Emily’s POV

The week in Saint Pietersburg flew by. One second my wound is being tended to, the next I’m getting along with Alexei’s mother and now we're almost on our way home. It felt weird seeing Moscow as home but honestly, I couldn’t think of going back to my parents in London.

I wouldn’t say I loved Alexei, but at this moment, I couldn’t see myself getting married to Rayon at all, not even for my family business. I could see myself getting married to Alexei though. If it was about having a rich and influential man in my life then my father would surely approve of Alexei.

Well, that is of course as long as he doesn’t know what Alexei does for a living. I didn’t even know what he did for a living, but I have a feeling it’s not legal. It was the whole Mia thing, her telling me that Alexei was a Mob Boss just made me think about everything.

He never did anything that would lead me to believe her but then again; he shot people, I got shot, and no police were involved. So I think maybe Mia was right. Maybe Alexei was a Mob boss and everything he stands for is Illegal. And even knowing this, I wouldn’t leave him.

“Emily?” I turned around to find Alexei’s mother waving at me from the porch. I shrugged on my jacket, hoping it would protect me from the cold. “Hello dear, sleep well?” I nodded and smiled at her. She wasn’t at all what I expected.

“And you Mrs. Volkov?” She rolled her eyes at me, “How many times do I have to tell you child, call me Ade. But Yes, I slept like a baby.” It felt weird knowing that if she was any other traditional Russian Mob Mother, there was no way she would have approved of me.

“Is my son treating you well?” Unconsciously a smile slipped onto my face. Thinking about Alexei always did that to me. I couldn’t believe we’ve only known each other for a few weeks. “Yes Ade, your son is a complete gentleman.” She smirked and looked out over her garden.

“Good because I didn’t raise him to be anything but a Gentlemen.” Silence wrapped around us for a few seconds before Adelaida looked back at me. “You know what he does for a living?”

“I have a feeling but he hasn’t told me exactly.” She nodded and turned to look at me. “My son is a dangerous man. He gets what he wants when he wants it. He works with murderers and he is one. But my son is also kind and loyal, and if you let him take care of you, you will see that.”

Her admitting my suspicions made everything suddenly feel real. So Mia was right, Alexei didn’t just work for the mob, he is the mob. This made sense, the way he gave me my options earlier this week. If I stayed with him, I would always be in danger. But like Ade said, I believe that he is worth it.

“Ade, I can’t say I love you son. But I can say, that I care very much for him. And if I have to be in danger to be with him, then I’ll do it. I don’t even care that I got shot, him saving me, made my mind up that no matter what happens, I want to stay with him for as long as I can.”

She smiled at me continued drinking the coffee that was in her hands. “Good Emily, because I’ve been spending time with you this week, to see if you are worthy to my son. I’m not like most Russian mothers that will look down at you because you’re not Russian, but I’ll do anything to protect my son.”

I agreed with her knowing that it would be the same with my children one day. I would never look down at any of their partners but I will protect them with my whole heart and I will weed out those that only want them for the wrong reasons.

“Emily, are you done packing yet?” Ade and I both turned around at the same time, to see Alexei coming down the stair in jeans and a button-down shirt. My heart fluttered at the thought that soon, once I can move my arm without groaning, I was going to jump him and make sure he never forgets about me.

He smiled at the fact that his mother and I were getting along. Ade and I walked into the house and he pulled me into his arms. Placing a kiss on my forehead he pulled away to answer the phone that was ringing in his pocket.

“We need to leave soon.” I nodded and he started his Russian conversation, which I didn’t understand a word of. “Emily dear, come here.” I walked back to the kitchen where Ade was waiting for me.

She pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear. “Remember, he is worth it. But he’ll also be stubborn and a pure male. But don’t give up on him.” I continued hugging his mother, unbelievably grateful that she approved us being together.

Now all I had to do was make my parents approve of Alexei and cancel the wedding with Rayon. I cared about him but not nearly as much as I cared about Alexei. I could never fall in love with Rayon but I could see myself fall in love with Alexei someday soon in the future.

« • x • x • x • »

When we got home I decided to call my mom soon after I unpacked my bags. This was going to be a hard call but nothing could change my mind.

“Hi Mom, I need to talk to you and dad. It’s serious.” Over the phone, my mother couldn’t see how nervous I was. “Of course my dear, can we video call?” I agreed and ended the call. We could take on video and then my parents could see how serious I was.

Alexei had just gone downstairs and now was the time to tell them that I won’t be coming home unless they changed their mind about who I was marrying. If they gave me a little more time, I could asses if Alexei would marry me. Even if he didn’t love me.

Once the laptop was open I called them over video and both my parents appeared on the screen. “Aw my baby, you’re looking pale. I don’t understand why you would choose to go to such a cold place and not to Europe for a beautiful golden tan.”

My mother’s statement caused me to roll my eyes. “Mom, really? Hey Daddy!” My father nodded and I decided not to play around the bush. He was a busy man and I didn’t want to waste his time. “I don’t think I’m coming home.” My mother turned pale and my father’s face turned red as if he was about to have a heart attack.

“Excuse me, young lady. Of course, you are.” I frowned at my father and shook my head. “I met someone here. I’m not ready to come home, I want to see where this can go. And he could be just as beneficial to our family as Rayon. I don’t want to marry Rayon and with a little time, I can maybe convince him to marry me.” I could see my father losing his temper.

“We’re done talking about this. Come home, don’t come home. That’s up to you. But marrying Rayon not negotiable. If you want the company, you will marry the man I chose for you. No discussions, if you decide to say in Russia, I’ll leave the family business to Rayon and you’ll have nothing.”

**Copyright © 2020 by Grace Write**