It was an interesting place to meet. The Peter and Paul Fortress was the original citadel of St Petersburg, Russia, and founded by Peter the Great. The designer had built it in the shape of a large star. During the first half of the 1700s to the early 1920s, it served as a prison for political criminals.
Now it was a museum and a great spot to visit. The fortress walls overlooked sandy beaches. The fortress included several notable buildings clustered around the Peter and Paul Cathedral. However, the Cathedral always stole the show for me. It was the tallest structure in the city center and boasted a gilded angel-topped cupola.
Why do they want to meet there?
Slowly, I moved Ava away, making sure to not wake her. If she opened those eyes, I wasn’t sure I could lie to her about where I was going. If I told her the truth, she would demand to go with me. That couldn’t happen. This meeting had to be among men.
If Hiro thinks that I’m going to let Ava honor the contract, then Hiro is not as smart as I thought.
When I finished moving her away, I wrapped a blanket over her and left the bed. The small velvet box caught my attention. I stopped in front of it. An ache filled my chest.
She didn’t say no. That’s a good sign.
It might’ve been foolish to throw out a proposal after such a rough month, but I was confident that she was the one for me. Ava was my unicorn in this deceptive world of psychotic killers, evil oligarchs, and blood-thirsty criminals. She possessed a sweet heart and loving soul. Only Ava could keep me anchored in the darkness that was my world.
I picked up the box and brought it with me. I would propose again and again until she said yes. Next time I would do it in a grander style. She deserved glitz, romance, and a big show.
I opened the box.
My mother’s ring lay inside. It was the only thing I had from her. When my father placed her body under the stage, he kept the ring on her finger. Rolan watched him do it and held my hand the whole time. Then my dad got drunk and passed out next to the stage. After Rolan carried my father off to his bedroom, he returned, helped me open up the side of the stage, and let me take the ring off.
“There you go. Batya loves you.” Rolan handed the ring to me. “Now you think of your mom, but hide it well. Igor must never know or a bullet will be in my heart by the morning.”
“Thank you, batya.”
“One day you’re going to give this to a beautiful woman that is just as caring and strong as your mother.”
I shook my head. “I won’t.”
Rolan grinned. “Trust me, Mikhail. You will, and she’ll be worth it. If not, I’ll snatch the ring off her finger and tell you to try again.”
We’d left the area and never discussed that moment. As far as I knew, my father never knew the ring was missing. I had no idea if he ever opened the stage’s back opening and looked at her. Did he slowly watch my mother’s body rot? Or did he simply keep the memory of what she looked like alive as he sat on his throne over her?
It doesn’t matter. He’s gone with Mom.
Another ache came.
I can’t avoid this anymore. I have to deal with his. . .death.
Pushing the thought out of my mind, I closed the ring box, quickly put some clothes on, and placed the box in my pocket.
You will never escape me, Ava. You might as well say yes the next time I ask.
I had no pride when it came to her.
I may ask every week. There will be no shame in every proposal. She will say yes eventually.
Until then, I would have to enjoy the fact that Ava was all mine no matter what. She’d admitted as much.
For now, her being my girlfriend will be enough.
As I left the bedroom, Dima met me outside. “Where’s Anatoly?”
“Nursing his hand and ego.”
“Which one is the most hurt from the Xecutioners?”
“His ego.”
“Then let Anatoly rest. However, get guards to come. We’re heading to the Peter and Paul Fortress. We’re meeting the Xecutioners, be ready for anything with this group.”
“We’ll be ready.”
Minutes later, I rode in the limo and glanced out the window. St Petersburg was slowly waking up. These poor residents had no idea all of the craziness that occurred within their city’s borders.
I thought back to last night and the moment I proposed.
“But we have to take proper time to get to know each other.”
Ava was sitting up when she said it. The sheet slipped from her nude body, exposing her small breasts. I wanted to lap at her nipples, but it was a serious conversation. I forced myself to focus and dragged my gaze from her lush body.