Chapter 16
Belle's POV
"Nikolai please just let me help you." I pleaded because the man is so determined to put his trousers on himself refusing any help from me or from his brother. It's pretty obvious that he's having a hard time given that he's limping and wounded.
"I don't need help. I am a man Belle. I do my own shit." He replied as if his pride as a man will diminish once he accepts help from anyone.
"I know that you're a man. I have never doubted that Nikolai. You have proven that to me time and again, every day and night since I have known you. And I know that you do your own thing all the time but there are times that you have to let other people in and take care of you. That is what a relationship entails. You don't always have to give. You should also learn to at least open up and realize that Volkov can get shot, needs rest, and needs help to put his damn clothes on. You dig? Now please?" I extended my arms to help him stand so I can put his Armani on.
Thank goodness he heeded my request. "Why are you so perfect? I don't fucking deserve you. Alexei does, but not me." He said and I don't suppose it was even a rhetorical statement.
I looked up at him, stood on my toes, and kissed him on his lips. "Never doubt my love for you Nikolai. And do realize that you are perfect for me. Everything about you-- except the occasional cookoo clock ticking in your brain and the excessive sexual intercourse you're asking of me most times-- you are one hell of a man and a husband. And I mean that in a good way."
He kissed me on my lips, deeply and passionately, I found myself running out of breath. "Ya tebya lyublyu Mrs. Volkov." He whispers. "I did not appreciate you wanting to talk to a divorce lawyer." That took me by surprise. Not because what I actually said reached his knowledge and attention but the fact that he actually took it a little too seriously. "Nikolai, I was mad when I said that and I wasn't even serious."
"Serious or not, divorce shouldn't even be a thought in your head. You are mine and my brother's forever. And our children will have a complete family until they grow old. You dig?" He said using my words against mine.
Somehow, I understand his insistence about having a complete family. Nikolai has never met his real mother. He has never known her. He was taken by his father from Russia when he was still a baby and brought to New York. He was raised by Vyacheslav who at that time was already living the life as a gangster until later on that Viktor, Matushka, and Alexei came into their lives.
"I dig, Nikolai." I replied. I will make sure that our children will be raised in a complete family, full of love and affection. They will be the apple of the eyes of their Dictator Granpa, their beautiful and kind grandmother from Palawi and another grandma who can kick some gangster's ass, Matushka Irene. And of course, they have two fathers who are gods in their own ways. I mean, it can't get anymore bad arse than that.
"Good. Because if you don't, keep in mind that I will kill every fucking lawyer you ask and if for some fucking miracle you get our marriage dissolved, I will find you and marry you over and over and over again. would have a church built just to make that happen." He said and I'm certain that he is not even kidding.
"Is the cuckoo clock ticking again Nikolai?" I asked so we can veer away from the divorce conversation.
"The cuckoo clock will remain ticking if you talk Divorce ever again. I highly recommend that you think about the other kind of D." He retorted naughtily.
"Yah? Why? What does this other D do?" I replied touching his manhood, knowing fully well where this conversation is heading.
Nikolai and Alexei are already outside waiting for me. It took me a while to find the ring I brought from New York that Artan gave to me before -- the female version of the blood-red ring he wears. I intend to return this to him later when I see him. I must admit, I miss Artan and of course the little angel Aria. I wish to see them and spend some time with them later.
I look at myself in the mirror one last time. In addition to my huge ass diamond ring and my engagement ring, Nikolai made me wear a diamond and emerald wrist band which is some kind of a symbol that one is a Conglomerate wife during a Conglomerate meeting. Each color corresponds to a certain organization. The Russian Mafia's colors are emerald or dark green, gold, and white. I know the Albanian's official color is red and the De Alba's I believe is royal blue.
Geez I feel like a twinkling star and it's not a good thing. I really don't want to be this flashy. Less visibility, less public attention, makes for a peaceful private life. But then again, I must always remind myself tha I am now a wife to a very powerful man. I must act like it, at least outside the four walls of our home.
Nikolai is sitting down, holding his cane and talking to Matushka while his brother is on the side, smoking a cigarette. Dammit! I have always known that those two can pull off whatever clothes they wear anytime and any day but tonight, they friggin look exceptionally handsome. So help my ovaries.
I feel like my cheeks are heating up because the two are looking at me like there's no tomorrow. One can never get used to this. I can never be immune to those unbelievably sexy eyes and electrifying charm. Their mere presence can sweep any woman off her feet, I guarantee that.
"You are absolutely stunning dear!" Matushka exclaimed holding her hands together like a proud mama.
"Thank you Matushka. What would I do without you?" I say as a matter of factly. Matushka is wearing an emerald long gown while holding in her hand a gold clutch bag. She is undeniably classy and elegant, as always.
I held hands with Alexei's as I clutch my right arm around Nikolai's, who is still limping even when using his cane. "Uhm Nikolai, Alexei, I would like to talk to Artan later. I just need to give him back something. Please?"
"What's that something?" Nikolai asked and I'm actually surprised that he doesn't sound aggressive. He's actually asking a legit question about Artan in a calm manner.
As we get inside the limo, I explained to both of them about Artan's ring. Nikolai actually did not have a problem with it. I am surprised but I am also proud of him. "You're not mad Nikolai?"
"I'm not mad. Artan is a m*therf*cker but I trust him with your life. So yes you can talk to him." Nikolai answered without a hint of jealousy or any aggravation towards his former archnemesis whatsoever. We'll see if he can keep up this good behavior for the rest of the night. I am crossing my fingers.
I looked at Alexei with wrinkled eyebrows. He just looks at his brother and shrugs, basically saying that he doesn't know what has gotten into Nikolai.
"I do not want you out of mine or Alexei's sight for the rest of the evening. You do not go anywhere without bodyguards. Do you understand me baby?" Nikolai said as he pulls me towards him tightly. "Yes Nikolai. But what if I need to pee or poo?" I asked teasingly.
"Hmm.. I'll go with you when you pee. Alexei will go with you when you poo." He answered all too seriously it made Matushka laugh out loud.
He is such an asshole to his brother, I don't know how Alexei was able to put up with this stubborn and complicated man since day one. Alexei flipped the bird to Nikolai in response but the devil just chuckled like a complete dick.