The Don And His Flower

50

One night only.

Valis sighed in content, looking at his wife beside him. Xander was just asleep before them in his own lounge seat.

For one night only, Valis had his family on the plane to Paris. After the hidden secret of his brother's letters coming to light, Valis felt the pang into his heart.

He threatened to kill Xander.

Blamed him for the death of his husband.

Promised to make him suffer in such ways that can't be repeated.

Promised to make Imani's pain and suffering last for the eternity of forever.

He looked back at his gorgeous woman. The dark of her smooth skin hidden in her sweaters as she looked at the snow flurries that surrounded the closest windows. He could see the guilt in her eyes, the pain that swam through as she tried to distract herself. Tried to distract him from everything.

Valis struggled severely.

Struggled to find the strength to try and make amends with his younger brother. He loved him, or cared for the man. Pitied him painfully for losing his love. Valis couldn't imagine the pain Nikolai felt, seeing that he'd probably mirrored such feelings before.

The squeeze of her warm hands to his bought him back. He smiled softly at her, accepting her distant kiss. The pull was to quick, to subtle.

She was struggling as well.

Was Imani plotting something behind her husband's back? Did she intend to do something that'll make him hate her?

When the mumble of her soft words were given to him, all he did was nod. Looking as she glanced at their boy before excusing herself to the restroom.

Few hours had passed. Valis watched the familiar tall pointed tower come into his view first, other brightly lit buildings surrounding all of paris.

The three were bundled up good. Valis on his knees, securing the top button to Xander's coat before giving him room to breathe through the thick scarf his wife knitted for the boy. Xander groaned, pulling from the cautious father who only wanted his boy to be warm. "Dad, I'm warm enough. Please, no more."

The two year old stomped his foot, reaching upwards for a hand to hold. The Don watched his world in front of him. Following them out the plane into the awaiting limo.

"Hotel sir?"

Valis shook his head, requesting to stop at a cafe before they make their destination. Xander crawled fast among the seats, watching at the lit scenery that they passed by.

Daddy look!

What's that place?

Daddy look!

Mommy look!

The once sleeping boy had ran out of energy once again, fast asleep on the leather seats. Imani plucked at the soft breading before dipping into a sweet sauce. Offering her husband the piece, she finished off the small remainder. "The show starts in thirty minutes. I just have to change my clothes." Imani tried to contain her excitement.

Valis had pulled so many strings to get the best seats for his wife and son. Imani loved her orchestral music, and it was only a dream to see the artist perform it live. Valis made it a will to make most of her dreams come true.

The ride to the symphony hall almost felt forever, even with the detours that the driver had taken. Finally Valis fought to stay awake, sitting in his seat as the piano played soft keys.

Xander was astonished by the interest in his mother's eyes. Only mimicking hers as he barely found the rhythm to the quick paced instruments. Almost two and a half hours into the show before another round of applause was given. The intermission begun as the main lights turned on.

"Imani?"

Valis bit back the roll of his eyes, looking over his shoulder as he looked at the two people that stood on the steps.

Adeline and Lorenzo Russi.

"Daddy? I have to potty, please." The boy quietly begged, legs kicking a bit fast. The Don nodded, standing up before offering a smile. Imani got up, leaving the booth before giving Imani a tight hug. "Adeline, it's so good to see you!"

Valis barely had given them a look, excusing him and his son before leaving. Valis listened to the small shuffles that were muffled from the private bathroom stalls. He tried to peek through the crack, assuring himself that his son hadn't fallen. "Xander what was that?"

"I'm fine daddy!"

The Don sighed, walking towards the sink. A swift knock on the door gained his attention, watching as Lorenzo Russi had joined the sudden party. Both men looked at the door opening after a loud flush was given.

With a lopsided tuck of his shirt, Xander had come out of the bathroom. White sneakers scuffed against the tiled floors as he walked right beside his father. Valis picked him up, setting him on the counter before turning on the warm water.

"Valis. I didn't take you for the live music type."

Valis gave a small shrug, watching the young boy begin to splash into the water lightly. "Imani likes it, I don't. How have you been?"

***

Imani pulled away from Adeline. Eyes watery as she bid another goodbye to the woman. Leaving the sidewalk to the limo, Imani joined her once again tired son. "You okay hun?" Imani sighed, rubbing the boys back. He nodded, drained from the sugar rush he had been on the past hour.

Looking over her shoulder, Imani felt the butterflies in her heart. Looking at her husband talking with Lorenzo and Adeline, Imani bit her lip. The body posture, the radiating tension.

Something was wrong.

Why did Adeline look at her husband like that?

Why do the Russi soldiers have a tense stance?

More importantly, why is Valis keeping such a calming composure?

Xander's tired words seemed muffled as Imani kept looking out the window. Almost on instinct, Valis had said one more thing before departing from them. She moved over, hands holding her thigh when Valis joined her side.

"Can we go home now?"

Xander yawned, taking his previous spot on the leather seatings before falling asleep. Her husband's silence gave her such unwanted confirmation.

She wouldn't be happy with whatever he would tell her.