Page 3 of Dimitri
Shaking her head, she finished the wine and went to put away the glass. She was not one for self-pity and was certainly not going to start now.
*****
Dimitri knew just where to find him. Ivanov Petrov was very predictable when he was moody. The door to his study was shut tight but not locked. Hesitating only a fraction, he twisted the ornate knob and pushed it open.
His father was seated behind the massive baronial desk, a drink in his hand and papers strewn all around him. Petrov Industries was a vast company with arms all over the world. They made some of the best whiskeys and hand-tooled cigars. Their petroleum and gasoline were clean and environmentally friendly. They had just recently ventured into kippers, caviars and fertilizers.
"I believe we've exhausted the topic, and I have work to do." He said all of that without looking up from the thick dossier he was perusing.
"Then you'll have no problem listening."
Dimitri stood his ground, when his gaze shot up, the surprise at his response, quickly masked. Leaning back, his father eyed him for a few minutes in silence, one that stretched Dimitri's nerves to almost breaking point.
Taking a deep breath, he plunged on. "I'm an adult and I need to find my own way. Alexei is excellent at sitting in an office and making decisions. That's not my strong point. I am a glorified accountant." He waved a hand in disgust. "I'm very good at figures, but you have no need for another CFO. You have an excellent team."
He walked further into the room, absently eyeing the stack of books behind his father's desk. The Russian skyline was clearly outlined, the rosy tint indicating they were in for more snow. It was natural at this time of year for them to be inundated. Their winter was usually long and drawn out as well as icy.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his superbly cut black trousers, he rocked back on his heels and turned to face his father. "You never talk about her."
Ivanov's mouth tightened ominously. "You would do well to leave the topic alone."
"She was my mother, and I cannot just shove her from my mind."
One thick brow shot up. "You believe that's what I'm doing?"
"I think you're not allowing yourself to grieve."
For an instant, there was pain, stark and vivid on the swarthy face. Dimitri was about to apologize when he responded. "You have always been sheltered and show a marked lack of interest in the company. You enjoyed the privileges but refuse to sit down and do the job." He flicked a hand in dismissal. "Go to America and try and be a farmer. When you've failed in that venture, I hope you'll have the good sense to return home where you belong."
With that, he pushed forward and picked up the contract, the gesture one of dismissal. Dimitri stood there for a minute, fighting anger and frustration, before turning on his heels and walking out.
*****
"Won't you come to bed?"
Alexei turned to look at her, a smile softening his features.
"Did you perhaps don that scrap of material disguised as a nightgown to allure your very weak and vulnerable husband?"
"Never weak, my love." Stretching out a slender hand, she waited for him to come to her. Shaking off his worry, he climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her close.
"They are both lonely and incredibly stubborn." He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "Neither refuses to budge. I feel as if I'm caught in the middle of a cold war."
"Your father can be a very inflexible man."
Resting his chin on top of her head, he thanked whatever fate had sent Anastasia to him. She was his rock and was a shoulder to lean on. As the heir to the Petrov fortune, he shouldered a lot, so much so that it felt as if the weight of it all was crushing him.
Dimitri was never one to take on the responsibilities and as a second son, he was not required to give his all. Alexei was.Normally, he did not mind, but sometimes it was taxing. And with his brother leaving, there wouldn't be the usual daily conversations.
Dimitri might not come into the office on a daily basis, but his contributions were well met and implemented. His brother was brilliant with figures and had a sharp mind, a very sharp mind. He was a genius, which Alexei suspected was the reason for his restless energy.
"Mother's death has left a hole, a space that cannot be filled." He murmured it softly, absently kissing the top of his wife's head.
Lifting her head, she stroked his cheek, her fingers gentle. "She was a lovely woman, inside and out. I often wondered if you compare me to her and find me lacking."
He gave her a startled look, a slight frown touching his brow. And took his time to respond. He had often wondered the same thing. "She was gentle and kind but being the only woman in the household of three strong men, she had to be even stronger." A smile touched his lips. "And yes, you remind me of her. In more ways than one."
He touched his lips to hers, the kiss taking on a different tone when she moved into him.
