Mob Boss Series Book #1: The Russian Heir

Chapter Eleven: Yearning

Bryce's POV
When I'm not playing mob boss, I work a normal job. Alexei said it's necessary to always have a front one can be identified by. That job should account for the wealth. He also said it's important never to declare all the wealth under my name. My dad had an accounting firm. He was not an accountant. He had people for that. He just showed up pretended to look busy and left. His real job was a mob boss. My day job is at a Recording Company. I love music. I wanted to study music back when life was simpler. I started playing musical instruments when I was in my preteen years. I enjoyed the guitar the most. I don't play anymore. I broke my fingers and it hasn't been the same.

I flexed them with a frown on my face. They don't hurt. But I can't play the same way.

I switched off the engine of the Porsche. I sat quietly thinking about whether being here is a good idea. I haven't gotten the thought out of my mind. It's been a few days and the yearning is strong.

I picked the gift bags on the passenger seat. I made my way up the stairs of the old building nestled between newer ones. I stopped on the third floor. There are three doors. One of them is Yuki's place. I'm not sure which one. I have been here once and I can't remember which door we walked through. I want to ask Lettie but I don't want her to know I'm here.

Things are still awkward between us. I have never gone longer than a few days at a time without touching my wife. It's coming to two weeks and we are like two strangers in bed. No contact. No conversation other than asking each other necessary questions that don't include the elephant in the room; a baby.

I chose the door on the far end. I knocked once and someone opened. Yuki smiled at me. "Bryce! What a surprise!"

"I'm sorry to drop in on you like this."

"It's okay. But Gian Carlo isn't home."

"It's okay. I'm not looking for Gian Carlo. I'm looking for Yumi."

"Yumi... my mind travelled years from now when a handsome man will come by asking for her. Come in!" She gave me way. I took off my shoes.

"One is for you and the other is Yumi's."

"Thank you." She received them.

Her house had a dark vibe of brick, leather, black accents and dark wood. It's masculine. There's nothing about it that says a woman or a baby live here.

"Here she is." She brought her daughter.

I have been thinking about this little girl since I last held her. I quickly received her into my arms. "Hi pretty. How are you today?" She smiled at me. I took a seat on the leather sofa in front of the TV. It's switched off but she's staring at it. "I hope she doesn't watch that."

"She does when she's spending time with her dad. His idea of bonding is switching on the TV."

"Isn't it too bright for her eyes?" I asked.

"It's too late to do anything. She has gotten used to it. Can I make you tea?"

"Yes please." I paid attention to Yumi. There's no trace of Gian Carlo on this little girl. She's perfect. I pressed a kiss on her forehead. She's interested in the buttons on my jacket. She tagged at one trying to pull it out. I feel not expect much from spending time with a baby. It's more of how it's making me feel. It feels good.

It broke my heart when Lettie cried after Yuki put Yumi in her arms. I like giving my wife everything she wants. Being incapable of fulfilling something as simple as getting her pregnant kills me. I'm not just embarrassed about the incompetence but I'm also frustrated that I can't open up and tell her.