Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
The cab pulls up to the curb, and I quickly climb into the back seat. After I’ve given my address, I slump back against the seat and take my phone out so I can search for a place to run to.
When I unlock the screen, I see a message from Viktor and quickly open it.
My lips part and a sob forces its way out of me when I look at the photo of Viktor and Luna.
We miss you.
PS. Never wear that dress again.
I cover my mouth with my hand and stare at the photo all the way back to my apartment, wishing I was with them and not here.
Chapter 22
Viktor
Luca and Mariya dragged me to Vancouver for the party Tessa is throwing for Nikolas.
I’m not happy. I’d rather stalk Rosalie via any camera I can get my hands on and spend time with Luna.
But here I am, getting off the private jet with my little sister giving me a look of warning. “If I catch you checking your phone, I will take it.”
“I’d like to see you try,” I mutter, knowing very well Mariya is more than capable of fighting me. She won’t win, but she’ll do enough damage to make me hurt.
When we were younger, I tried to subdue her so I could tickle her. I walked around with a busted lip and aching balls for a week. Needless to say, I never tried to tickle her again.
They all mean well. They’re trying to keep me occupied so that I won’t wallow in my heartache.
It’s also so I won’t kill the first person who pisses me off.
My hand itches to pull my phone out of my pocket so I can check the tracking device I had embedded in the rose pendant of the necklace I gave Rosalie.
When Luca takes hold of Mariya’s hand and she gives him a loving smile, I feel a jab of heartache.
I’d give everything I own to have that kind of relationship with Rosalie – to call her my wife.
My phone beeps, and I quickly yank it out.
“No!” Mariya snaps.
When she tries to reach for the device, I glare at her. “Touch it, and none of us will make it to the party.”
She gives me a disgruntled look. “You’re a sucker for punishment.”
I swipe on the screen, and seeing a text from Rosalie makes a smile spread over my face. I quickly tap on it.
I miss you too.
My fingers rush to type out a message.
Are you working through your emotions?
I watch as it shows she’s typing.
Rosalie: Yes.
Viktor: That’s good. And? Have you made any breakthroughs?
Rosalie: Yes. I just need a little more time.
Viktor: How’s the apartment? What’s the address? Do you need more money?
It doesn’t show that she’s typing as I climb into the back of the SUV.
We’re halfway to Nikolas’ place when a text finally comes through.
Rosalie: I have to go. I’ll be in touch soon.
Tilting my head, I stare at the words. An uneasy feeling settles in my gut because she didn’t give me the address of where she’s staying.
I quickly check her tracking device, and it shows she’s at the Sicilian restaurant again.
Maybe she got work there?
Still, why didn’t she tell me?
There’s a sinking feeling in my heart, thinking she doesn’t want me to know where she’s living because she doesn’t trust me.
That fucking sucks.
If Rosalie can’t trust me, then we’ll never find our way back to each other. Without trust, there’s nothing.
“What’s wrong?” Luca asks.
I shake my head and tuck my phone back into my pocket. Staring out the window, I notice we’re turning into the street where Aphrodite is. Nikolas opened the club as a front to smuggle arms from Gabriel, who’s based in Seattle. It’s made it easier for them to transport the weapons over the border between the two cities.
When the SUV comes to a stop, I throw the door open and climb out. Straightening my jacket, I glance at the long line of people waiting to get into the club.
Three women at the front of the line check me out. Before Rosalie, I would’ve invited them to join me, but those days are long gone. I’m a one-woman-man which means I’m fucked for the rest of my life if Rosalie doesn’t come back to me.
Letting out a sigh, I ignore the bouncer and walk into the club so I can drown my sorrows.
With Luca and Mariya following behind me, I head up to the VIP section. The area has been closed off for Nikolas’ party, and I notice only his family and the other men from the Priesthood have been invited.
I walk to Nikolas and pat him on the back. “I hear you’re an old fucker now? Forty is just around the corner.”
He turns to me while chuckling. “Fuck you for reminding me.”
We give each other a brotherly hug, then he searches my face. “You look like shit.”