Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Alek’s hands are trembling as he lifts them to my face. He brushes my hair back with his palms, his eyes flitting over me with desperation.
“I love you, Everleigh. Don’t tell me I can only see our son occasionally and that I have to keep my distance from you. There’s a lot I can endure and survive, but living without you isn’t an option.”
“You’re making this so hard for me,” I whimper.
Like we used to do in the dark room, he presses his forehead against mine. “I’ll give you time. I’ll try to be patient, but will you at least try to fight for us?”
I can tell any other man to go to hell, and I’ve always used my love for Alek as an excuse. But, standing in front of the man I love, it’s hard pushing him away.
“I can’t fight for us while you’re in the bratva.”
Anger flashes in his eyes again. “The only way out of the bratva is death. Losing you is death.”
“You’re not losing me. We just won’t be romantically involved.”
“That’s the same fucking thing, Everleigh,” he snaps.
I suck in a deep breath. “Let’s take a break from this conversation. I have to get dinner ready.” I give Alek a nudge. “Spend some time with Vincent.”
Reluctantly he nods, and I follow him to the living room where Alexei has made himself at home on the couch watching Shrek with my son.
God.
Chapter 31
Alek
The situation with Everleigh is driving me insane all over again.
Alexei gave me a talking-to on the way here and told me to ease up on Everleigh so I don’t scare her away, but that’s fucking hard to do.
My heart aches because it feels like she’s forgotten the bond we had in the dark room.
How do you forget something so strong? How do you just move on?
Has she even thought about me for the past four years?
Where the memory of her kept me up at night and drove me over the edge, she just went on with her life.
Walking into the living room, Alexei’s watching TV with Vincent.
There’s a sight I never thought I’d see.
Everleigh pauses the movie, and taking a seat, she lifts Vincent onto her lap.
“I was watching Donkey,” the little guy complains.
“You can continue watching in a minute,” Everleigh says, her voice filled with love. “Mommy has something to tell you.”
His big eyes lock on her face. “What?”
She gestures for me to come closer, and I crouch by her legs.
Jesus, she’s alive.
“This is Alek,” she tells him, her voice sounding emotional. “He’s your daddy.”
Confusion washes over his face. “But you said Daddy was with the angels.”
No, son. I was with the demons.
Reaching for him, I take his little hand in mine. “They sent me back so I could be with you.”
“Really?” His precious face crumbles, and fat tears roll over his cheeks. “You’re really my daddy?”
Alexei clears his throat, looking a little too emotional for a retired bratva boss.
Everleigh presses a kiss to Vincent’s temple before she hands him to me.
“Yes, little man,” My eyes devour his adorable face. “I’m your daddy, and I’m never leaving again.”
He leans against my chest, giving me the impression he already trusts me.
Climbing to my feet, I hug his body to me. “I’m here to stay with you forever.”
A smile breaks through his tears. “Do you like cars?”
“Yes,” I chuckle.
“And ice cream?”
“Yes.”
“And playing on the jungle gym?”
Another chuckle rumbles from me. “Yes.”
“Jonas says his daddy is teaching him how to play football. Will you teach me too? So I can be the best?”
“Definitely,” I promise. I’m going to have to learn everything about football.
His eyes wander over my shoulders and arms, then he asks, “Will I get strong like you when I’m big?”
“Yes.”
He lifts his hand to my hair, then glances at Everleigh. “I want long hair like Daddy.”
She wipes tears from her cheeks. “Okay, baby.”
“Vincent,” Alexei says to get my boy’s attention. “Ask your mommy to make me coffee, please. She seems to listen to you.”
I let out a burst of laughter while Everleigh’s cheeks turn pink.
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to having guests over,” she apologizes.
Her eyes linger on Vincent, and it has me saying, “He’s safe with me, moya malen'kaya lyubov'.”
She nods before she heads to the kitchen, then we hear her call, “How many sugars?”
“Three for me and none for Alexei,” I answer before I take a seat on the couch and adjust Vincent on my lap.
“Did Mommy tell you where you got your names from?” I ask.
“She said it’s from my uncle and Daddy.”
I nod, my heart clenching at the thought of my brother. “Yes. Your uncle was a brave man, and the angels decided to keep him.”
“It’s okay,” my boy says, “They sent you back. Mommy says we shouldn’t be greedy.”
“She’s right,” I agree.
Everleigh did an amazing job raising our son on her own.