Page 47 of Working Out West

Kylo was the only person who didn’t seem concerned that my parents were here. He walked into the room with a tray of drinks and set them on the coffee table. He was handing one to my father when he noticed me.

“Here he is.” He offered a tired smile.

“Adrik,” Mama called. She stood and strode to me. I brought her into my arms for an embrace. “I’m so sorry for West.”

I ran a hand up and down her back. “I know, Mama.”

Papa stood, and everyone tensed. Their reaction did not surprise me. My father was well known. The stories of him killing men in seconds had spread over the world.

“Adrik, is there anything we can do?” Papa asked.

In Russian, I explained, “No, not at the moment. He is resting, and I will stay here with him. I appreciate your concern, but there is nothing you can do.” Mama pulled back to listen to us. I curled an arm around her shoulders.

“Those who did this to him, they have been dealt with?” Papa asked.

“I killed the man, but the other is still breathing. For now.”

“Let me know if you need assistance. I would like to get my hands on a parent who would do this to their own child.”

“I would also like to spend some time with her,” Mama spat.

“She will pay,”I reassured them.“The men around you are also very protective and will seek vengeance on West’s behalf. After I am done with her.”

Papa glanced around the room. “They are a club?”

I nodded. “A brotherhood.”

Papa grunted. “They fear me.”

I shook my head. Before I could say anything, Dimitri did with “No, they are keeping an eye on their prey.”

Papa grinned. “I might like them.”

A brief smile touched my lips. “They are good men.”

“Right, this conversation none of us can understand has gone on long enough,” Country, the club’s president, stated, dropping his arms and fisting his hands at his sides. “Speak English or leave.”

“We mean no harm. It is just easier for us to speak Russian in stressful times,” Mama explained. Country nodded. She looked up at me. “We will leave. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.”

“I will, Mama.” I kissed her forehead before she moved to the side, and Papa stepped up for an embrace. “I will call.”

“Da.” Papa nodded. “For anything. We look forward to meeting West.”

“But only when he’s ready,” Mama stated quickly. She pointed to where a bag lay on the floor. “I took the liberty to pack you a few things.”

“Blagodaryu vas, Mama.”

She smiled warmly. “You’re welcome.”

“We will go now,” Papa said, his arm outstretched to Mama, who walked over to him after another quick hug for me.

“Take Dimitri with you.”

“No, Adrik. I will stay here also,” Dimitri chimed in with a hard look my way.

“You do not need to stay.”

“I am not stupid. You will send men away with your parents and have no one. I will stay.”

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