Köhler (Book 9 of the Köhler Series)

𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈

Every one of them was ready to put Halloween behind them. Luca and Rodney got their laughs while his daughter suffered her first panic attack. Xerxes felt bad for Xylia but also wished he had witnessed it in person. She had all this mouth but was scared of a fictional character. However, the next day the fun was over, and Xerxes had to return to his duties as a Don as he made sure to have Father Thomas meet with his sister and Alexei. Neither wanted a big wedding nor did X want to pay for one. To Xerxes, they didn't deserve one, mainly because he was still pissed at his sister for not telling them the truth about her and Dominick, and he was still questioning Alexei's motives. For as long as he could remember, the two were together and happy... well, he thought they were, but it seemed that things weren't like they thought.

"Adriel, I think they deserve a wedding. It doesn't seem right for it to be just us...."

"Not my choice, nor do I care," He said as Riley sighed at his tone. Alexei should be glad that he didn't take his hand like he had them believing they did to Talia, but they needed him and his mafia. Something that Xerxes couldn't believe he was saying. They were one of the biggest mafia in the world, but there were some things they didn't do, like kill innocents—the Novikovs didn't care, not who they killed.

"I get that you are mad, baby. Talia found love, and I think...."

"Got Damnit Riley, it's not our decision!" He yelled, rubbing his hand down his face. "Damnit... look, baby, I didn't mean to yell at you. Don't overthink this, okay. Talia and Alexei chose this, and I agree the Nigerians are watching our every move. We don't know who's in charge of them or their capabilities. The last time we underestimated them, we lost family members... I lost my damn Oma, and we were lucky nothing happened last night. I don't give a damn what anyone says. It was my fault, and that little stunt all of you pulled last night...."

Xerxes shook his head as Riley quickly stood, walking over to her husband and kneeling in front of him with a sigh. She knew he was having a hard time with his Oma's death and Opa's. Although Riley thought he had gotten better. She didn't think what they did last night would bother him, but it looked like he was still trying to deal.

"Don't try to tell me I need to go talk to my dad. It's not going to happen, and I know what you may think. I'm not suicidal. Last night just bought back some memories and the shit that happened two years ago is something that stays with you. Being a Don means your main goal is to protect your family. Sometimes I feel that I didn't do enough to protect them. I'm not going to let that happen again. That's all I'm saying."

"Are you sure that is all? You were in a bad place a year ago at this time. Losing Opa was the hardest thing we went through, and all I put you through. I understand if you're under pressure right now, baby but remember that I'm here. I'm here, and I promise I am not going anywhere." Riley spoke while Xerxes glared down at her. His eye changed from blue to grey only for a moment before nodding.

"Not now, Riley."

"Adriel... I'm... I'm sorry. I don't think I ever said that. I never apologize for the pain I caused you. I was wrong. I was the reason your mind wasn't in the right place. Maybe I would have seen Mariah for who she was if I weren't so stuck on my fucking self. That's all I wanted to say. You're right; this should be what Talia wants, not me."

X exhaled, taking her hands into his. Riley didn't need to apologize for anything. He knew how she felt because she showed him every day. It was shit that people put him and his family through for nothing. Having power to him was nothing but trouble.

"I don't need you to do this. I know you're sorry... I'm sorry. It's not the issue, and you know that, Riley." He paused with another deep breath. "I-I haven't heard from Elijah or his crew since they landed, and that's been over four hours ago. Zakiya hasn't, either. He left late last night, and they landed about eight this morning. I should have heard something by now."