Dimitri kept silent, striving to hold his father’s increasingly intense gaze. “You know nothing about me.”
His father flapped his skeletal hand in his direction, the white tape holding the IV in place a sharp contrast against the dark age spots littering his skin. “I know what I need to know. I chose you, Dimitri, to head the Novikov Bratva when I die. You are my chosen heir.”
Conversation erupted through the room and Dimitri’s father smiled at him. He dragged a deep breath into his lungs, willing himself to keep standing upright. No, this was wrong. Alex should inherit, not him. He tried to form the words to reject his father’s offer, but his mind couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.
Jorg gave the room an imperious look. “Leave us, except for you, Peter-and your rabbit can stay, Dimitri. I rather like her.”
By the time the room emptied Dimitri had regained control of himself. “Why? Why me? You hate me.”
“I do not hate you. You are my son. You will always be my son, but I did not pick you because of any affection I might feel for you. Dimitri, you have proved yourself to be the man I believe can lead the Novikov Bratva with strength after I die.”
“But what about Alex?”
“What about Alex? He will take over my public business, will run my corporations and be the public face of our enterprise.” For a moment his father’s eyes dimmed and sorrow etched his face. “I want Alex to have what he wants most in the world, a normal life for his wife and child.”
Dimitri frowned at Peter, who slowly shook his head. “Father, Jessica is dead.”
For a long moment his father stared at him, then nodded. “I forget these things.”
Peter cleared his throat. “Dimitri, if you will come with me, there are some things we must discuss, alone.”
He tightened his hold on Rya and said in English, “She does not leave my side. Whatever you say to me can be said in front of her.”
“That is mistake,” his father said in English then switched to Russian. “Do not burden her with the evil of our lives. She is a strong woman, but kind. It is your job as her husband to protect your wife, to keep her safe.”
“We’re not married.”
His father laughed, but this time it was a deep chuckle that reminded Dimitri of when he’d been a child and his father had laughed like that all the time. “You will be, and you will keep her safe and break this curse, this plague that took my wives and my daughter from me,”
When his father’s voice broke on the last word Rya made a soft sound and whispered, “Is he all right?”
Looking down at his woman, Dimitri nodded. “Do not worry, dorogaya.”
“I have something for you, little rabbit,” his father said suddenly and began to dig around the blanket over his lap. “Come here.”
Chapter Twenty Eight
Rya stared at Dimitri’s father, not trusting him a bit, but approached his side of the bed anyway. If he tried anything she could probably snap his bones like a twig. “What is it, Mr. Novikov?”
He pulled out a worn gold velvet case about the size of a book from beneath the blankets. “I want you to have this. It belonged to Dimitri’s mother, and has been in her family for generations. They were to go to my daughter, but she died a long time ago. I want you to have it.”
His hands trembled as he handed her the box and when she opened it she found a gorgeous rose gold necklace and earring set studded with hundreds of apple green gems that sparkled like nothing she’d ever seen. The necklace and earrings were done with floral patterns of the gold woven around the stones and even if she didn’t hold the old fashioned box in her hands she would have known this jewelry was antique.
Looking up at Mr. Novikov, then back down at the magnificent jewelry she shook her head. “I can’t take this.”
“You will take.” His stern tone allowed no argument. Still, she looked over at Dimitri who nodded with an unreadable look on his face before she took the box.
“It is very beautiful. Thank you.”
Peter moved from around Mr. Novikov’s bed and said in English, “Dimitri, we must discuss business. Please, time is of the most importance.”
“I will not leave Rya alone.”
When Dimitri gave her a worried look she smiled and hugged the soft velvet case close to her chest. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you in the library.”
“Actually,” Mr. Novikov said in a strong voice so at odds with his frail figure that she did a double take, “I would like Rya to stay with me.”
“No.” Dimitri said and moved to Rya’s side, sliding a possessive hand over her shoulder.