“Listen. I’m not arguing with the Big Bear. You can deal with that on your own.”
“I will.”
“And will you be heading this way or are you going to drag this funeral out even longer?”
I sneered. “Ava and I will be there by this afternoon.”
“Wow.”
“What?”
“I’m watching the news. This bombing looks heavy. Smoke and fire everywhere. Do you think that is the only bomb Kazimir will set off in Paris?”
“We’ll see.”
“How did the meeting with the Xecutioners go?”
I sighed. “We’ll see.”
“Hmmm. Then we’ll talk more when you get here.”
“We will.” I hung up.
There was one more situation I had to deal with. Instead of going to my condo, I texted the evil hag.
Me: How are Natalya and you?
Valentina: You better hide from me!
Me: I’m going to Prague for the funeral today. Shall I make sure your plane is ready?
The phone rang.
I answered it. “How is the lovely princess this morning?”
Valentina’s words rose on the phone. “Don’t try to suck up to me.”
“Are you coming to my father’s funeral?”
“Of course I am. Someone will need to be there to wipe the tears from your eyes.”
“How is Natalya?”
“She is fine. No thanks to you.”
“After the funeral, I expect to have a conversation on visitation.”
“Listen to you, speaking like a real father.”
“Valentina. It’s been a long fucking week. Take it down a notch.”
She sighed. “Did your ballerina tell you that she slapped me?”
“She did. My only regret is that no one was recording it.”
“You’re a piece of shit asshole.”
“Think of a good schedule for me to start seeing Natalya. I’ve missed enough time with her. I plan to catch up on spoiling my daughter.” I shut off the phone, leaned back in my seat, and closed my eyes.
I was surprised Valentina didn’t call back. It didn’t matter. She would be in Prague, stirring up enough drama to annoy me.
Two weeks and then I’ll have to figure something out with the Xecutioners. Should I involve Kazimir?
I considered the bomb in Paris this morning.
I’ll save him as the last resort. Until then, I will protect Ava with everything I’ve got.
And then my mind shifted to Ava and all the things I would do to her as we rode my plane to Prague. While there was a small worry that my childhood castle of horrors might scare her, I knew deep down she would remain at my side. Our bond had strengthened in these recent bloody days. Not only did she know all of my dirty secrets, she put her ballerina shoes down and got into the dirt with me.
Due to that, nothing would stop us.
And one day, I’ll bring out the ring, ask her to be my wife, and hear her say yes.
With my eyes still closed, I smiled.
One day.