Her Russian

Chapter 62-Repaying Old Debts

To say that she was nervous was an understatement.  Ever since they'd been back from their honeymoon, Ilia had been in phone calls with the five heads and setting up a meeting so they could get their money back.

Galina knew the chance she was taking by attending this meeting but she did have the blood of a mob boss flowing through her and now she was carrying the heir and name of another.  She had to show strength and pray that they would believe her, otherwise it would not end well for her.

She chose a simple black and beige body con dress with her black heels.  She left her hair semi-wavy and for makeup, she would wear powder, blush, eye line, mascara and nude lip gloss.  Taking a final look, she decided it was now or never.

Taking a deep breath, she licked her lips and held her head high as she left the bathroom and their bedroom.  She was to meet Ilia in his study and was on her way there when she ran into Maxim.

"Hey Max" she greeted him softly.  Taking her hand, he pulled it up to his mouth and placed a kiss on her knuckles.  "How are you holding up?" he asked, concern lacing his words.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared or worried but I just have to trust that since Ilia has a good relationship with these people and they see my sincerity, they'll have to believe I didn't know about this and I'll be able to come home with Ilia" she tried to be brave but Max knew her and she knew she couldn't hide the fear from him or Ilia.

"He's waiting for you in his study" Max said as he walked with her.  There seemed to be a lot of activity going on in their house.  A lot of Ilia's men were here today.  They lined up all along the hall as she walked with Max to the study.

"What's going on?" she leaned over whispering to Max.  "They are here in support of you.  Galina, when you married Ilia, you not only took on him but the rest of us as well.  You are our queen and as such, you get the same support and respect that Ilia does.  It's how we've always done things" he explained.

Once they reached the study, Max told her to knock and then go in.  Rapping softly a few times, she heard Ilia's voice call to her.  "Come in baby" his accented voice still stirring up her insides.

Placing her hand on the knob, she counted to five and then went in.  He was devastatingly handsome in his black suit but instead of wearing his traditional white shirt, he was wearing a wine colored one with a silver tie.

When she'd finished giving him the once over, she noticed his hand out and without a moment's hesitation, she took it causing him to pull her closer.

"Baby you look amazing" he breathed as he pecked her lips.  Standing in front of Ilia, Galina pretended to straighten his tie, just so she could be that close to him and feel him beneath her hands.

"You are the most handsome husband in the world" she flirted with him.  "How did I get so lucky?" she continued.  He scoffed as he twirled a strand of her hair in his fingers.

"It is I, detka, that should be wondering how I got so lucky.  You have given me everything, Galina.  A perfect wife, who is beautiful, smart, sexy, funny and passionate.  That only covers the surface, I could go on all day."

Letting his hand drop to her belly, he continued.  "You are giving me an heir, which I could live to be a hundred and never be able to thank you for that.  You have made this house a home, just by your being here.

No, little kot.  I am the one who is so very lucky.  Everyone that meets you or comes into contact with you thinks the same way.  You have commanded respect without demanding it.  Hell, even the staff seem a lot happier now that you are here permanently" he said chuckling.

There was no surprise by the statement because of the first time when they had dinner together and she thanked the staff for bringing out dinner.  Ilia told her that he'd never thanked them for anything before.

Now, after every meal, he tells them thank you and you can see such a change in their attitudes, they don't mind their roles in the household anymore, even Pierre can be approached.

Galina basked in his praises, she loved how her husband adored her and how he was never afraid to show her.  She knew this because she felt the same way about him.

"Ilia, I need for you to prepare me" she started.  "I need to know what I am up against.  How to speak to the heads.  Everything.  The last thing I want to do is go in there and embarrass you or piss them off."

Ilia could pick up on the fact that she was worried and he was doing everything he could to assuage those fears.  He hadn't told her that in his phone conferences with the heads, no one, except one asshole, blamed her for what happened.

They knew she wasn't responsible, plus the fact that she was in such a hurry to return their money had already given them a show of good faith as far as they were concerned.  Andre Petrov was the only one he was concerned with.

The other heads had told him that they would deal with Petrov and for him not to worry about this.  He trusted and believed his counterparts.

"Okay, there are five heads.  Roman Ivanshov, Vasily Romanov, Izaak Yumov, Lyov Popov and Andre Petrov.  They each control a certain area and they each control what their specialty is.  But as a whole, I am the head of all of them.

I have been in contact with all of them and they are all willing to hear what you have to say.  They are looking forward to meeting you.  All but Andre Petrov.  He's had an issue with your father since the beginning.  He will be the only one to worry about.

Just go in there and be yourself.  I will be right by your side and I will never leave you alone with them.  You will be coming home with me after this is over, Galina.  I promise you that.  I have already experienced what it's like being without you.

Do you have any questions for me regarding this?  It's okay to ask me anything.  It doesn't matter how small you think it is, please don't leave anything unasked."  Galina could tell he was serious about everything he was saying.

"I don't have any questions, Ilia.  You have explained everything completely.  I am just ready to get this over with and come back home and start living my new life with my husband and our baby" she said placing her hand on her belly.

Lowering his mouth to hers, Ilia kissed her sensuously and then whispered that it was time for them to go.  The only part of this that Galina hated was the hour or so trip to Moscow.  Her mind was going to drive her crazy with all the different scenarios that it could form but she just clasped her hand around Ilia's and drew from his strength.  He would see her through this.