Lovenap

Chapter 8

The short drive from the vet clinic to Casa Chiusa felt longer than it should have. Bianca’s hands were still a little shaky on the wheel, her big brown eyes flicking to the rearview mirror every few seconds to check on Nikolai. The city lights blurred past the windows, casting shifting patterns across her face. Finally, after chewing anxiously on her cheek, she blurted out, “Sorry about my sister… She can be… obtuse.”

Nikolai briefly looked out the window, a warm smile tugging at his lips despite the pain in his shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to that type of personality.” He playfully glanced over at Dimitri. “Grew up with it, actually.”

Dimitri rolled his eyes, knowing exactly who he was referring to. Ignoring his friend’s jab, he casually draped his arm over the back of Bianca’s seat, his thumb brushing lightly against her shoulder in silent reassurance. The simple touch seemed to ease some of the tension in her posture.

“You’re doing great, Zayka,” he murmured, voice low and warm. “Papa’s going to be impressed. You captured two top dogs in our organization… even put a bullet in one.”

From the backseat, Nikolai let out a dramatic groan, massaging his freshly bandaged shoulder. “Hey, I’m fine. Just add it to my list of war stories. ‘Shot by the boss’s future wife.’ Now that I think about it, that has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” He nonchalantly shrugged. “At least no one will mess with you after this.”

Bianca’s cheeks flushed bright red, her eyes growing wide. “Future wife!? I — I’m his captor!”

Nikolai scoffed and shot Dimitri a knowing look. “Yeah, captor of his heart…” In a very low voice that only Dimitri caught, he mumbled something about the Rossi sisters both having a knack for that sort of thing. Dimitri didn’t say a word — he just smiled softly, gently brushing his hand over his chin as he looked out at the passing city lights, his mind already racing ahead to what waited at the casino.

The casino’s bright lights soon came into view, the stone wolf fountain sparkling dramatically under the neon glow. Bianca took a deep breath as they pulled around to the back entrance. She confidently stepped out of the car and approached the guards standing in front of a large, thick metal door. They recognized her immediately and let the unusual trio through with raised eyebrows, though their eyes lingered curiously on Nikolai’s bandaged shoulder and Dimitri’s relaxed demeanor.

They rode the private elevator up to Tony Rossi’s office — a room filled with dark wood paneling, rich brown leather furniture, and the faint, familiar sweet scent of cigar smoke and aged whiskey. Tony stood with his back turned, swirling amber liquid in a crystal glass, the ice clinking softly. Another man sat in a plush leather chair in front of the desk, puffing delicate wisps of cigar smoke into the air.

Both men turned as the group entered. The moment Dimitri locked eyes with the man in the chair, he stopped in his tracks, brows furrowing in pure confusion. “Dad?”

Tony c****d his head to the side in unfiltered surprise. “Bianca? Sweetheart… What are you doing here?”

Breathlessly, Bianca proudly presented the two men, the words tumbling quickly from her lips. “Papa! You were saying the Russians were being a pain in your neck, so I took the liberty to kidnap their heir!… Oh, and his right hand!”

She nervously fiddled with her fingers and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth — a common nervous tick Dimitri had grown very accustomed to. Nikolai squeezed himself into the conversation with his usual cheerful demeanor. “She also made sure we were compliant… Even shot me right in the shoulder!”

Tony shared a long, unreadable look with the Russian mobster still seated, observing the unfolding chaos.

“I think we should all have a chat,” Tony said finally, gesturing for everyone to sit.

Dimitri caught Bianca’s eye and gave her a small, reassuring wink as they took their seats. Whatever happened next — questions, threats, or unexpected alliances — he was exactly where he wanted to be.