Saving Nikolai

Chapter 18

I'm sure by now you've all realized you shouldn't believe a word that comes out of my mouth. If I say I am updating, what that really means is "Oh crap! I forgot all about Wattpad. Let me start a chapter and then forget about it again and upload a month from now." I'm so sorry! I hope you enjoy.

Leylani's heart drummed in her chest as Mr. Gotti stared at her. Nikolai stood at her side. Though he was silent, it was clear by his trembling fists; he was afraid. Their mission had been a success and yet after delivering the good news to Mr. Gotti, he stood before them, his face blank, not a muscle twitching. Victoria walked in, a tray of tea in her hands. She placed it on the mahogany desk then stood by her husband's side.

"Oh, for crying out loud, just tell them how proud you are!" Victoria slapped her husband's arm, an irritated arch in her eyebrow.

"You're lucky I love you, woman." Mr. Gotti fixed his suit.

"Oh, is that so?" Victoria yanked a handful of Mr. Gotti's hair, pulling him to the ground.

Mr. Gotti groaned, but made no move to retaliate. "I swear, woman, you're going to be the one that drives me into an early grave, not the family business."

Victoria giggled and let go of him, helping him to his feet. Mr. Gotti rolled his eyes and kissed her head, letting her know all was forgiven. Leylani yearned for a relationship like theirs. So easy, so effortless. It was as simple as breathing.

"Like your mother says, I am proud of you two. Especially you, Leylani. The boss made a specific point to praise you when he called me to confirm he was joining the Gotti's in business."

"Thank you, sir." Leylani finally relaxed, the tight knot in her chest unraveling.

Nikolai breathed a sigh of relief. "Um, dad. I need to talk to you."

"Yes?"

"You might want to sit down."

Victoria's eyebrows shot up. "If I hear you are having a child out of wedlock, I'll chop your testicles off and feed them to the dog."

Nikolai's hand shot down to his crotch, a look of pure fear in his eyes. Victoria's threat wasn't a joke. Mr. Gotti clamped a hand on his wife's shoulder.

"Easy, darling." He fixed Nikolai with his piercing gaze. "What is it you need to speak to me about?"

"Er, Leylani."

"What about Leylani?" he asked, his gaze moving to her.

"Leylani has been with our family for months now. She's trained, gone on missions, delivered successes, and has earned the respect of everyone in this house."

Victoria smiled at her, pride shining in her eyes. Leylani's cheeks burned at the warmth in Victoria's eyes.

"Go on," Mr. Gotti urged.

Nikolai looked at Leylani, his gaze full of hope. Leylani nodded at him. She knew it was hurting him to let her go, but he knew it was the right thing to do.

"It was selfish of me to bring Leylani into this family, to force her into a life she didn't want. I need to make the wrongs right. It's time to set her free."

Mr. Gotti blinked. Leylani held her breath. As usual, there was no emotion on Mr. Gotti's face. Had he heard them? Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he smiled. "Of course she can go."

Leylani breathed a sigh of relief. Nikolai chuckled, the tension easing off of his face. "Really, dad?"

"Yes, yes. Leylani is more than welcome to leave." Mr. Gotti fixed himself a cup of tea. "Just don't be surprised when she turns up missing."