Her Volkovs #Book 4
Chapter 30

Belle's POV

"Yuri" I called out his name as he was about to go back inside the mansion. He halted, still facing his back on me, and waited for me to speak.

Don't go. I don't want you to go.

"Your jacket" I continued. He looked over his shoulder and connected his gaze on me. I thought he was going to say something but then he just reached for his jacket and gently took it from my hand.

Yuri and I went back inside the mansion without resolving anything. I was so tempted to ask him about Tatyana and their supposed marriage which is ultimately the reason why he's leaving the mansion. At least that's what I think is the real reason why.

I wanted to ask since when did he and that woman fell in love and where does his confession of love towards me come into the picture. I mean, was he in a relationship with Tatyana the whole time he was telling me that he loves me? Why go through hell facing Nikolai and Alexei's wrath when he was in a relationship and set to marry that woman anyway? It just doesn't make sense.

Regardless, the fact remains that he is leaving the mansion and I don't think there's anything I can do to change that.

I sat in the middle of Nikolai and Alexei while Yuri sat beside Tatyana. Dimitri is playing the guitar while the other men are drinking and doing their own thing.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey

You'll never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away (Looks at Belle)

You told me once dear you really loved me

that no one else could come between

but now you've left me and love another (Looks at Yuri)

you have shattered all my dreams.

I could not stand the tension lingering in the air. Aside from Yuri and I, Dimitri is also aware that I am Yuri's sunshine. Even Tatyana looked at me and Yuri back and forth like figuring something out. Yikes. That could not be good.

I'm sitting on the countertop in our bathroom. Nikolai is taking a shower inside the glass booth big enough to be a room in itself while his brother is standing by the counter tapping cologne on his neck and face. Alexei is wearing cream-colored cotton pants, half-naked in all his godly glory. The whole bathroom smells so good! The icy and woody fresh scent of a friggin Volkov man. Ugh.

Nikolai must have noticed that I'm here so he switched the smart setting of the glass booth to see through so that I can see him inside. This is one of the coolest features of this bathroom aside from the dancing rainfall shower. The water is cascading down his chiseled arms and torso like a friggin commercial for a men's underwear, only this time the man is au naturel while looking at me dead serious with his dark green eyes. His sleeve tattoos reaching the back of his hand and the very prominent wolf head glisten like inviting and hypnotizing me to come inside and join him. The Volkov effect.

I shook my head at him signaling that I am not in the mood for whatever it is that he is thinking to do. He then turns the shower off, took a white towel, wipes his face, hair, and body, and then wrapped it around his waist. My goodness, he moves so smoothly, the man can even make the most mundane actions hot and sexy.

To my surprise, Alexei pulled my butt up from the counter and then carried me outside towards the bed. I enveloped my legs around his waist and wrapped my arms around his neck. This man hands down has one of the most beautiful faces in the world. I am not surprised that he gets too much attention from women everywhere we go. And the best part is, he is now my husband. My ever understanding and sweet Alexei. He slowly placed me in bed but I did not let go of him, so my arms kept clinging around his neck.

Nikolai is already wearing a green robe reaching the knee and pants just like that of his brother. He pulls out a vinyl record from one of the compartments of the drawer mounted to the wall and carefully placed it on the turntable next to him. He then sat on his chair in the corner of our bedroom where there is a window and lit a cigar.

He just sat there and continued looking at us while the song is playing. This reminds me so much of one of the pictures I saw in his office at Volkov Holdings. One of Pa Vyacheslav's pictures, with the cigar and that exact same leather chair and his exact same cane. Like father like son I guess.

"This is one of Poppa Vyacheslav and Poppa Viktor's favorite records." Alexei whispered.

"Really? It's a great song. The Pa's had good taste in music."

"They did. They had great taste in everything." Alexei replied with obvious pride beaming from his face. I wonder what kind of relationship they had with Matushka before. Were they so in love as well? Was Pa Vyacheslav like Nikolai to her? Was Pa Viktor as sweet and as amazing as Alexei?

I am tempted to ask about their relationship but then I am so bothered by how Nikolai is acting at the moment. "Uhmm Alexei, what's up with your brother?" I asked hoping that he knows why Nikolai is acting al weird.

"He just needs some time to think." He answered.

"Think of what?" Usually when he's this quiet while looking at me like that, either he's mad or wants to devour me or both. And I can't think of something that I did which made him act like this.

"I don't know. He's got a lot on his plate right now. Could be anything." Alexei replied like he's used to this side of Nikolai already. The warm light from the lamp behind him makes him look like a friggin psycho. Geez.

"Hmm. Is he okay? Has your brother gone mad? Should we talk to him?"

This time Alexei chuckles like he found my questions really funny. "Princess, I thought you know that he's mad?"

I smacked Alexei's chest and shook my head on him. He then rolls over to my side and spoons me while we are both facing Nikolai's direction. The Boss of the Russian Mafia is now tapping his phone while his lit cigar is on the right side of his lips. His eyebrows are crinkled while looking at the screen of his phone.

Now I am highly suspicious. So I went in his direction and sat on his lap carefully not to touch his wound. He quickly unlit his cigar and placed it on the ashtray.

"What's wrong Nikolai?" I asked.

"What can you say about Yuri's marriage?" He asked.

I did not expect that he would ask me about this. I just feel like, regardless of my opinion about the situation, there's really nothing I can do. They have already made a decision. "Whatever makes Yuri happy, I am going to support it Nikolai." If only he can get married and still be part of the Mafia. But I know it's just wishful thinking.

"So, you support their marriage?" Nikolai continued as if my answer would even matter.

"Yes, if it will make Yuri happy." I replied as a matter of factly.

"Okay. Can you tell him in person that you support their marriage? I am sure he's going to appreciate hearing from you. You know, before he leaves the mansion." Nikolai said.

It actually makes sense. My last conversation with Yuri this evening was nothing but unsupportive of him or his decision to marry. He is leaving tomorrow and will have his freedom to love and start a family. The least that I can do is be happy for him and support him no matter what.

So I decided to talk to Yuri. I went to his room but I ended up overhearing his conversation with Tatyana. It even came to a point that I think they were arguing or something. I could be wrong though. They are speaking in Russian. And I was not able to help myself but to record their conversation so I can have it translated to me later on.

My heart pounded inside my ribcage when I accidentally pushed the door slightly as I was adjusting to get a clearer recording. Oh my goodness. What am I doing? And why am I even doing this? I walk as fast as I can away from Yuri's room just so I don't get caught snooping on other people's business.

"Madame? Do you need anything?" It's Yuri and he is closing in on me. I did not have a choice but to stop and face him.

"Uhm I just want to-talk. I am sorry I did not mean to interrupt." And snoop around and record apparently. I just bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

"Madame."

"Just call me Belle. I mean, I won't be your Madame anymore come tomorrow." The words rolled off my tongue and I immediately regretted it.

He makes a few steps forward so that we stood closer. "Belle." He said, looking me in the eye. "Take care of yourself and the babies."

I feel like a lump is forming in my throat, slowly suffocating me. I am the type of person who hates goodbyes. Especially when the person saying goodbye is someone I care for dearly.

"Thank you Yuri. I am going to miss you." At this point, it's taking everything in me not to cry. My goodness hormones please just not now! "I am glad you have found someone who will take care of you. I wish you to have a happy life. I want you to know that I support your decision to get married and be happy."

For some reason, I feel like Yuri did not want to hear what I just said. His adam's apple moved and I can actually see the pain in his eyes. "That's good to know---Belle."

The next morning I woke up realizing that Nikolai and Alexei are not in our bed anymore. The whole mansion is so quiet-more like somber silence. Today, Yuri will leave the mansion. I did not see him or even Tatyana around anymore. The only people I see are the mansion's security and my I.V.

My husbands left me voice messages saying that they will be back as soon as they can. This is the part of the day that I actually don't like. Waking up alone and waiting for Nikolai and Alexei to come home safe as the day ends. Usually, they stay in for breakfast and until I wake up before leaving the mansion. But when important things are happening in the mafia, they leave early and go home late.

I spent the day starting with my regular home check-up with the ob-gyn. I am seven weeks pregnant, she said that I can actually hear the twin's heartbeats this time. I got excited at first but then I remember Nikolai. I know this moment is as special to him as it is to me. So I held it in abeyance. I want to do it with him and Alexei beside me.

I read books and articles about pregnancy in the pantry the rest of the day until eventually, I realized that it's already dusk. I was about to go upstairs to take a bath and prepare for dinner but then I was halted when I noticed someone's petting Petrushka and Valkyre. He's with Ivan and Vasily in the grand foyer. He's wearing a black leather jacket and jeans. His luggage is being taken by one of the men towards the rooms down the hall where Boris, Yuri and Dimitri's rooms are located.

"Hello Madame Volkov. It's nice to see you again." He said with a smile on his face.

"You are Yuri's brother." I am actually surprised that he is here. I know that he is the one in charge with our business in Russia. What is he even doing here?

"It's Andrey, Madame." He replied.

"Yes, Andrey. You're coming to visit Yuri?" I asked as I think I have an idea why he's really here.

"Ugh, maybe." He answered with a naughty smile on his face.

"Where is he taking your luggage?"

"He is taking my things to Yuri's room. I was informed that it's vacant starting today." He replied.

"Yuri might come to visit, so his room is not vacant. There are plenty of rooms in this mansion. I'll have one of the rooms prepared for you." I know it's far from possible but still, I don't want him occupying Yuri's

room.

The man chuckled like he found my statement ridiculous. "Madame Volkov, when a man is banished from the mafia, he is not coming back ever. There are no visits. When the wolf has been burned, there's no turning back."

"What do you mean by when the wolf has been burned?" I asked curiously.

"The burning of Yuri's wolf." He said while showing me his tattoo of the monogram V on the back of his right hand -- the one peaking behind the sleeve of his jacket. The same exact tattoo I see on Nikolai, Alexei, and their men.

"They are going to burn Yuri's tattoo?" I asked.

"They are going to get rid of them Madame." He replied.

I feel like I am going to vomit just by the thought of it. Exactly how they are going to do it, I do not want to know. I have been trying to embrace my life as the wife of the Russian Mafia Boss and Underboss but there times that I feel like I am in over my head.

I so wanted to take a calming hot shower but it's not advised by my doctor as it will raise my internal temperature which is not good for the twins. So I just took a quick normal shower and changed to some cute bodycon drape champagne satin dress as I await for my husbands to come home. And then I saw Andrey about to go out with the other men. I asked if I could talk to him in private in which the man gladly obliged.

"Uhm, I want to ask a favor. Please don't tell anyone, including Nikolai and Alexei?"

"It depends on the favor. Let me hear it first." He retorted.

"Well, I have a voice recording. I want you to translate it for me."

"If it's the Bosses' conversation, the answer is no Madame. You know there is a reason why the brothers talk Russian when you're around. They just want to protect you."

I placed my index finger in the middle of his lips to shut him up because I.V can hear him. "Quiet Andrey! This is not my husbands conversation. It's, well, it's Yuri and Tatyana's conversation."

His eyes widened like he has seen a unicorn. A smirk slowly grew on his face. "Madame! Oh my god! Why would you do that?!" He said. Acting all surprised and scandalized. He covered his mouth pretending to be horrified of what I did.

"Are you gonna help me or what?" I asked borderline irritated.

"Let me hear it first. Then I decide." He said. He sat on the chair and waited for me to hand him the phone.

- Scene when Belle was recording Yuri and Tatyana's conversation -

Tatyana: (Sitting on the corner of the bed while Yuri packs his things) You're in love with Madame Volkov?

Yuri: I am not paying you to ask questions.

Tatyana: We don't have to leave the mansion this soon. (hugs him from the back)

Yuri: (Removes Tatyana's arms from around his waist and pushes her to the bed) This is not happening Taty. The deal is you do as I tell you to do. I give you a second chance in life to leave Zora. We will leave the mansion.

Tatyana: You will not be part of the Mafia anymore! You will be dead! All your enemies will come sneaking at you every day of your life. No one is going to help you. You won't have the protection of the Russian wolf anymore! You can't do this. It's suicide!

Yuri: I made a mistake! It's fitting that I face the consequences of that mistake.

Tatyana: What mistake? Is it about Madame Volkov? If it's about her, maybe she's the one who can change everything.

(Both hear a light screeching of the door, they did not realize that it was slightly open all this time)

-end of scene-

Belle's POV

I am in the SUV with Andrey and I.V on our way to the location where they will do the burning of the wolf on Yuri. I did not realize the seriousness of the implication of Yuri's decision to leave the mansion until

now.

Tatyana is right. Once Yuri leaves the mansion he will become an easy target to his enemies. The enemies he accumulated over the years he's been in the mafia. And I know for a fact that the Russian Mafia is his whole life. He will not have the protection of the organization. He will be on his own fending off enemies from every direction.

He paid Tatyana to pretend to be his fiancé because he felt compelled to face the consequences of his mistake. And I think I know what he is talking about. Still there are a lot of things that I do not understand. No matter, I think that he is making a huge mistake in leaving the mansion.

I hope that we are not too late. Andrey said that once the burning is done, it's done. There is no turning back. He is permanently banished from the Mafia.

We arrived at a boat-house inside a fish port somewhere. There are several cars and SUVs already parked outside and judging by the amount of security placed around the boat-house, I think that Nikolai and Alexei are here. When our SUV pulled over, I immediately stepped down and went past the men who are guarding outside. I walked as fast as I could. My heart is already beating a million times praying to the heavens that I am still not too late.

When I entered inside, I feel like my heart is going to burst out of my chest when I saw the hot iron they usually use in branding cattle on the farm. Only that, this one is customized for human torture. It's already molten hot and is about to be used on Yuri. His hand is shackled on top of the table to put it in place while he is biting on to a towel.

Yuri is half-naked, all bloody and sweaty. He looks like he has been beaten up badly. I could not understand why they have to do this. I looked at Nikolai and Alexei disappointingly. I am so mad at them right now! It's not like Yuri betrayed the Mafia. He just made one simple mistake. He fell in love! But that does not mean that he deserves to be treated like this after all he has done for the family. The people inside were halted and waited for Nikolai's signal on what to do. So before he could ever decide, I walk up towards Yuri, sat on his lap, and wrapped my arms around his neck. "No! Nikolai, Alexei stop this! Please!" I screamed.

"Madame. Please don't do this. This has to be done." Yuri said almost whispering. He then spoke to Nikolai in Russian but my husband did not seem to hear or care about what he just said.

"No! You said you love me right? Do you love me?" I asked as I turn his head to face me. Everything and everyone inside the boat-house stood still. It was dead silent like everyone is holding their breaths. Even Nikolai and Alexei seem to be just waiting for things to unravel in front of them.☐☐☐☐☐☐