Mob Boss Series Book #1: The Russian Heir

Chapter Twenty Six: Together Forever

Earlier...
Bryce's POV
"Are you leaving?"

"Yeah. I have to get back to work." Brody informed me. "But before I go, I want to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"Things have been weird between us for some time now. I just wanted to know if we are okay."

The older Brody gets the more he resembles our father. They have so much in common I don't think they even realize it.

"We're good." I squeezed his shoulder.

"Great. I really want us to go back to the way we used to be. So... I'll see you when I see you." It almost sounds like a goodbye. "By the way, you dropped this on the plane."

He gave me my phone. It's off. "Thanks. I didn't even know I had misplaced it."

"Bye Bryce." He gave me a small smile. He approached one of the cars parked outside the house.

I went back inside.

Dad got the surgery. They have repaired almost half of the damage. He has two more surgeries before his face will be fixed. For now, there are less scars and he has enough confidence to hold up his head. It's a good thing. Everyone is happy.

"Can I borrow a charger?" I asked the group of people laughing.

When I came to Spain, the intention was to talk about nonna and her sandbox. I wanted to ask my father why he turned her down. But when I got here, I found them celebrating. They haven't stopped for hours.

Ferrer gave me his. I plugged in my phone and left it.

"Dad, can we talk?"

"Yeah. Excuse me." He left the group. "What's up? Where is Brody?"

"He took off already. He has to get back to work. I want to talk to you about Kei." His face suddenly hardened.

"What about her?*

"She made me an offer to join her sandbox."

He crossed his arms on his chest. "What did you say?"

"I haven't made a decision. I wanted to talk to you first. She made you the same offer. Right?"

"What were her terms?"

"She said I remain the boss. The only thing she wants from me is compliance to the rules of her sandbox. She didn't give any more information." He's quiet. "Why did you say no to her? Nonno said that your stubbornness is the reason things played out the way they did. What happened could have been prevented. Is that true? Was there an alternative?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes it does. Our lives could have been different. Do why did you say no?"

"That is between Kei and I. I'll talk to her."

"That answer is not good enough for me. Level with me. Why did you turn her down?"

"I just told you. It's personal."

I wrapped my fingers around his wrist when he turned to leave. His cold flare made me retract my hand. "If you were the only one affected by what happened, I wouldn't fuss. But you're not the only one. Personal doesn't make the cut. Why did you turn Kei down?"

"Let me rephrase. It's none of your business."

I frowned at him. Nonno was right. He is stubborn.

"Fine. I'll let Kei know I'm in."

"You won't do that."

"It's a personal decision and I happen to be the boss, not you."

"I'm not saying it's personal to deter you from finding out the truth. It really is a personal matter between Keira and I. Is there anything wrong with her sandbox idea? No. It's a great idea. The underworld needs regulation.  When she told me about it, I agreed with her."