Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
The way she’s looking at me, as if I’m her entire world, heals the cracks in my heart.
“Thank you. I needed to hear that.” She relaxes in my arms, resting her head against my shoulder. “You always seem to say exactly what I need to hear.”
I press a kiss to her forehead, then murmur, “Get some rest, moya lyubov'. I’ll watch over you.”
I’ll fight your demons and keep your nightmares at bay.
So help me, God, I’ll find a way to help you heal. You’ll laugh again. You’ll be carefree again.
If it’s the last thing I do.
Chapter 28
Abbie
There’s something freeing about sharing your pain with another person.
Especially if that person is Nikolai Vetrov.
The weight on my shoulders isn’t as heavy anymore. Since I told Nikolai I was raped, he’s only left my side to use the bathroom.
During the last couple of days at St. Monarch’s, I was at every combat class he had to give. I got a peek behind the scenes of St. Monarch’s, watching as he dealt with active and closed contracts. I sat in on meetings between him and Director Koslov. I overheard business and private calls.
Nikolai didn’t lie when he said I’d never leave his side.
As the private jet lands on the Vetrovs’ island, my stomach spins with nerves. The entire criminal world knows not to fuck with a Vetrov. Not if you want to stay alive.
Nikolai’s father, Damien Vetrov, is the best custodian St. Monarch’s has ever produced. I heard he was meant to be Director Koslov’s custodian back when he was still an assassin, but a marriage was arranged between Damien and Winter.
Nikolai’s mother, Winter, was nicknamed the blood princess, and she’s known to be ruthless.
Jesus, I’m going to have a nervous breakdown.
Only Aurora knows I’ll be here for a week. I didn’t dare tell my parents. Not that my mother would care. She’s never sober enough to worry about me.
My father, on the other hand, will probably shit himself. Even though there’s a tentative truce between him and the bratva, I’m sure he would disapprove of my relationship with Nikolai.
Bitterness swirls in my heart because my father hasn’t even taken the time to ask whether I’m okay after the ambush.
As a child, I was shipped off to a boarding school. I hardly saw my parents and never felt loved by them. I’m just a product of a loveless marriage.
But the Vetrovs are different. Nikolai said he had an amazing childhood.
Will they approve of us?
Will they view me as the enemy who seduced their only son?
Will they refuse to acknowledge me as Nikolai’s girlfriend?
What will they think of the age gap?
Shit.
“Hey.” Nikolai grips my hand tightly. “Stop overthinking things. My parents are going to love you.”
“I’m so freaking nervous,” I admit.
Honestly, I’m still getting used to the fact that we’re in a committed relationship. I just hope I didn’t make a mistake by allowing it to progress from friendship to dating.
The plane comes to a standstill, and Nikolai tugs me to my feet. He wraps his strong arms around me and kisses my temple. “I have to warn you, though…”
Oh, Jesus.
When my body tenses, he lets out a chuckle. “My mother is going to lose her shit.”
Fuck my life.
“I’ve changed my mind. I want to go back to St. Monarch’s,” I mutter.
“Too late.” He pulls me toward the open door. “You’re my captive now.”
“Nikolai,” I hiss as I tug against his hold on my hand. “Wait!”
I’m hauled down the steps, then hear a woman excitedly shriek, “My baby!”
I watch as a woman in her early sixties walks toward us. There’s a breathtakingly beautiful smile on her face – the same one I’ve seen from Nikolai.
Winter.
GodGodGod.
“Finally, you’re done with St. Monarch’s and home permanently. My heart can rest.” She presses a kiss to Nikolai’s cheek before turning her full attention to me.
Ugh. I’m going to die.
“So this is the woman?” she says as she comes to stand in front of me.
Winter isn’t much taller than me, but I know she can kill me with a flick of her finger.
Her eyes search mine, and I’m surprised when her expression turns soft. A smile curves her lips. “Welcome home, Abigail.”
Huh?
I expected a ton of rejection, not this…not acceptance when she doesn’t know anything about me.
Remembering my manners, I say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Vetrov. Nikolai has only told me good things about you.”
“Call me Winter.” Lifting a hand, she pats my shoulder. “After all, we’ll be family soon.”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “Ah…we’re only dating.”
She gives me a knowing look. “Once you belong to a Vetrov, a wedding is a mere formality.”
“Mom,” Nikolai mutters, warning lacing his tone.
She waves a hand in the air. “Oh hush, I’m bonding with the love of your life.” She gives him an overly patient look. “Finally. You took forever, by the way.”