Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

[Couple of hours later]

"Thanks for the save," Joshua sighed. "And I am sorry for bursting at you like that. It's just—"

"I can understand." Andrew patted his shoulder. "Rachael is your sister, it's okay for you to worry about her."

"You have to be careful Andrew, things are much more messed up than you think," Joshua couldn't help but warn him. Though it had been a while since he had left Russia and Igor's side, he still received updates about the situation back there every now and then. This is how he found out about Rachael's kidnapping.

He wanted to rush there as soon as he got the information but that wouldn't be a wise thing to do.

With how strained the situation was between him and Igor, his ex boss, things would become even more complicated.

"I know." Andrew understood what Joshua was implying to.

With him supporting Samuel and their new alliance with the Genovesse, things had taken a new chaotic turn.

This was one of the many reasons why he brought Rachael home as soon as he could.

Keeping Rachael there was a risk he wasn't willing to take or even think about it.

Joshua did not say anything further. He knew Andrew well enough to understand that he already had a plan in his mind.

The Volkov brothers were smart and sneaky at the same time. There was no doubt they would leave anything to protect their women no matter how chaotic things become.

"Samuel wants to see you soon," Joshua remarked. "Whenever you have time."

"I'll ask Ben to contact him as soon as possible." Andrew already had plans of meeting Samuel to discuss the next step they were going to take to bring Igor down.

Since they and Genovesse were already forming an alliance, it would be good to have the Petrovs on their side too. And this would only be possible after Samuel took his brother's place.

"I'll take my leave now." Joshua looked at Daniel who was standing beside Andrew. "I guess I'll see you more often now that you are moving here."

"I am very sure you will," Daniel smirked. "Make sure to keep your sneaky sniper tricks in your pocket Snoopy. Remember, we are family now."

Joshua couldn't help but roll his eyes at him before leaving.

"What are the odds?" Daniel chuckled. "Out of everyone, he turned out to be Rachael's cousin."

Andrew couldn't help but agree. It was indeed shocking.

Who knew that the guy who was after his life for so many years would turn out to be family?

"I don't understand one thing though." Daniel frowned. "How did he end up with the Petrovs?"

Since Rachael's family was not involved with the mafia, how did Joshua end up in the mess?

"Why don't you ask him next time?" Andrew suggested before walking inside the mansion.

…..

[Kitchen]

Standing at the door, Andrew crossed his arms in the front. "What are you doing?"

"Ah…" Rachael gasped, almost dropping the crystal bowl she was rinsing. "You scared me." She placed her hand on her chest.

He sighed and approached her. "There are so many helpers in the house." He took the bowl from her hand. "You were supposed to go to bed after dinner."

"It's going to finish—" She tried to take the bowl from his hand but Andrew held it higher.

"I'll finish it, you go to bed." He then gently pushed her aside and started washing the dishes.

Rachael sighed and helplessly shook her head. She knew arguing with him was useless. "You are not going to let me do anything, will you?"

"Nope," he answered.

"And how long is it going to last?"

"Until our kid starts talking." When Rachael scoffed, he added, "I am sceptical about you joining the office also but I know how much you love work so I won't say anything on that."

Before she could say anything, he continued, "But I have some rules which need to be followed. You have to leave for work and return back with me and no one else. If I get caught up with some very important work then Ben will escort you."

"You are crazy."

"You can call me whatever you want." He tapped the tip of her nose. "If I have to impose more rules to keep you and our baby safe then I'll do it no matter what."

"Alright," Rachael agreed.

Finding her acceptance strange, Andrew raised his brows. "Really? You are not going to say anything?" He had expected her to negotiate or try to make the terms he had set forward a little flexible.

She shook her head. "I will do whatever you say."

"Wait—" He frowned. "Are you angry?"

"What makes you think I am angry?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "This doesn't feel right."

"Relax, I am not angry or upset," she chuckled. "I just—" She sighed. "I just don't want anything to go wrong like—"

Understanding that she was implying to the kidnapping incident, he assured her. "Hey, nothing is going to happen, okay? I know things went wrong last time because of my negligence."

"Andrew, it wasn't anyone's fault." She cupped his cheeks. "Sometimes things just happen and we can't control it."

"And I cannot afford to make any mistakes this time." He would go to any lengths to make sure nothing went wrong this time. In fact, he had already made all the necessary arrangements. Since Daniel and Kate would also be staying with them, he had to double their security.

"Everything will be okay." She gently squeezed his arm. "Don't stress about it too much."

…..

[Joshua's house]

When Joshua arrived at his place, he was frowned when he found the main door half ajar. He remembered locking the door when he left home.

Since he was completely unarmed, he hesitated before entering the apartment. But he also couldn't stand outside and do nothing.

He contemplated a while before opening the door and entering the apartment….

…..