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)
With a weapon in each hand, I’m on guard for stragglers as I make my way to the side entrance.
I make it safely to the G-Wagon and load the weapons into the compartment beneath the backseat before I climb behind the steering wheel.
As I drive away, I let out a breath of relief and check my phone.
There are two messages.
The one from St. Monarch’s verifies the hit and states the funds have been transferred to my account.
Two point five million.
The other text is from Viktor.
I heard the news. So this is what you’re up to when I’m away?
I type out a reply, then chuckle as I press send.
Needing to let off some steam and just taking care of the problem to ensure your safety, boss.
A second later, he responds.
Thank you, Alek. I’ll double the payment as reward that you took the initiative to get the job done.
With a massive grin on my face, I drive back to the estate so I can get two hours’ sleep before the big day with my family.
Dressed in a suit, I drive to the bookstore to pick up Vincent.
My heart is beating overtime at the thought of taking my son to buy his first suit. I just hope his will be more comfortable than mine. It’s taking some time to get used to the formal clothes after wearing combat uniforms for three years.
When I stop the G-Wagon near the store, I check the area, and when I don’t see Peter, I hurry out of the vehicle and run toward the entrance.
I slam the door open, and when I see Peter sitting in the corner with a cup of coffee, I let out a breath of relief.
He jumps to his feet and explains, “Everleigh forced me to come inside, Sir. She wouldn’t hear otherwise.”
I let out a chuckle and gesture for him to relax.
Everleigh comes out of a row of shelves, and when she sees me, a beautiful smile spreads over her face.
She’s wearing a light pink dress, and her hair is in a braid.
Christ, I’ll never get used to how beautiful she is.
“Vincent is excited. He hasn’t stopped asking when you’re coming to pick him up,” she says, but before she can head to the back, I grab hold of her wrist.
When I tug her closer to me, her eyes widen slightly, and her lips part.
“Morning, moya malen'kaya lyubov',” I murmur before I lean down to press a kiss to her cheek.
It’s taking more strength than I have to not kiss the ever-loving shit out of her. Every ounce of my being needs to become one with this woman.
Letting out a deep breath, I pull back to lock eyes with her. There’s a flush of pink on her cheeks, and her pupils are dilated.
I can see she wants me, but still, she’s adamant to keep me at a distance. It’s frustrating as fuck.
“You’re killing me,” I whisper.
She lets out a chuckle. “I’m not doing anything.”
“Yes, you are.” The corner of my mouth lifts. “And you’re enjoying it.”
She gives me a playful look. “No, I’m just making you work for it.”
My smile widens. “I love a challenge, and you’re worth every torturous moment.”
I follow Everleigh to the back, and when Vincent sees me, he lets out a happy shriek. My boy shoots up and runs toward me. Never before has anyone looked so happy to see me.
Lifting him off his feet, I hold him against my chest. “Are you ready to get a suit like Daddy’s?”
Excitedly, he says, “Yes!”
“Give Mommy a kiss goodbye,” I order.
He leans toward Everleigh and presses a wet kiss to her cheek. “Bye, Mommy.”
“Bye, baby. Be good for Daddy.”
Worry fills her eyes as she follows us to the door, and it has me saying, “I’ll message you every ten minutes. We won’t be gone longer than two hours.”
She nods, and putting on a brave face, she forces a smile to her mouth.
Before I can stop myself, I lean down and press a kiss to her lips. It’s quick, but it packs one hell of a punch.
Our eyes lock briefly before I say, “I can’t wait for the third date.”
Her smile turns natural. “Me too.”
With my heart overflowing from happiness, I walk to the G-Wagon with my son for our first outing.
Chapter 40
Everleigh
Watching Alek drive away with our son, I’m filled with anxiety.
You need to give them alone time together.
I chew on my thumbnail as I stand by the door, my eyes following the G-Wagon down the road.
God, it’s going to be a long two hours.
Suddenly the brake lights go on, and a second later, the vehicle makes a U-turn.
Did they forget something?
Alek double parks the G-Wagon, and lowering the window, he calls out, “Lock up and come with us.”
My eyebrows fly up. “Really?”
He lets out a chuckle as he nods. “Yeah. I hate knowing you’ll be worried the entire time we’re gone.”