiet. The baby has been asleep since you left.”
“That’s good.” I dialed into a voice in the background. “Who is Alba talking to?”
