ILL-FATED JOURNEY™

Chapter 58

Vladimir Alexander Oleg Alexandrovich smiled for the first time in weeks as he watched Azura

asleep on the floor of the nursery. He was informed by Mila that Irena was walking and he was

disappointed to have missed it, but he wanted them both to be able to walk around without the

past hanging over their shoulders. Coming clean to the American authorities had been a 

struggle and keeping what happened out of the press more difficult than getting into Persia

unnoticed but it was done.

All Azura had to do was convince them she was alright, and they would let it go. That was his

new worry. Azura tolerated him at best and he knew she didn't feel the same way he did and no

matter what happened he wasn't giving up Irena. And by the looks of Azura's protective hold on

her daughter, he doubted she was ready to let her go either. And of course, he didn't want to

hurt Azura by taking her away, but he was not about to let the last piece of her be taken away.

He bent down and removed Azura's arm to carry Irena to her crib and she came awake instantly. 

Wide awake, a state Azura is never in upon awakening. Seeing it was him, she relaxed and sat up 

as he continued what he was doing while she stretched.

"We need to talk." They both said simultaneously.

Vlad signalled for her to go first, but she declined. "I think I better do this ... a little later. Tell me 

what you're going to say first."

He walked out of the nursery and headed down the hall to their bedroom. After he closed them

in, he pulled her into a hug. "I've missed you." He held her as long as he dared then led her to

the bed. He sat down and held her as he said. "I've fixed it...so...you can go...home."

"What do you mean? Fixed it?" She asked softly.

She tried to hide it, but Vlad heard the hope in her voice. "I spoke to your FBI. They oversaw your

case. They need me to bring you to America and for you to give a statement."

"When do I have to do this?"

"As soon as you are ready to. I have the helicopter on standby."

"Tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow." Vlad agreed then he finally released her and looked up. He gave her a sad smile, 

kissed her on her forehead and left.

He leaned against the door, feeling like he was kicked in the chest. Tomorrow, she would choose 

him ...or her heart's desire...her freedom.

I stood, wanting to call him back and remind him that I needed to tell him something, but I