Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
A smile curves my lips. “I got to hold you in my arms, so I slept like the dead.” Worry darkens her eyes, and it has me asking, “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
She glances in the direction of the living room, her teeth tugging at her bottom lip before she answers, “I can’t be in a relationship.”
“I know.” Her gaze darts back to my face as I explain, “I just want to be your friend, Abigail. I’m not sure what happened to you, but I’m hoping you’ll let me be there for you.”
“Just friends?” she asks, even though I can see she doesn’t like the sound of that.
“Until you decide otherwise,” I assure her before admitting the truth, “I’ll take you any way I can have you.”
Her eyebrows draw together, and she looks so fucking sad all I want to do is sweep her into my arms and never let go.
I fist my hands by my sides to keep from grabbing her to me.
“It’s unfair to you, Nikolai.” Her voice is hoarse, taking a swing at my heart.
Slowly I move closer to her until I’m able to place my hand against her cheek. “Being forced to the sidelines while I have to watch you struggle alone through this trauma is unfair. I know this isn’t about me, but I’m begging you to let me in. Let me comfort you and give you the strength to get through this.”
She lowers her head, so I can’t see her eyes before she shakes her head.
I press a kiss to her forehead, then say, “I’m not going anywhere, Abigail. I won’t ask questions and will just support you. Okay?”
Still not looking at me, she nods.
I kiss her forehead again before stepping away from her. “Go out into the garden and paint, moya lyubov'.”
She nods again, and as I walk toward the living room, I hear her ask, “What do the words mean?”
I stop by the door, and opening it, I glance back to the bedroom where she’s standing. Our eyes lock as I admit, “My love.”
Again sadness washes over her features, and I hate leaving her but force myself to step into the hallway, shutting the door behind me.
Small victories win the battle, Nikolai.
Letting out a sigh, I head to my own suite so I can shower and get to work. I’ve stationed an extra guard in the security room to keep watch over Abigail. He’s to notify me if she doesn’t order food or go to the dining hall and if he sees anything out of the ordinary.
When I’m freshly showered and ready for the day, I stop by the security room to notify Karlin that Abigail will be painting in the garden today.
I’m walking to the studio when Uncle Carson calls out, “Come to my office.”
Popping my head into the studio where the third-year attendees are, I order the cartel members, “Continue sparring for the rest of the lesson.”
When I walk into my uncle’s office, he instantly smiles at me. “I have good news.”
I take a seat opposite his deck, raising an eyebrow, “Yeah?”
“I found a replacement for the combat instructor position.”
I’ve waited to hear the words from him, but now I worry about leaving Abigail here. “Who.”
“Hey, brother,” I hear the familiar voice behind me, and surprised, I glance over my shoulder at my sister.
“Hey.” I rise from the chair and give her a hug. “What are you doing here?”
Inna lets out a chuckle. “I’m the replacement.”
My eyebrows raise. “You are?” Keeping a hand on her shoulder, I ask, “Why didn’t you tell me you were considering the position?”
Inna shrugs. “Sergei and I wanted to be sure it’s the right thing for the children.”
Wow. It’s seldom I’m caught by surprise.
“And before you ask,” Uncle Carson chuckles. “I did not strong-arm her into the decision.”
Moving my hand to my sister’s back, I nudge her toward a chair. Once we’re both seated, I stare at her and ask, “Are you sure? The attendees are nothing but an aggravation.”
A burst of laughter escapes her. “I’m the one who was blessed with patience. Unlike you.”
Right. Inna is the complete opposite of me.
She gives me a reassuring smile. “The kids will love it here, and they’ll get the training they need to take over the business once we retire.”
True.
I nod. “As long as you’re happy, I’ll support your decision.”
“I’ll still help with the family business,” she says.
Taking a deep breath, I smile at my sister and uncle before asking, “When is Inna starting?”
“In two weeks,” she answers. “Then you’re free to go home.”
I have two weeks left with Abigail. Fuck.
Nodding, I ask, “Are the children here?”
Inna shakes her head. “They’re at home with Sergei.” She stands up, and I quickly rise to my feet. My sister presses a kiss to my cheek. “My flight is waiting.”