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)
He lets out a chuckle. “It’s not my fault I’m so picky. You gave me the best all my life, so my expectations were high.”
Feeling overwhelmed by the warm reception, I step closer to Nikolai’s side. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, then says, “You can bond tomorrow. Right now, I’m taking Abigail to my house so she can rest.”
“I’m arranging a barbeque for tomorrow afternoon so you can introduce Abigail to everyone.”
“We’ll be there,” Nikolai answers before he steers me in the opposite direction of the main house.
A guard follows behind us with our luggage while Nikolai leads me into the woods. The island is absolutely stunning, the trees decades old with their leaves providing a carpet on the ground.
“It’s beautiful here,” I mention, my eyes darting around to take in all the beauty. I can hear the ocean crashing against the rocky shores.
It’s so peaceful.
“I’m glad you like it.”
We approach a luxurious log cabin, the timber dark against the backdrop of the woods. “Jesus, Nikolai,” I breathe. “Your home is…God, I have no words.”
He lets out a chuckle as he opens the front door, then he gestures for me to enter. I step into his personal space and instantly smell him in the air.
I glance at all the wood furnishings, the lights hanging from the ceiling like falling raindrops, and the comfy-looking living room.
Honestly, I expected steel and chrome, something representing the dangerous side of him.
“Make yourself at home, moya lyubov'.”
The guard places our luggage just inside the door, and with a nod of his head, he leaves us alone.
I walk deeper into the open space, the living room in front of me and the kitchen to my right. Beyond the huge windows, there’s a fire pit, and beyond that, a perfect view of the ocean crashing against rocks.
This is nothing short of heaven.
Turning around to look at Nikolai, I see him with new eyes. To the world, he’s a ruthless diamond smuggler, but to me, he’s love and safety.
A tear rolls down my cheek as I stare at the man who’s given me a safe place to escape to.
This is exactly what I needed. A secluded island where I can lick my wounds. Where I can attempt to patch the pieces of my soul together.
Concern flashes over his face as he moves closer to me. “Is anything wrong?”
Slowly, I shake my head. “No.”
“Why do you look shocked?” He lifts a hand to the side of my neck. “Did something trigger a memory?”
I shake my head again, and lifting myself on my tiptoes, I press a soft kiss to his mouth. “Thank you, Nikolai.” My eyes lock with his. “Thank you for knowing what I need.”
His lips curve into a hot smirk. “Come, I have a surprise for you.”
He takes my hand and leads me past the kitchen. We walk into a den, and my lips part.
There are three easels, each with a different size canvas. Every oil paint and brush imaginable is neatly placed on a workbench. The French doors are open, and a light breeze carries the fresh scent of nature from the woods.
“This is your room.” Nikolai lets go of my hand. “I think my mom got everything you need, but let me know if we missed something.”
Lifting a hand to cover my trembling mouth, I walk closer and brush my other hand over the canvasses and tubes of paints.
Jesus. This is a dream come true.
Chapter 29
Nikolai
Seeing the emotions flitting over Abigail’s face, it feels like I performed a miracle.
Suddenly, she turns around and rushes toward me. Slamming into my chest, her palms grip my jaw before her mouth presses against mine.
It’s the second time she’s kissing me, but this time her tongue swipes over my bottom lip. I open and allow her to brush her tongue over mine.
Christ.
Finally tasting her after all this time, my body shudders.
Her arms wrap around my neck as she deepens the kiss, and it takes every ounce of my strength to give her the complete control I promised her.
Abigail kisses the ever-living fuck out of me, our breaths rushing, our teeth nipping, our tongues massaging and tasting.
I grow hard at the speed of light, fisting my hands at my sides so I don’t grab her to me so she can feel how fucking much I want her.
The kiss slows, and she pulls back, her eyes locking with mine. “Have I told you how much I appreciate you?”
Letting out a chuckle, I mutter, “No.”
A beautiful smile spreads over her face, one I haven’t seen in a long time. “You’re a dream come true, Nikolai.”
My gaze softens on her. “Are you happy, moya lyubov'?”
She doesn’t hesitate to nod. “All because of you.”
I brush my knuckles over her cheek. “I’m going to take a shower and unpack.”
“I should probably freshen up, as well.”