Chapter 11: Anton's Pv; family proposal

Tonight, like all the others, Nora and I are going to the club. A shipment of weapons would be sent to Bulgaria and we were preparing it. I intend to leave my sweet flower in the office to avoid new surprises. Do we ever know.

I thought I saw the bartender take a picture of Nora when we passed him, but I wasn't sure. That's why I asked Vladimir to keep an eye on him. What I do not tolerate in this world is betrayal and if this man is a traitor, I can swear they will all feel me.

- You will stay here while I will manage things nearby. Dan will be in a cabin, just press here if you need something (pointing to the little button under the table). You're not leaving here for any reason. There is a television there and this key contains several original version films if you want to be entertained (putting the USB key in his hands). The red wooden door there gives you access to my private room. You can rest if I go long. And no need to try to get in touch with anyone. The computer contains a password and the phone is configured to only receive calls. You won't do anything stupid in my absence, will you, my flower?

Nora: I'll wait for you.

She says her words to me while stroking my hair. I loved when she did that. It took me back years when my mother did it. You're probably wondering how the situation between us could have evolved to this level? Well after our first time, Nora was scared and putting distance between us. She hated me, but was too scared to tell me. I ignored his advice. I behaved like a good husband so that she erased from her mind the image she had of me. I think it worked. I know there are still gray areas, which is why I don't let her be in contact with the outside world. But I also know she has feelings for me, I can see it in her eyes.

- My little flower, you don't make me want to go there.

She sits on the desk in front of me and smiles at me. I pull out a chair and sit down across from her, head on my knees. We stay like that. Me stroking her thighs and her stroking my head. I feel so peaceful that I even forget the others.

The door opens abruptly, interrupting our little moment. I see two people that I really did not want to see and especially not on my territory. Dimitri and his son Alexei, two other Kovalskis. I get up and help Nora down from the tale. She hides behind me and I'm glad she feels safe by my side.

I see Vladimir returning apologetically followed by several of my men.

Vladimir: Sorry boss, it's my fault. I did not arrive in time to prevent them from returning.

- It does not matter. Make sure they are unarmed and then dispose. Vlad, I entrust my little beauty to you, don't lose sight of her.

Vladimir: Come on little heart.

Nora comes out of her hiding place and looks me in the eyes. I kiss her and nod my head to encourage her to take the hand that Vladimir held out to her. I think she's afraid of Alexei's insistent gaze and I don't like it either.

Once left alone, I look at these two men and I don't understand why they are there. We had never had a family life as some people might think. Then because it was my territory and I don't remember having invited them.

- Sit down gentlemen. I would have welcomed you very much, but we all know that you are not, whereas the honor of the visit of the prestigious Kovalski family has earned me.

Dimitri: Don't forget that I am your father so you are part of the family.

- I'm sure Mr. Kovalski didn't come all this way to spend some father-son time, so let's cut to the chase.

Alexei: It's true, we are here for two reasons.

- I'm listening to you.

Alexei: Manuel Cabral offers you half of his territory.

- In exchange of what ?

Dimitri: He wants his little girl in exchange.

Alexei: It's Nora, isn't it? She's a beautiful woman, no wonder you fell in love with her.

- I'm not hiding my little Cabral flower, I can assure you that she preferred me ten times to her so-called family. And tell Manuel that his whole empire is built on my territory. If I wanted to, he would already be on his way to Colombia with his tail between his legs. Nobody tells me what to do. Nora will stay with me until I decide otherwise.

Dimitri: I want you to think about it.

- If that was your concern, then you can walk away. And I warn you that no one tries to approach her or it will very upset me.

Alexei: Dad wants you to join the family. After all you are a Kovalski, I may hate you, but the same blood runs in our veins.

- The last person to make such a request to me was found dead the next day. That person was Sergei Kovalsky.

Alexei: The family has not yet forgotten this horrific death of the patriarch.

- The family should understand that I shouldn't be pissed off. You Dimitri, if you are still alive, it is only because my mother loved you until her death. And what keeps me from bugging you now is because I don't want the police poking their noses into my business. Get out of here and forget my club route.

They get up and leave my office. I'm furious, I take the bottle of vodka and pour myself a good drink. Within minutes, Vladimir arrives with Nora. I ask him to wait for me and not to open to anyone in my absence. With Vlad, we will join the others in the basement where we load boxes of weapons for a funeral.

Two months ago, Dan returned from Bulgaria with good news. The Bulgarians wanted us as exclusive suppliers. Not to brag, but I'm a pretty good partner. I never try to double the people I do business with and that's what makes my reputation; that and also my cruelty towards those who seek me. And my reputation has always preceded me.

Once at their destination, my men unload the boxes and others begin to put them away in the coffins. Five coffins in all. Half filled, the men cover them with foams and fabrics. All that was missing was the bodies and the Bulgarians would receive their goods.

I let Vladimir handle the final details and I leave to join Nora with Dan as my driver.