ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 64

Alexi watched his half  brother standing on the front porch of his and Richard's house. The man was crying. And , for some reason Alexi felt his heart hurting as he saw the tears falling down his  brother's cheeks.

He came up the steps and touched Nigel on the shoulder. Nigel looked up and sniffed.

" I guess I am ready to go. Yes. I'm ready." Except Nigel's words didn't sound like they were ready to leave. Nor were his eyes drifting up to the window of his upstairs bedroom where they both saw Richard standing and staring out.

Alexi shook his head. " No. You're not. You're a fool but you're not ready to leave this house or this man. "

Nigel took a deep breath and exhaled it unsteadily. " I ..... You don't understand. They took Lewis because of my past. What I did in London to survive. Richard could lose his son permanently because of me. I can't allow that. "

Alexi laughed harshly. " This is 2025. I doubt your past would separate that boy from your husband that easily. Not on a permanent basis. "

" You don't know what I did. Nor does Dad or Mum or Maxim. What I am ...."

Alexi glanced down at his slightly shorter younger brother with green eyes that were oddly understanding. " Of course I know. I had you investigated when Dad gave you a position at the company. I know. I know all about what you did to earn money. "

Nigel narrowed his eye at him. " What? You did what? Did you tell....."

" Tell Father ? No. I was going to but I just couldn't really. I know what it's like having a secret. And, being afraid of what people will think of me for that secret. Being judged. And found wanting. I did not tell Max either. I don't think they would care. I told you that you have become an important part of the family, Nigel. Father loves you. So does Maxim. And , as for myself.... I'm becoming more tolerable of you. You are a Volkouv. In spite of whom your mother is. But you need to start acting like it. Volkouv men do not retreat from fights. Well .... maybe Maxim but he's always been a weak one. You are a Volkouv. Just like Father. Just like myself. We do not retreat from fights. We fight back with every weapon at our disposal. I understand what you are feeling right now but I have no respect for it. And, over the past several months I have learned to respect you. Do not make me into a liar, little brother. "

Nigel said," They took him. How do I fight back? "

Alexi looked him hard and deep in the eye. " Channel our father. What would Father do in the same situation? Do you think Father would allow a puny little creature such as Wilson Kaye and his silly simpering wife to prosper over him ? Especially about his family ? Decide what Father would do and act on it. Just like I am with Scott who I have asked to move into the estate. Yes. I no longer care about the judgement of others. "

Then the front door swiftly opened and out stepped Richard with a face that seemed to be made of pure steel and cold eyes. Richard stepped in front of Nigel and demanded," Stay. "

Nigel looked at Alexi who stood there unsmiling and watching them both. Then he replayed his brother's words in his head. He looked back at his husband and said one word.

" Okay. "