Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 96714 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96714 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“That’s wonderful,” Cassie said. “I’ve missed you.”
She pulled me in for another hug.
“So, Ive,” Ivan said. “What did you get your bride, because I happened to hear a rumor that you’re thinking of taking her on a honeymoon?”
I look toward Ive, and I just know in my heart of hearts, that was not the case. Ive looked pissed off, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Isn’t that right, Ive?” Ivan asked.
“As soon as I finish with my business, then yes, that is exactly what we’re going to do,” Ive said.
They were good liars.
Chapter Ten
Ive
I hadn’t known it was my wife’s birthday. I also hadn’t known Ivan was back in my city for a visit.
Rage and Cassie had been close, so I had no choice but to wait for them before heading home. I don’t know what Ivan had said to her, but whatever it was, it had caused her to cry, and I found myself more curious about that.
There was no gift I could give her, and in Ivan suggesting a honeymoon, he’d saved me. There was no time to stop for gifts. Rage and Cassie each had their gifts, and I had nothing to offer.
Ivan and Charlotte had waited for us to have dinner. They ordered takeout from one of our restaurants. Charlotte had been in the mood for a cheeseburger and fries. Sitting around my penthouse dining room table, I had Rage, the president of the Evil Savages MC, Cassie, her sister, Ivan, my boss, my wife, and myself.
I never expected to have them in my home. Ivan went without saying, but Rage and Cassie I didn’t want in my home. Seeing the happiness on Charlotte’s face was the only reason they were allowed to stay.
And I felt a little guilty for not realizing it was her birthday sooner. I didn’t mean to forget it. She looked happy and for now, I was content with that.
“It’s been a long time since I had a cheeseburger,” Ivan said.
This made Charlotte laugh. “Was it good?”
“It’s from our own restaurant. It’s the best.” Ivan winked at Charlotte and she chuckled, shaking her head.
Ivan liked my wife. I don’t think he was attracted to her, but there was something about her that seemed to … call to him. I made a note to ask him what it was.
Don’t get me wrong, she had a way of drawing people to her. She had a pretty smile, and even after everything she had been through.
After the food, there was another knock at the door, and this time, Ivan went to answer.
I sat, wanting to be alone with my wife, to talk to her, but Cassie sat next to Charlotte, talking to her. I hadn’t realized the two sisters were close. No one would have assumed that based on the intel.
Cassie was the MC’s princess. I assumed she would have contributed to making her life miserable, but instead, the two were talking like they were old friends.
Rage had a smile on his lips. He was the doting father figure for Charlotte.
Ivan came around the corner, and began to sing happy birthday to her. Charlotte gasped and Cassie stepped back. We all stood, and joined in the song, as Ivan put the cake in front of Charlotte.
Nineteen candles.
“Don’t forget to make a wish as you blow out the candles,” Ivan said.
Charlotte closed her eyes, and then gently blew out the candles. Smoke came from each one, and she sighed.
Ivan clapped his hands. “I’ll grab a knife.”
Seconds later, we were sitting around the table, enjoying some cake.
I noticed the necklace around Charlotte’s neck and instantly knew it was from Ivan. Glancing at my boss, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was in fact attracted to her.
I made a note to call Slavik and Andrei, to see if he devoted this much time to their new wives.
After the cake, Cassie and Charlotte excused themselves, and I took Rage and Ivan to my office, closing the door.
“I do not believe we should be talking business on your wife’s birthday,” Ivan said.
“Regardless of whether this was Charlotte’s birthday or not, I’ve been trying to contact the both of you, but neither of you have responded.”
This was news to me. Ivan had been the one who wanted to take on the Evil Savages MC.
I looked toward Ivan, who shrugged. “I’m a busy man.”
“Besides, you knew where Ive was the whole time.”
“I was showing respect,” Rage said.
“And I was showing that I was busy. In case you didn’t notice, I have a couple of hurdles to deal with.” Ivan took a seat. “I have a territory currently vacant, and two potential people to take over.”
This made him smile. He’d now mentioned two people, twice to me. There were only two people he’d struggle over, but I wasn’t going to bring them up in front of Rage.