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)
Alexei nods, then asks, “Can you shoot?”
I let out a chuckle. “Not as good as you, but I don’t miss a target.”
He nods again, then mutters, “Good.” He gestures at a chair. “Sit, son. Let’s eat.”
Viktor and I take seats at the table, and even though I’m not hungry, I eat a little of everything so I don’t offend Isabella and Ariana.
Once we’re done, Viktor immediately rises to his feet. “Come, Alek.”
I shoot up, and with a nod at the former bratva boss, his custodian, and their wives, I follow Viktor out of the mansion.
We walk to the cottage that’s nearest to the main gates, and Viktor takes a key from his pocket, unlocking the front door.
When we step inside, I notice the place is already furnished.
“You can change anything you want,” Viktor informs me. “This will be your home.”
Home.
Since I lost Everleigh, nothing has felt like home.
“If you bring a woman here, make sure she’s vetted,” he warns me.
“That’s something you don’t have to worry about,” I say.
Even though I’ve commented about getting laid, it was just to keep people off my back.
I haven’t, and I won’t touch a woman. My heart, body, and what’s left of my soul will always belong to Everleigh.
Viktor glances at me before nodding. “Obviously, you can come and go as you wish. Just be here when I need you.”
“Do you have a schedule I can keep track of?” I ask.
Viktor nods, and pulling his phone from his pocket, he sends me an email. “Unless something unexpected pops up, everything is on that schedule.”
I check the schedule and notice there’s nothing planned for the next three days. I also see contact details for doctors and anyone who’s in the service of the Vetrov family.
“Take a couple of days to get settled. I’d suggest you drive around to get accustomed to the neighborhood and surrounding areas.”
Viktor takes a credit card from his wallet and hands it to me. “This is for business expenses. Your salary will be transferred to your personal account. You won’t be wearing a combat uniform while on duty. Get suits on the business account. You’ll find my personal tailor’s contact details in the email I sent you.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll leave you to it so you can get settled,” he says as he hands me the key to the cottage. Our eyes meet, and I see sincerity as he adds, “It’s good to have you here, Alek.”
“Thank you.” I watch as he leaves the cottage before I turn around, my eyes drifting over the space that will be my home until the day I die.
Misha married an Italian princess. Armani married Tiana.
They’ve both moved on with their lives, and we’re stationed far from each other. Misha and Armani will probably see each other often because of Tiana.
I’m on my own now.
Taking a deep breath, I walk out of the cottage to grab my luggage from the G-Wagon.
Chapter 23
Everleigh
Climbing out of the car, I take Vincent’s hand and walk toward the park where moms come so their kids can play.
I make a point of coming here once a week so Vincent can interact with other children. Just because I have social anxiety doesn’t mean he has to suffer.
“Jonas,” Vincent calls out, already tugging at my hand so I’ll free him.
“Fine,” I chuckle. “Go play with your friend.”
I watch as he makes a beeline for Jonas, and they head to the jungle gym.
Finding a seat in the morning sun, I pull a book from my handbag. For a while, I watch Vincent have fun before I open the book to continue reading.
I like fantasy and sci-fi books because they’re pure fiction and transport me to a different world.
Every now and then, I check on Vincent. The sound of laughter and the conversations from other mothers fill the air.
“Everleigh?”
My head snaps up, and seeing the customer from the store who I didn’t call, my stomach sinks.
She smiles brightly as she pushes the stroller closer. “It’s me, Rosalie. You didn’t call.”
Crap.
I shut the book and give her a sheepish expression. “Shoot, I lost the sticky note.”
As she sits, I notice men in suits fanning out around us.
Jesus!
My heart sets off at a crazy pace, and grabbing my bag, I dart to my feet. Intense fear overwhelms me, and I struggle to think straight.
Rosalie’s face fills with worry. “What’s wrong?”
Not thinking, the truth spills from my lips, “There are men watching us. I have to get Vincent!”
She stands up again and takes hold of my arm. “Hey, it’s okay. They’re my guards.”
My anxiety spikes dangerously high, and my breaths come way too fast.
Svetlana. Guards. The ambush. The torture.
With a concerned look, Rosalie wraps her arm around my shoulders and ducks her head close to mine. “Shhh…it’s okay. You’re safe.” She leans even closer to me. “Try to take deeper breaths. You’re safe here.”