Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Well.” He cleared his throat. “Kind of?”
Sawyer groaned. “Come on, man. She couldn’t have been that good in bed.”
Boone punched his arm. “It’s not that. But I feel like if I loved her enough to ask her to marry me, we deserve at least a conversation. I told her I’d think about it since we’re leaving on a road trip Sunday, which gives me a little time to figure out what I want to say.”
I shook my head. “You are stupid.”
Boone chuckled. “I’m trying to make sure I’m over her. I think I am. In fact, I’m almost positive, but again—I asked her to spend her life with me. That has to mean something. If I don’t at least listen to what she has to say, what does that say about the man I am? It’s not like she cheated or stole from me. She said some unkind things, but those are just words. I’m man enough to understand when someone speaks without thinking.” He held up a hand as all three of us started to talk at once. “I’m serious, guys. I’ve got this. I have no plans to get back with her. I just think we need to clear the air.”
“I’m going to kick your ass if you sleep with her,” Lucy muttered. “Not even kidding.”
“On that note, I think I need to get home,” Boone said, getting up. “We have a morning skate and a game tomorrow night. You guys should come.” He looked at Sawyer. “Yeah, I’m talking to you, dickhead.”
Sawyer scowled. “Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
“I want to go,” Lucy said. “I haven’t been to a game since I got here.”
“I will arrange for you to sit in the owners’ box,” I said automatically. “You cannot wander the arena alone. Not with those men after you.”
She nodded slowly. “Okay.”
“Now get your things. You’re coming to my place until Sunday.” I hated going all bossy caveman on her, but her safety was nonnegotiable. If she wanted to argue, I was ready.
Sawyer looked ready to protest but Lucy gave him a pointed look. “You mind your business.” She turned back to me. “And I would appreciate if you asked me to come over, instead of ordering me around.”
I reached for her, pulling her against me. “I am worried about you, Lucy. Will you please stay with me for a couple of days so I know you’re safe?”
She smiled, shaking her head. “Much better. And yes, I will. Thank you.”
It only took her a few minutes to pack a small overnight bag, grab a few of those brownies she loved, and then we were on our way. Sawyer hadn’t said much, Boone left before we did, and the ride to my condo was quiet.
“You are okay?” I asked softly.
“I’m frustrated,” she admitted. “I hate that my situation is blowing back on people I care about. Sawyer. The Morellis. You and Boone.”
“It is not a problem for me,” I said, taking her hand. “I want you with me, Lucy. Even if this wasn’t going on, I liked having you spend the night last time. I would like you to spend many more nights with me.”
“Kon, you know I’m leaving, right? Probably not until after the holidays, but then…” Her voice trailed off and she looked away.
“And what if I handle this situation with Nate?”
“I don’t want you getting hurt.”
I snorted. “Sweetheart, you have no idea who I used to be. I promise you—it would be very difficult for him to hurt me.”
“Now that’s the most mysterious thing you’ve ever said,” she responded, curiosity in her voice. “Who did you used to be?”
“It is a very long story for another time.” I’d just pulled into my parking space and was grabbing her overnight bag out of the back seat. “But do not worry about my safety. I can take care of myself.”
She made a face but didn’t press it since a couple of my neighbors were waiting at the elevators, evidently feeling chatty. We made small talk on the way up to my floor and then I let her walk inside the condo ahead of me after I unlocked my front door.
“I’ve done nothing but eat the last week,” she said, kicking off her boots. “I think I need a workout.”
I slapped her ass. “I can think of many ways to work you out. Sex burns calories, you know.”
“Oh, really?” She turned, laughing as I flipped on the lights.
“Konstantin.” A soft voice spoke from the living room and I immediately yanked Lucy behind me.
Then I recognized the voice.
What in the ever-loving fuck was Svetlana doing here?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lucy
Svetlana’s eyes widened as she took me in. Then they narrowed.
“How did you get in here?” Kon demanded. “You gave the key back when we broke up.”
She shrugged and said something to him in Russian. He rolled his eyes and blew out a breath.