“No. How long is this going to go on, Adolfo? I understand that killing happens, shit happens. But this man did nothing to you. Stefano went there, tried to kill him. If a man pulled a gun on you wouldn’t you defend yourself? What about bringing it to the table, talking with the Pakhan?”
“You’re just a woman, you don’t need to be involved,” my brother hisses.
“Don’t talk to her like that,” Ivan screams at him.
“Shut the fuck up,” Adolfo screams back.
“Adolfo, please.”
“You have no business here,” he turns on me, glaring that I’ve stepped into his world. My father will scold me for this, worth it if I can save Ivan.
“I do. It’s my business because I love him,” and there is a collective of gasps and shock across the board.
“You love me?” Ivan asks.
“My grandmother told me once that love can be at first sight. You listened to me, cared about my thoughts. Men in this world forget that women are human as well. My father loves me, but I’m held at an arm’s length. You weren’t afraid to tell me the truth,” I reach up as far as I can, he has to bend down so I can cup his cheek.
“I feel the same way,” he says softly, his voice husky and gritty, but I love it all the same.
“I think what we have is a way to join our two families, forge a friendship so to speak, rule this city,” his father says.
“Call my father,” Adolfo says.
“Please unchain him,” I beg my brother.
“He won’t try and kill us?” Adolfo actually looks scared.
“He won’t.”
“I won’t. I’ve spent time with Adelina. I see how she sees things. Sunshine and rainbows and everyone in peace. I know that our world is filled with hate and death. But at least we will do it together. An enemy of my enemy is my friend. We can reap the benefits. And you’ll have me to do your dirty work,” he says.
“So an allegiance?” My father breaks through the line in front of us.
“Yes. I am sure there is something we can work out. If you and your underboss would like to join us for dinner, we can talk,” Ivan’s father states, “Adelina is welcomed as well.”
“I think we can work this out. I do have to apologize. Stefano was the one that sent those men after your son, the ones that you let go. My orders were to stand down. If he broke into your casino, then he was at fault. We did start all of this. I’m glad that we can speak about it like men,” my father nods.
“We will see you at seven then,” Ivan’s father acknowledges the room,” Tim, give them the address.”
“We’re having them in our home?” Ivan asks.
“Showing hospitality,” Ivan’s father chuckles.
“We will be there,” my father exclaims.
“Walk with me?” Ivan asks. I look to my father who nods.
I take Ivan’s hand as we walk up the stairs and out the door.
“You’re okay?” Sofia asks me as she falls in step with us.
“I am. They’re going to talk. Ivan, Sofia.”
“Nice to meet you. I hear you have a floral shop,” Ivan remembered what I told him about her.
“I do. Please come in anytime to check it out,” she beams, proud of her shop.
“Adelina, this is my father, Konstantin.”
