Her Volkovs #Book 4 novel Chapter 20

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Nikolai, Alexei, Axel, Artan and Matushka are standing side by side while waiting for Belle.

Matushka: Do I still need to ask why the Queen of the Russian Mafia is eating bacon strips like it's licorice candy and shooting the death glare whenever she looks at the four of you?

Momentary Silence

Artan: I just arrived.

Axel: I am just trying to protect her.

Nikolai: She's my wife so she's protected.

Alexei: Back off or I will kill you De Alba.

Axel: Is that a joke? Because to be honest that's quite funny.

(Matushka guided Nikolai to the side to talk to him.)

Matushka: Nikolai, get your shit together. I know Belle's pregnancy is overwhelming you. That's understandable. But just imagine what she's going through as well. She's pregnant with your twins and she also takes care of you and your brother at the same time. And baby boy, you and your brother are not the easiest men to take care of. Trust me I know! Please, don't make this way harder for her. Be gentle, listen to her, and trust her decisions.

Nikolai: She's stubborn and she attracts these men like fucking nectar to a bee!

Matushka: Is it her fault that she attracts men? Absolutely not! It's your fault because you can't seem to handle a woman who is exceptionally beautiful with an equally beautiful heart. I am sure your father, wherever part of hell he's in right now is very disappointed in you Nikolai. And one more thing, your brother is taking cues from you. So you better get your act straight before he does something to De Alba and bring the whole Conglomerate down. He's as blind as you when it comes to the princess. Now get your shit together.

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Belle's POV

"Mind if I join you?"

A familiar voice said from the back. The moment the cool breeze gently blew his signature scent towards me, I knew it was him. "Artan."

He enfolded me in between his arms. He then twirls my hair to the back of my ear and brushed my face with the back of his hand gently.

"Hey." He said. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thanks. You too." I replied. He just chuckles in response.

"Artan. Thank you for staying on Nikolai's side of the Conglomerate despite what happened. I'm so glad to see Aria wearing the gold ribbon."

"Aria can't be with De Alba's side. She may be a Bogdani but she's also a Volkov. "

"I know."

"You know?" Artan asked like he actually did not expect me to know about Aria's relationship with Nikolai.

"Yah. Nikolai told me that he's Aria's Godfather."

For some weird reason, Artan looked relieved. "Ah, yes. Godfather."

"Uhm. Why? Is there something else I need to know?" I asked.

"If there's anything, I'm pretty sure I'm in no position to tell you." He retorted.

"So there is actually something that I should know?" He's hiding something. I can just see it in his eyes.

"That's not what I said. Now, are you gonna give me some of that bacon or what? You've been pointing it in front of my nose for the past thirty seconds."

"You are being evasive. You know, whatever that is, I will probably find out sooner or later. I always do." I fed him with some bacon and he would bite my finger comically.

"Where have you been? Adnan told me you were doing some business before the Conglomerate meeting."

"You miss me?" He asked so gently.

"Yes." I replied as a matter of factly. "Also, I have to return something to you. Close your eyes."

"Why do I have to close my eyes?"

"Because I have to get the thing from my bra."

"Well then." He said, opening his eyes too wide while looking at my bosoms. I instantly smack him on his face. My goodness, this man!

I thought he would stress me out even more but then, the gentleman turned around to give me some privacy. He places his hands inside his pockets as he waits for me to finish.

Before we left the villa, I made sure to bring Artan's ring so I can return this to him but I did not want Nikolai or Alexei to see that I'm wearing it. I thought to be extra careful not to cause the Russians and Albanians to kill each other again just because of a ring.

I did not want to put it in my purse as there were instances before that I lose important things in it. So I decided to hide it inside my bra. Just like some old people I know. It's funny but effective.

"You can turn around now." I said as I hand him his ring.

"Oh."

"What do you mean oh?"

"I gave that ring to you Baby. That's a gift."

"Artan, I know what this is. This is not just an ordinary ring that you give to someone. This is your Conglomerate ring and you ought to give this to your future wife."

"Yes. And in the meantime that my future wife doesn't exist, I'm asking you to keep it."

"Artan."

"We will talk about this some other time. Please just keep this ring with you in the wives' meeting. One ring means one vote. Volkov's and Axel's rings have two votes each. You don't have to put the Cartel's ring or mine on your fingers. All you have to do is show them on the table."

"I don't need---"

"Belle, please just in case."

"Artan, this is not a decision that I can just make. Nikolai and Alexei have to agree to this. And besides, you are acting as paranoid as those three. Calm down. I will be fine."

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Axel: (Chuckles and then shakes his head while glancing at Nikolai) Wow! Now I perfectly understand why the Albanians almost vanished from the face of the earth! Shit! The man got it so fucking bad with your wife! (Continues looking at Artan and Belle in utter amusement)

Nikolai: I trust my wife. That's all I need.

Alexei: They are - friends. Very special kind of friends but still-just friends.

Axel: Your confidence in your wife impresses me Volkov.

Nikolai: Let's get down to business shall we? I want to leave this country first thing in the morning. I have a pregnant wife to take care of.

Axel: Oh come on Volkov! Still a party pooper after all these years?!

Alexei: Shut up, De Alba. (Walks with his brother and leaves Axel behind)

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Belle's POV

Nikolai and Axel nod at each other and then their right-hand men signaled the other crime families. One by one, the Bosses stood up, along with their wives, and went to the hallway. I thought the meeting was going to be in one of the huge rooms in the Coco Cabana Hotel but rather, we were escorted to the back where cars are lined up in a narrow driveway. Axel De Alba, took the first limousine, then ours, then Artan's and so on.

"Where are we going Nikolai?"

"To a secure location. Only De Alba knows." He answers while trying to pull me to sit on his lap. He insisted despite his gunshot wound so I try to sit on the other thigh while both my feet rest on Alexei's knees.

"I'm sorry baby." He said while burying his face on my neck.

"I'm still mad at you and Alexei but I'm going to forget about it for now." I brush my palm on the back of his head gently. "After this meeting, can you and your brother take a break from VH and from Mafia duties so I can take care of the both of you and tend to your wound?"

"Sure, Boss." Nikolai answered.

Alexei just made a thumbs up. His eyes are closed while resting his head on the backrest of the seat. I took Alexei's hand and massaged it. His tattoos are already peeking out of his sleeve. I kissed his ring and then Nikolai's. I traced the veins on their hands with my kisses and I can see that they actually like it.

Soon enough, we arrived at what looks like a modern high rise building. It particularly stands out because of its sheer height and its sparkling blue color with lights shooting from the different sides of the building. If there's one word I can describe Axel, it would be flashy. His building is sparkling like the Eiffel friggin tower in Paris.