Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 177397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 887(@200wpm)___ 710(@250wpm)___ 591(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 177397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 887(@200wpm)___ 710(@250wpm)___ 591(@300wpm)
He’s preaching to the wrong person. I missed three calls and six text messages from Nikita yesterday while waiting for Aleena, which added a ton of worry she doesn’t need to her shoulders.
I wait until Mikhail is halfway across the foyer before heading in the opposite direction. I know Nikita’s number by heart, but since it is my most frequently called number, I hit her name at the top of my call list and then raise my phone in front of my face.
Nikita answers two seconds later. “You were half an hour from being featured on the side of a milk carton.”
I sigh, loving how much she loves me, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t stir her. “Was it a paid gig? If so, I’ll call you back in an hour.”
Her laugh is lyrical gold—as is the question she asks next. “Is it pathetic to admit I already miss you like crazy?”
“Not at all. I’m extremely missable.”
The torn sheets she can’t afford to replace crinkle around her body when she rolls to project her voice away from the living room she shares with her grandparents. Their apartment is a one-bedroom dump, yet it is still ten times better than the place I call home.
“Gigi was extra talkative last night since she didn’t get to unload all her shenanigans on you.”
We giggle in sync when Gigi’s snarky tone rumbles through our phones. “I heard that.”
I lower my voice like my next lot of words are full of deceit. “I told you she isn’t deaf. She just pretends she is so we’ll talk freely around her.”
Nikita nods before she slips her hand under her cheek. She looks exhausted. That’s expected for any third-year surgical registrar. Her tiredness exceeds her counterparts since she works the equivalent of a full-time job on the side to stay one step behind her grandfather’s medical bills.
Yes, behind.
His medication costs more than her supervisor earns, but he will never be without it.
We will both make sure of that.
I just need to find a job so I can contribute.
Since that hasn’t been an easy task to cross off as I would have liked, I offer moral support instead. “How is Grampies today?”
Her love for the grandfather she was forced to share with me when we became friends shines brightly in her eyes when she smiles. “He’s having a good day. He misses you too.”
I sigh like a sentimental schmuck. “I’ll be home soon. I just figured while I’m here, why not give it one last shot?”
She knows who I’m talking about without me needing to spell it out. “You don’t have to convince me. Take all the time you need.” A spark of fear darts through her eyes. “Just be safe.”
“I always am.”
She spots my deceit from a mile out. Mercifully, I’m saved from explaining myself by Mikhail returning to my side.
“I need to go. Mikhail is here.” When I twist the phone screen to face Mikhail, he poses for the numerous screenshots Nikita takes. She isn’t storing them for future self-pleasing expeditions. She’s compiling evidence in case I go missing for real.
Further proof that her and Mikhail are too alike to ever be an item.
“I’ll call you when I leave.”
Nikita nods before telling me she loves me.
I return her declaration of love with the addition of an air kiss before disconnecting our chat.
“Brother from another mother?” Mikhail asks when he spots the adoration adorning my face.
Nikita is one of the strongest women I know. She just has no clue of her worth. I’m hoping to change that. I am just a little lost on how to go about it.
His face screws up when I reply, “Do I look like I have dangly bits between my legs?”
“I can’t tell from this angle.” His smirk gains him the worship of dozens of thirsty eyes. Not all of them are feminine. “Maybe you should let me check?”
I punch him in the stomach, winding him.
I wait for him to catch his breath before nudging my head to the bar brimming with hotel patrons despite the early hour. “Is everything okay with Lynx?”
My screwed-up expression jumps onto his face. “Two bar staff called in sick, and he’s having trouble finding replacements.”
When he leaves it there, I say, “So you’re going to ditch our brunch and help out your work friend, right?”
“Fuck no,” he instantly replies. “What kind of host would I be if I only fed you a glass of orange juice and half a shot glass of cum for breakfast?”
My elbow gets friendly with his ribs when his mouth falls open from my lack of objection. I ate more than cum, but it was the most delicious item on the menu, so I keep my mouth shut.
“Now his hesitation to leave this morning makes sense.”
“You spoke with Andrik this morning?” I almost said, He was hesitant to leave? But I went for the line that wouldn’t make me seem pathetic.