Becoming the Queen

BELLA ROSE POV

It has been a week since the attack on the Volkov family. So far everything is still pointing to my theory. Seth is still following leads. Kirill’s guy is helping him out. So far he hasn’t found anything but he is still digging. Zander and Jones have been busy upping security on everything we can. The good thing is we have enough soldiers. Dad has locked mom down and all of my lieutenants have been upgraded to guard duty for me since Jones and Zander have been so busy.

I am in my office at SynCox going through all the paperwork. I slacked off here so now I am playing catch up. We have a couple of meetings coming up. One this week and next week.

“Claire, can you come here for a minute please?” I page dads assistant. She is the only one in the loop she is the wife to a capo.

“Hey, Bella. What can I help you with?” she asks as she steps into my office and closes the door.

“What does my schedule look like for the rest of the day? Do you know where Dad is having his meeting this week?” I ask as I settle back in my chair.

“You have one meeting today with Mr. Volkov. The meeting this week was moved up to tomorrow. Your dad needs you to go. He has family business to take care of.” She tells me as she looks at her tablet.

“Tell me more about the meeting tomorrow.”

“It’s in Boston. A business looking to use our import/export. You will be meeting with Mr. Daniel. I booked you a hotel, and already have our guys clearing it and waiting for you to arrive. Your flight leaves tonight from the private airfield. Mr. Volkov will be here for lunch. Are you wanting to dine in or out?” she asks as she stares down at her tablet still.

“Ask Mr. Volkov what he wants and then arrange it, please. Also, will you update Jones and Zander? You know how they get. Tell them they are needed here. Get Lee and Kirill about Nico. Also get Elijah, him and Lee work well together. Will I have time to pack before tonight?” I ask as I take notes on the meeting tomorrow. “Can you also get me a briefing for tomorrow? I will look over it tonight after I get to Boston.”

“I will see what I can do. I packed a bag from the main house for you this morning while I was updating Mr. Cox on his schedule. I will email you with the updates.” She said as she stands up to leave.

“Thanks Claire.” I say as she closes my door.

I go over all the important that we have coming in. All of our legitimate businesses are getting a shipment this week. I need to talk to the managers before I leave tonight. I send a memo to Claire to ask her to set an appointment for after lunch. We have a shipment for Ferrari and two for Bianchi going out. I need extra manpower for those. I send Liam a message for him to take care of it. I continue to catch up on the work that I have abandoned and the work I will miss tomorrow. I’m so lost in the mountain of paperwork, that I don’t hear the knock at my door or it opening.

“Roza, did you forget about me?” my head snaps up at Kirill’s voice. I smile as I stand up and walk around the desk to him.

“Just lost track of time.” I chuckle.

“Well, come dear. I hear you are a fan of the café around the corner. Nico and Andrei are holding a table for us. You need to eat to keep that magnificent brain working.” I place my hand on his arm as he leads me out of my office. We make small talk until we reach the café.

“Did Claire ask you about me borrowing the fly?” I chuckle as we step into the café.

“Nico? Yes, she did. My boys will survive without him and Andrei for a night. They will be your stand in Zander and Jones.” He laughs out loud as we take our seats.

“The usual Miss Cox?” the waitress asks as she walks up to our table.

“Yes please.”

“Make that two hun.” Kirill says before she can ask him.

“I don’t know how well that will go over with Zander and Jones.” I mumble.

“They will have to learn eventually. It’s just a night.” Kirill says casually. Like they won’t have their own b***h fit.

“So did your friend ever get back to you about.. What was it you were looking for again?” he knows I am asking about the test. It’s what our meeting is about.

“I haven’t seen Dean in years but he said he will try to make it down this weekend. He is positive he has that present I’m looking for. But enough about that. Let’s eat lunch. We should catch up after you get back.” Kirill slides his gaze towards Nico. I’m guessing the giant has a watchdog on Kirill. I give him a sly smile.

“I’m down. Let me know when.” I give him a wink before I turn to Nico and Andrei.

“So, Andrei serious question. Are you a fly?” I glance at Nico before I continue. “Or are you a giant grumpy troll? Nico who was the troll with you at the club?” Nico scowls at me not liking my joke. Andrei busts out laughing. We will get along I believe.

“Mr. Volkov, is she talking about when Luka called about that meeting he didn’t know you had, the kid that wouldn’t talk to him, and the zlyushchiy kotenok? This is her?” (Feisty Kitten) he gets out between laughs. I am smiling so hard right now it almost hurts.

“This is her. Bella Sorion-Cox. Your next Don of Don’s.” Kirill states like a proud parent would. “Not that Luka knows that part exactly.” I throw a wink at Andrei.

“It’s just Bella. It’s not formal yet.” I tell them. We make small talk for the rest of lunch before they escort me back to work.

“Bella a pleasure. Honestly. Nico and I will pick you up from work tonight.” Andrei says as we reach the elevator.

“Thank you, guys. Really thank you. Did Claire tell you that you will have a room in my suite? Zander and Jones won’t approve of me in my own suite. Something might happen while they are in a room next door, according to them.” I tell them as I step into the elevator.

“She did not, but that is ok. See you in a bit Koroleva Roza.” Andrei bids with a small bow.

“See you soon Nico and Andrei. Smile more Nico, you’re going to grow wrinkles. You’re too pretty for that.” I chuckle and throw a wink at Nico as the elevator doors close. I am pretty sure he almost grinned at me.

When I make it to my office Zander and Jones are waiting. This is going to be lovely but I don’t give them time to speak before I page Claire.

“Send them in. I’m ready.” I say as I turn to look at the guys. “Take a seat it’s going to be a minute.” I walk over to the conference table in my office and take a seat right as the managers walk in.

“Please sit everyone. I have a plane to catch. So, let’s make this as painful as possible for everyone.” I wait for everyone to get seated. This week is going to be busy. I don’t want to come back to a million problems. So, let’s begin.” I fold my hands in front of me as I lean on the table.

“How are we going to deal with all the shipments coming in? For some reason we have 42 orders coming in. Can anybody tell me who is going to make sure it goes off without a hitch?” I stand up and start walking around the room. silence is all I hear. “Come on people. Start throwing the ideas out. Why am I paying you for a smooth delivery every time when you are backing them up like this?”

“When did you start signing my checks? Last I checked Derrek pays me.” I come to a stop. Jones tenses up but I give him a slight shake of my head. I got this.

“Derrek? I believe you are to call him Mr. Cox.” I turn to look at the wanna-be barbie model.

“Derrek won’t like the fact that you are talking to one of his best managers like you are. I can have your job.” I put the fakest smile on my face. I walk over to where she is sitting and take the seat next to her, facing her.

“You are totally right. Here let’s settle this.” I hold my hand out as Zander hands me his phone. I dial my dad’s number and put it on speaker.

“Zander.”

“Hi, Mr. Cox. I have a question.”

“Bella quit playing. What do you need.”

“Is Mrs. Cox around?” I wink at the guys as I continue my charade.

“Renee, Bella is on the phone.”

“So, first question.” I look straight at the girl next to me and give her the biggest s**t-eating grin I can manage.

“When did you let your managers start calling you by your first name Daddy? Does mom know that this fake wanna-be Barbie model calls you Derrek instead of Mr. Cox? Oh and my favorite part. She is going to take my job. I thought the empire was mine Daddy. That’s just not fair.”

“And who would this be Bella Rose.”

“My bad I forgot to get her name. Go ahead Miss, Derrek signs my paychecks and I will have your job. Tell us your name.” I watch as she opens and closes her mouth. Speechless.

“Come on now. We don’t have all day.”

“M-my name is D-Danielle.”

“Danielle. What a beautiful name. don’t you think Mom?”

“Hmm. Danielle. Do I need to show you to the door or do I need to give you a refresher course on how to do your job?” Mom says in the most serious tone I have ever heard.

“N-no, ma’am. Sorry, won’t happen again.”

“Let’s make sure of that. I would hate for my daughter to have to call us again and tell us how undefined our employees are. We may just have to put new faces in the company.”

“Thanks, mom and dad. Love you guys. I will see you both when I get back.” I hand the phone back to Zander as I stand up.

“Any more problems we need to clear up? No. Great, now where were we.”

“The shipments this week Bella.” Zander tries to get out without smiling.

“Right. Thank you, Zander. Back to business. Steven do me a favor. Make sure Barbie is at every shipment that comes in. You will get her bonus. Jones will make sure HR knows.” I don’t think I can make Barbie any redder than she is already.

“Miss Cox, myself along with some others put a schedule together that way one of us is with a shipment every time.” Carol an older woman steps in.

“You are making these guys work. Another bonus out for a manager. Thank you, Carol. You and Steven make sure Barbie is at every one of them.”

She gives me a small timid nod. The rest of the meeting goes flawlessly. As soon as everyone steps out. Zander closes the door before they both turn to me. Each one closes in on both sides.

“We have barely seen you this past week.” Jones grumbles.

“It has been a week since we kissed you.” Zander whispers.

“Just for Claire to tell us you are flying out tonight with different guards we didn’t choose.” Jones grits out as he gets closer.

“Not to mention, she said that you said we can’t come because you want us here. Care to explain.” Zander huffs. He is so adorable when he pouts and tries to hide it.

“There are three family shipments going out. I need you guys here. I will be back tomorrow. I will have plenty of people with me.” I tell them as I start putting things away. “Stay help Dad please.” I beg. “Besides I have grouchy Bratvas with me at all times. At least you guys are fun.”

No sooner than I turn back towards them, Jones pulls me into a bone-crushing embrace, smashing his lips against mine, taking my breath away. He pulls me closer till he can’t anymore. I feel Zander step up behind me. Crushing me in between the both of them. Zander moves my hair over my shoulder as he peppers kisses along my neck. Jones finally bulls back so we can breathe. Only for Zander to spin me around and repeat the process. It doesn’t last as long because we are interrupted by a knock on my office door.

“Enter!” Jones says. Claire pops her head in with a big smile on her face as if she caught us in the act. I guess she kind of did.

“Bella your chariot awaits. They have your bag already.”

“Thank you, Claire. I will be out in a minute.” She closes the door as she steps back out. Zander and Jones give me one last kiss before escorting me out to my new babysitters.

“Call as soon as you get there.” Zander says as he hands me my phone. “I told Claire to pack your gear just in case. Be safe. Listen to them. Remember who you are boss lady.” Zander whispers as he pulls me into a hug, just to hand me over to Jones. Who looks ready to kill right now.

“I want regular reports. Keep her safe at all times.” Jones scowls at a grumpy-looking Nico and a smiling Andrei.

“I will lay my life don’t for her just like I would my Pakhans.” Andrei tells the guys.

“Pretty sure she can take anyone.” Nico mutters.

Once the goodbyes are over and I am loaded up into the SUV, we are finally heading to our private jet. It’s only an hour’s flight. On a good day, it is about a three-hour drive, but it could be hours longer depending on traffic. Nico sits in the back by himself moping. While Andrei and I chit chat.

“Is he always so grumpy?” I asked, tilting my head towards Nico.

“Believe it or not, he really isn’t. He grew up in this man’s world just like the rest of us. He watched people he grew up with die. This is going to sound bad but I don’t mean it the way it sounds. He doesn’t think you should be in this world let alone become a Don. He lost his mom and sisters in this world. Mr. Volkov raised us both after we lost our families. When he sees you, he sees his sisters. The ones he was too young to protect. It’s bothering him.” Andrei explains quietly.

“Do you think he would be ok if I proved to him I belong?” I ask. I don’t want him distracted or uncomfortable with me.

“Maybe. Never know. You are our next Don. No matter what there will always be something there inside of him telling him that he can’t lose you. if we lose you or one of our Pakhans then our world crumbles.” Andrei mumbles as he looks over to Nico.

“Set up a training session for us when we land. Have a few guards join. I will prove to you guys that I belong and I can handle this world.” Andrei looks at me quizzically. “If you guys knew my past you would understand.” I don’t say anymore. I just stand and make my way to Nico.

“Hey, my guy.” I smile as I take a seat next to him. He looks me over before looking away. “I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind training with me? I didn’t get a session in this morning. Jones said you were one of the best in the Bratva.” Total lie. I not only trained this morning but Jones never said anything about Nico. Obviously, he is good since he is ranked. Nico doesn’t need to know that though.

“I guess I can if we have time.” He mumbles.

“Thank you, Nico. Andrei said he will find me a couple of sparring partners. I need to work on my form.” Once again I am totally lying right now.

“I will see what I can do. Buckle up, we are about to land.” He looks at me with narrowed eyes.

“Yes, sir.” I buckle up and lean back. I wink at Andrei and smile to myself as he shakes his head.

When we land there are three SUVs waiting for us. I feel like I am the Queen of England. I think there are too many people here that we could use back home. I don’t say anything though. I don’t need anyone to have a cow. It doesn’t take long before we get to the hotel or up to the suit. After a light dinner, Andrei and Nico lead me down to the gym.

“Ok, guys push my limits. Nico if you see something I need to fix then tell me please.” I say over my shoulder as I pull a blindfold out. “Andrei if you see Seth, Zander, or Jones calling then please answer it.” I put the blindfold on and center myself.

“Don’t take it easy on me guys. Now let’s go.” I say as I get ready. They must be unsure because it takes a couple of minutes before they attack.

I duck the hit coming from in front of me, then I spin and knock the one behind me off their feet. I stand up and wait again. I hear someone coming at me from the side. I step forward and kick my foot back, connecting with a leg I believe. I stand up and wait again, listening. I can feel the change in the air. More than one rush me at the same time. It all happens so fast that I don’t know what order the punches and kicks are coming in. I block and return as fast as they come. I take a couple of hits but that doesn’t slow me down.

“Time!” Nico yells and instantly stops. I feel the people around me move. Someone steps up to me then I feel his breath as he whispers in my ear. “Your weakness is your left side. Fix it.” Nico says before he steps away.

“Ready. Set. Begin!” Nico yells. Then it’s on again. We spar for a couple of hours before we finally quit for the night.

“I will hand it to you. You’re not too bad.” Nico mutters as he hands me a water bottle. “Let’s go before your guard dogs call.”

“Did I hear that right? Did Nico just joke?” I tease lightly. He narrows his eyes at me before he stomps away. Andrei chuckles behind me.

“Major improvement Roza. I think you have just broken through his hard shell.” He winks before leading me to our suite. “Go get cleaned up. I’ll check in with your guard dogs.” Andrei teases as he pushes me to my room.

I start running a bath while I get my pajamas and the briefing for tomorrow. I’m going to what seems like it will be a simple meeting for a small company that needs a different import/export company. I could handle this over the phone. Why did they want an in-person meeting? I put it aside for right now while I soak in the bath. Clearing my mind and relaxing. I don’t know how long I‘m in there before a knock at the door startles me. I must have dozed off.

“Roza, your needed out here immediately.” Andrei says through the door.

“I’m drying off now.” I tell him as I jump out of the bath and dress as quickly as I can. When I am ready, I make my way out to the living area. Where Andrei and Nico are standing shoulder to shoulder with their backs turned to me blocking my view.

“Gentlemen.”

“Boss, this man insists on seeing you right now.” Andrei says as he steps to the side. A black-haired man around my age and about six-foot tall stands in front of them. He holds his hands up. Silently telling me he means no harm.

“I just need a minute ma’am it’s urgent.” He says hastily. I gesture to the sitting area.

“Sit.” I order as I sit across from him. I lean back into a relaxed position in the chair. “How can I help you Mr..?”

“Doyle. Aaden Doyle ma’am. We had a meeting for tomorrow scheduled under Mr. Daniel. I was supposed to meet Mr. Cox. He would have been easier to meet than you.” he rushes out.

“Mr. Doyle why don’t you explain why you are here at this moment.” I ask impatiently.

Right. Right. I requested a fake meeting with Mr. Cox because I have information for him. But, when you showed up instead it ruined everything. You need to leave immediately. You are in danger.” Before he can say another word Nico has a gun to his head. He raises his hands higher.

“Please I can explain. I just can’t explain everything right now. I promise.” I hold my hand up stopping Nico.

“How do I know I can trust you?” I ask.

“You can’t. Doyle is Irish. We walked into a trap.” Andrei spits.

“Now gentlemen let him explain. We’re not barbarians. Let’s show him some manners.” I admonish in a fake tone. “Continue Mr. Doyle. Their patience runs thin.” I wave him on.

“I can’t explain everything right now. My boss sent me here to warn you. you need to leave now. An ambush is on the way. There are three white SUVs in the garage ready to go that cant be tracked. They are coming for you, Bella. You’re the original Don O’Lennon. You went missing before the Irish could kill you. I can explain more later but please go.” He pleads.

“Andrei make arrangements. Nico I want his information, after knocking him out we will dump him somewhere on our way out. As for you Mr. Doyle I will send someone for you. Don’t make me regret letting you live.” I say as I stand. I don’t say anything else as I walk to the door and look out into the hall. “We leave in five.” I don’t speak as we head out. Nico leads Doyle into an SUV and takes off in a different direction.

“Andrei I need your’s and Nico’s loyalty. I will explain everything after we land and go to my home. Have Kirill meet us there please.” I ask him quietly.

*Z&J Group* Be home in 2. Get the kid.

I send a message to our group text. Once Andrei has me safe and secure in the jet with guards surrounding me he waits for Nico and the rest. Before long everyone is loaded up and we are on our way home.