Her Return

Chapter 15

Adriana's POV

Almost a year Later

It's two weeks before my birthday and I'm slaving away the office Aleksandr gifted me in his Moscow warehouse. I haven't been home in nearly three weeks because of how much work I need to get done before my birthday.

Aleksandr has been traveling to different medical conferences. I've been left behind to hold down the fort. Well technically Sergei is in charge since Dima is also away working on a high profile case in the US.

For my 16th birthday I asked Alek if he could take me and my closest friends on our anual Christmas vacation. He said yes so the guys, Maddie, and Alessio are flying in next Thursday so we can depart together in the private jet on Friday. I'm really excited to see my Twin and Maddie.

I told them to just meet us in Cuba since Russia is significantly further but they wanna hangout here in the cold.

I'm really bummed that Tyler can't come. Since his dad is handing over his Mafia on his birthday in April, Tyler has a shit ton of meetings during that week. It's been ages since I've seen Tyler. I know he's a busy guy but I'm struggling to show him the same respect he shows me.

Speaking of the devil my phone starts to ring. I answer his FaceTime call on my laptop.

"Hey diablito!"

"You look like shit." He says harshly

"Most boyfriends say hello." I rolled my eyes

"You're still in that office. This isn't good for your health. You have massive bags under your eyes, you're pale, you're super skinny, and look exhausted. Did you even eat today or yesterday?"

"Jesus Christ! Can't I talk to my boyfriend who I miss without him nagging me? I know you worry about me but in a week I'll be soaking up the Cuban sun. I just need to get this done first."

"Don't you have a second in command? Make Nikolai work."

"He's still in the US with Maddie."

"Oh yeah didn't they  go to the same College to be together?" 

"He was gonna but Dima made him go to American University in DC where he's majoring in Data Sciences for Justice, Law and Criminology with a minor in Justice and Law. While Maddie goes to the US Naval Academy in Maryland. They're an hour and some change away from each other." I explained

"Winter break started for college students."

"Yeah well he'd rather stay and fuck his girlfriend than come back to Russia and help me work. It's honestly really annoying how clingy they are with each other. The other day I asked him to run some background checks on our employees but I heard no response from him. When I called Maddie picked up his phone super annoyed that I was interrupting their board game night. I get they're dating and want to constantly be around each other but this is excessive!" I vented

"Maybe you should communicate this with them. Nikolai is your second in command, he has a duty to uphold and it's unfair for you to be doing all the work. Maddie is your girl best friend I'm sure she'll be understanding if you explain the situation to her."

"She doesn't know about the mafia."

"But she knows you're working to take over Aleksandr's business. Just explain that both of you are expected by your families' to complete certain tasks. When Nikolai doesn't pull his weight it all falls on you and you get in trouble for rushing. It won't take all his time but you need him to put in a reasonable amount of effort."

"I'll give it a shot."

"So what is it you're working on that requires you to lock yourself in your office?" He asked