Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
“Baba pretends to not know the outcome, but she does.”
“How do you know?”
“When I was a kid, she told me that I would have twins and that she would knit my kids special blankets. Two blue ones.”
“And?”
“She just finished the second blanket this month.”
I blinked. “Twins with Blue?”
David shrugged.
I didn’t know what to think about that. Part of me enjoyed the idea of David being a first-time father with me. The other part hoped David would find new love with another woman.
I tensed as we got closer to the ballroom.
He spoke, “But, perhaps Baba is just. . .planning for the future or something.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You know that babies terrify me. I can barely stand a foot near Emilio. How would I be able to take care of two babies?”
“I will help you figure it out.”
David smiled at me.
I did not return it. “However. . .”
“Yes, Kazimir?”
“There is one thing that Emily has taught me.”
“What is that?”
“Choosing the right woman is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life.”
“I believe you.”
“If you end up with Blue. . .just make sure that she is loyal to only you.”
Or I will kill her.
As if hearing me, David blinked.
My mouse had urged me to mind my business, but I could not, when it dealt with David’s heart and reputation.
While I didn’t want to break David and Emily with Blue’s death, I would not allow her embarrass David by fucking Giorgio.
I wondered if she knew how serious I was.
So far, she had been smart and not done anything with the Butler under my roof.
No one knew this, not even David or my mouse, but I had a secret team from Misha’s people monitoring Blue. They had reported that she kept all private conversations with Giorgio very short and typically rushed off.
Apparently once, Giorgio had tried to steal a kiss that she dodged.
Granted, she had done the same with David.
But it didn’t matter.
In my mind, Blue belonged to David for as long as he wanted her. That meant that if she disrespected him, a bullet would go through her head.
David cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Misha informed me that he would be here for the memorial this evening.”
“Really?”
“He thought Maxwell would need some support in mourning his loss.”
I rolled my eyes. “While I am happy my cousin finally has a friend, his attention for Maxwell can be. . .annoying.”
David chuckled. “Well, you will be happy to hear that Misha is also bringing your niece with him.”
My mood suddenly brightened. “That should have been your first sentence.”
David laughed.
Chapter 32
The Elegy
Kazimir
Music drifted out to us as we approached the ballroom.
It had a haunting piano melody accompanied by a faint drumbeat. The lead guitarist joined in, playing a mournful electrical solo that added to the feeling of melancholy. Then, the bass guitar flowed along with a steady rhythm that anchored the melody.
I recognized the song immediately and curved my lips into a huge smile.
Ivan’s voice rushed in, filled with emotion. “The bells toll for thee, my love. This is the day.”
David looked at me and smiled. “Elegy.”
I nodded. “Elegy.”
Crucifix did not have many slow songs, but this was one of them. The first time I heard it, I had shut my bedroom door, locked it, and cried as I played it on repeat over and over. That was how much it had moved me.
From the ballroom, Ivan continued to sing, “The world grows colder, because you have slipped away.”
Only Ivan could convey this sense of sadness and loss. His voice was deep and rich, with a mournful quality that added to the overall mood of the song. The haunting melody mingled with Ivan’s voice to create a powerful sense of grief.
A lump formed in my throat.
We walked closer to the ballroom.
The song, Elegy told the story of Ivan’s first love who had died from a drug overdose. Her name was Anastasia and they had grown up together. Ivan had written the song the morning after he found her cold body on his bathroom floor.
I shook my head. “The first time I heard this. . .I knew without a doubt that love was dangerous.”
David bobbed his head. “Love is dangerous, but from looking at your experience with the Mouse. . .”
I quirked my brows.
“It is also the most beautiful thing to possess in this world.”
Ivan’s voice became more desperate as he sang, “Death may part us, my love, but our souls remain entwined. And memories of you will forever echo in my mind.”
We entered the ballroom.
Two guards held open the ballroom’s ornate gold doors.
Soon as I took one step inside, the sweet aroma of borscht and blinis wafted towards me.
Then, my eyes widened in awe as I took in the sight.
My mouse had made sure the staff completely transformed the space. It was beyond gracefully decorated. Twinkling lights hung from the crystal chandeliers and golden candlesticks illuminated the space.