A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel, page 8
Daniel kissed Andrei’s cheek. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Andrei hugged him tighter. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, too.”
After breakfast, Andrei drove them to the storage unit to meet up with the movers. Daniel signed the papers for them to access the unit and move his things. Two of the men unhitched Daniel’s motorcycle as Andrei told them where to park it and to make sure they locked it up with Daniel’s padlock. Once that was settled, they left for the city.
“Are you sure my motorcycle will be okay?”
“Yes, they have moved many of the dancers, and I’ve never had a problem with them.”
As Andrei entered the Lincoln Tunnel on the New York side, Daniel clapped.
“Are you excited about leaving New Jersey?”
“More excited about moving to New York City. I love it there. That’s where I belong.”
“All the dancers are planning to be there when you arrive. They’re excited to meet their new roommate.”
“I sure hope they are okay with me.”
They had a relaxed drive with little traffic, and Andrei parked in his assigned spot. Standing as close as they could to each other, they rode the elevator to the third floor. Andrei knocked on the door, and when it opened, all five of the dancers stood crowded into the doorway. Poor Daniel looked overwhelmed by all of them standing there. At least they were all smiling. They’d better behave.
They went inside the apartment. Colorful posters, paintings, and photos of their performances decorated the apartment walls. It felt like a home for artists and dreamers. Daniel would fit right in.
“This is Daniel Sparks, your new roommate,” Andrei said.
“Hey, we’re in the same dance classes at NYU,” Adam said.
“Adam! I know we are. I’ve seen you in all my classes. I had no idea you worked at the Glitter Box.”
Adam had long dark hair and wore it in a ponytail or a bun at their dance classes, but today it was down his back. Daniel remembered he’d told him he spoke Mandarin Chinese and was here on a student visa. Thinking back to when they first met, Adam’s intelligence as well as his creativity had impressed Daniel.
“I’m glad you’re going to be dancing there, too. You’re a hell of a dancer. We can go to class together on Mondays and Tuesdays since we have the same ones.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Daniel appeared relieved to have one known friend in the apartment. Andrei had forgotten Adam attended NYU on his days off. This was working out better than he had thought for Daniel.
“And guess who is going to be your roommate?” Adam asked.
“Who?”
“Me.”
“That’s awesome.”
Adam hugged Daniel with great care. The other dancers introduced themselves and took turns carefully hugging him too.
“You’re going to love living here,” Archie said.
They were very understanding and supportive of Daniel’s situation. Andrei stayed at Daniel’s side when Adam showed him their room. It had a large window overlooking the street, bunk beds, a closet, and two desks. They also shared the bathrooms, the kitchen, and the living room, which had an enormous sofa, an eighty-five-inch TV, and a stuffed bookshelf. The TV took up the entire width of one wall, their Christmas present last year from Andrei.
“Which is my bunk?” Daniel asked.
“I have the bottom, but if you want the bottom, it’s yours,” Adam said.
“I’m cool with the top. I used to sleep on the top at home and my older brother took the bottom. It’ll be just like back home.”
They returned to the living room where they all fit comfortably on the sofa to wait for the movers.
“You boys did a great job decorating with the Christmas lights outside, and I love all the lights in here too,” Andrei said.
“We’re going to get the tree today and decorate tomorrow with Daniel,” Kenny said.
A distinct buzzing echoed through the room. Adam got up, moved to the intercom, pressed a button, and spoke into the device. “Who’s there?” he asked.
A muffled voice answered from the other end. “Movers. We have boxes for Daniel Sparks.”
Adam smiled and pressed another button. “OK, come on up. We’re on the third floor.” He released the button and turned to Daniel. “Looks like we have stuff to unpack,” he said with a grin.
Daniel nodded and thanked him. The elevator door opened and closed outside the apartment and the sound of footsteps and voices approached the door. Andrei got up and opened it to two movers carrying large cardboard boxes with Daniel’s full name on them.
“They go into the bedroom,” Andrei said.
Adam led the movers to the bedroom then Adam and Kenny stayed to help Daniel put his things away. Kenny was a medium-sized guy with cropped black hair, brown eyes, and deep brown skin, but he sounded Puerto Rican.
“Are you from New York?” Daniel couldn’t tell by his accent.
“No. I’m from Indiana. Ran away to dance,” Kenny said.
“That’s his fake Spanish accent,” Adam threw in.
“I’m a fan of salsa and tango,” Kenny said.
“I’m from New Jersey. I love all kinds of dance.”
Archie, Bengy, and Jacob had to leave to find a tree. After the movers delivered three separate loads of boxes, Andrei handed them an envelope with a large tip for them to share. He waited in the living room for Daniel to finish unpacking. His phone rang. It was Chadek.
“What’s happening?” Andrei asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me the family put a hit on me?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were gay?” Andrei moved the conversation into the bathroom.
“I was ashamed.”
“To tell me? You work at a gay club. It makes no sense. Where are you?”
“In hiding. Out of New York. Can’t you make them pull the hit?”
“I tried. The old man wanted me and Garsha to do it. I refused, so maybe he put one on me too.”
“Thanks for warning me. You won’t see me again, I’m leaving the country. I called to tell you I love you.” Chadek ended the call before Andrei could respond.
He checked on Daniel in his room. “Hey, are you done?”
“Yes, but I’ll have to iron as I go.”
“Are you ready to go for a drive?”
“Now?”
“Yes, I want to show you a few things. Thanks, Adam and Kenny, for helping.”
“No problem. I’ll catch him up on the Christmas dance during the week for Friday,” Adam replied.
“That’s great.”
Daniel thanked Adam and Kenny then followed Andrei out. They stopped in the underground parking area where Daniel’s motorcycle was locked.
“Looks safe enough,” Daniel said.
“It is. How do you feel?”
“Okay. I’m so excited but I’m also tired.”
“I want to show you where I live so you can visit me.”
“Really? I’m going to get to see where you live?” Daniel perked up in the car.
“I’ll probably invite you to sleep over when you’re all settled in.”
“I’d like that.”
It was a short ride to his place. He had valet service, and they took the elevator up to the penthouse. He used a card to open his door, then Daniel followed Andrei inside.
Chapter 13 Daniel
Daniel squinted his eyes against the golden sunlight streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a panoramic view of the city. Andrei had decorated with a perfect blend of contemporary and classic design, exquisite artwork contrasting with the monochromatic white and light gray tones of the room and sleek furniture.
“Wow, this is a dream penthouse. It’s beautiful. You can see the whole city.”
“When I want to shut the world out, I pull the drapes. I’m glad you like it.”
Daniel walked slowly, his footsteps barely making a sound on the polished marble floor. The shiny, black lacquer art deco desk, standing against the window, reflecting the brilliance of the city outside fascinated Daniel. He ran his fingers gently across the smooth surface, appreciating the elegance it exuded.
“I met a man in Argentina who sought my advice on opening a casino hotel like mine in Atlantic City and Long Island. I spent two weeks with him. He paid me well for my service and found me a great deal on this collector’s desk,” Andrei said.
“I didn’t know you owned casino hotels.”
“I hire people to run them, but I do visit them to make sure everything is running the way I want.”
“Do you ever sit at this desk and work?” Daniel asked.
“I do. I’m a busy man most of the time. So, I bring work home.”
“Did your family give you any money to help you start out?”
“They did. Lots of money and I donated every single penny of it to charities.”
“But in the beginning, did you use it then or give it to charities?”
“Good question. Let’s sit down and I’ll explain it to you.”
In the corner, Daniel spotted a well-stocked bar, complete with rare bottles of aged vodka, other hard liquor, and fine wines. He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement, imagining the lively parties Andrei must have held here. Did he invite all the dancers or just his rich friends?
“Would you like a drink?” Andrei asked.
“Sure.”
“I’ve only seen you drink wine. What else do you drink?”
“I like piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris, margaritas, wines, and beers. I like my mixed drinks frozen.”
“You like the fun drinks. I can make you any of those you’d like. I’m a great bartender.”
“Then I’ll have a piña colada.” Daniel wondered how Andrei could know how to do everything.
Daniel watched Andrei’s every move behind the bar with curiosity as he made them both a piña colada. Andrei washed his hands thoroughly in a small sink before starting. He pulled out ice cubes, fresh strawberries, and a ripe pineapple from the fridge. He reached for a bottle of rum on the shelf and from under the bar, he pulled out a can of coconut cream. Shortly after, he chopped the fruits and tossed them into the blender one by one, along with the coconut cream and rum. The blender whirred as it mixed the ingredients into a smooth and frothy drink. Andrei poured the drink into two tall glasses, leaving space at the top. He smiled as Andrei added the finishing touch of a colorful umbrella and fruit slices.
“Here you go.” Andrei handed Daniel his drink then sat beside him on the couch with his own.
“Thank you. Is there anything you can’t do?”
“I can’t dance like you. I wish I had your life.”
“This drink is delicious.” Daniel drank his drink, enjoying every bit of it.
Andrei sipped his. “I love these.”
“You seem to be doing a hell of a lot better than I am.”
“You’re happy because you won. No matter what you had to go through, you fought and won. No one can keep you down. The only reason I’m doing better financially than you now is because my parents gave me an opportunity to be educated in the best schools, took me all over the world, and made sure I was bilingual. And the answer to your question, I used their money to get started then when I had enough, I donated the entire amount they gave me. So, I’m not pure. You need money to make money but that was years ago.”
“I’m bilingual too. My mother and my uncle Johan came from Germany, and they taught me how to speak German. When my mother didn’t want my father to know what she was saying to me, she spoke German. It pissed him off.”
“I didn’t know that. So, you know what it’s like living in a bilingual home. Both my parents speak Russian. They emigrated here when I was ten. Chadek and my younger sister were born here.”
“I didn’t know you had a sister. Do you talk to her?”
“Kira works for me. She was the one who walked you to my office for your interview.”
“She’s very pretty.”
“Yes, she is, she looks like my mother. I take care of her since my father wants nothing to do with her. She was too Americanized, so he banished her from the family, but my mother is truly an independent woman who speaks to and visits her.”
“Americanized?”
“She’s on the wild side. I can’t even tell you all the shit she’s gotten into, but she’s okay now. She has a boyfriend and works, so I’m good with that.”
“I’m feeling a lot better today. I can work on Wednesday. I’ll go in with the dancers.”
“Good but I need you to set up the online auction first. I think you can begin dancing on Friday if you learn the routines and if you don’t, I might put you by yourself and have you entertain the crowd.”
“Whatever you want, I’ll do it.”
“I have something very serious to discuss with you.”
“Is it something bad?”
“It’s about your dancing and your motorcycle. I’m extremely concerned about you riding that thing around the city. I see it as a threat to your dancing and your life. I know you’ve been riding for a long time, but there are crazy drivers in the city. It’s not like the country roads.”
“I’ve heard that before. I love my motorcycle and I don’t want to sell it. I rode it all over while I was at NYU.”
“Is there any way you’d consider selling it and buying a car?”
“Usually in the winter I consider it but by spring, I don’t want to. It’s not practical in the winter.”
“There’s that too, but I’m worried on a personal level something will happen to you.”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll consider it, but don’t worry too much because I don’t have any time to ride it, and since I now live in the city, public transportation works for me.”
“If you need to go to Jersey, I can take you there. Or I can send a car to take you there. I’d feel better.”
“You’re very generous. Thanks for helping me.”
After they finished their drinks, Andrei stood to stretch. “Want to see my bedroom?”
“Yes. Lead the way.” Daniel was more than excited to see what that room looked like.
In the bedroom, Daniel was captivated by the luxurious king-sized bed adorned with soft, satin sheets. The room was bathed in warm, cheerful light, inviting him to sink into its comfort and forget the world outside. He especially loved the earthy tones, deeper than those in the living room. He wondered if Andrei ever closed the drapes at night.
“I’ve never seen a bedroom like this. Wow!”
“You will someday. If you want to try out the bed, remove your shoes.” Andrei winked.
Daniel removed his shoes as fast as he could. He wanted to go under the covers. Andrei stood, watching him with a smile on his face. Daniel wasn’t up for rough sex, but he wanted to feel Andrei’s cock inside him.
Just as Daniel slipped between the silk sheets and made himself comfortable in hopes of Andrei joining him, Andrei’s phone rang.
He answered the phone, and his beautiful smile turned to a frown. He raised one finger to Daniel and left the room. The scene Daniel had in his mind evaporated in one big bang. Andrei probably had business to take care of which meant Daniel had to be on the back burner.
Within minutes, he returned, his face completely white.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel sat up in the bed.
“My Seaside Bliss was set on fire. My cook, Ania, stays there since she can’t afford to pay rent. I made a room for her and now she’s in the hospital in a serious condition. She’s only twenty years old.”
“I’m sorry. Is there something I can do to help?”
“Just stay with me while I make a few calls. I need to drive there and meet with the insurance company. The dancers need me to find them jobs. I know who it did, but I can’t prove it.”
“Who?”
“I can’t tell you. Will you wait while I make the phone calls?”
“Of course, I’ll go to Long Island with you too.”
His phone rang again, and he answered it.
“I know. I just found out. I’ll be coming down there and we’ll all meet. I’ll get your guys jobs at my casino hotels. I just need to deal with all of this. Poor Ania was inside. I’ll call you when I get there.” Andrei’s voice cracked.
“Thanks for telling me. I feel a little better then. She’ll be okay. The club can and will be rebuilt. I’ll get the dancers back in there.” He ended the call.
Daniel got up and hugged Andrei. “Do you want me to get you a drink?”
“Yes, vodka on ice. I’m glad you’re here with me. I’m calling my limo. There’s no way I’m driving.”
Daniel rushed out of the bedroom and almost fell on the slippery polished floor. He went behind the bar, found a glass and made Andrei his drink. He looked up and Andrei was in the living room on the phone talking to Viktor, his limo driver and telling him what had happened.
Daniel made his way over and handed him the drink. He patted the couch beside him for Daniel to sit.
“The limo is coming in an hour. Are you up to traveling with me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’ll have the driver stop by your apartment so you can pack a few things. We’ll stay until Sunday afternoon. I appreciate you offering to be with me.”
“I want to be with you, especially now. I feel really bad all this shit went down. Let’s pack some of your things.”
Daniel followed him back to the bedroom and helped him organize what to take. Andrei’s mind was a million miles away. He was hurting so badly.
Once the limo showed up, they stopped off to get some of Daniel’s things. He told the other dancers what had happened, and they were all extremely upset.
Chapter 14 Daddy Baranov
It was going to be another long ride to Long Island, but this time Andrei could relax. He didn’t know how much to tell Daniel and it would be best if he weren’t part of the Baranov family disasters. This was nothing more than a warning from his father to fall into line with the family and murder Chadek. Daniel was far more of an asset than he could ever know, as he sat beside him not speaking, just letting him think. He could have stayed with the dancers or watched them at the club, but he chose to be with him when he was at his worst. His free time.
