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)
This is what I wanted. To be swept off my feet.
It’s safe to say I’m on cloud nine and enjoying every second of it.
As promised, Alek had a dress delivered to my house.
It’s a vision of green silk that fits me like a glove. I curled my hair for the date and took extra time to do my makeup.
When Alek opens the car door for me and helps me to climb out, I feel beautiful.
He’s also dressed in a black suit, matching Vincent’s tuxedo, and as we walk into the lavish restaurant, I’m struck with awe.
The ceilings are painted midnight blue with stars that twinkle in the electric light.
I’ve never heard of Galileo, and if it weren’t for Alek bringing us here, I’d probably never eat at a place like this.
We’re shown to our seats, and once we're sitting at our table, I keep glancing at all the extravagance.
“How did you find this restaurant?” I ask.
“Alexei recommended it.” Alek reaches for my hand. “I wanted our first date to be special.”
I give him a shy smile. “Thank you.”
His eyes drift over me, and with absolute reverence, he murmurs, “You’re a work of art, Everleigh.”
I bask in the attention he’s giving me until a waitress brings menus to our table.
“My name is Celia, and I’ll be your server for the evening. Would you like anything to drink while you decide what to eat?” she asks.
The woman is trying to keep things professional, but her eyes wander to Alek every few seconds.
I don’t blame you, Celia. You can look but don’t dare touch him.
My thoughts startle me, and I pick up the menu, trying to focus on the selection of foods.
Geez, jealous much, Everleigh?
Alek orders a soda for Vincent and a bottle of wine for us. When Celia walks away, he gives me a knowing smirk.
“No, don’t tell me it was written all over my face?” I gasp.
His eyes have a playful expression as he teases me, “Babe, it looked like you were a second away from launching yourself over the table at the woman.”
I let out a groan. “I’d never do that.”
Alek leans closer until I feel his breath skimming over my ear. “I like that you’re possessive of me. The feeling is mutual.”
Trying to play my jealousy issues off as nothing, I say, “I was just caught off guard. I don’t have a problem with other women looking at you.”
The man gives me a devilish grin. “You’ve always been a bad liar.”
“Can I have fish fingers?” Vincent asks, saving me from the conversation.
“I’m not sure they serve it here.” I glance over the menu, then ask, “How about chicken wings, baby?”
“Okaaay,” he agrees reluctantly.
“What are you in the mood for?” Alek asks.
You.
My cheeks flush, and I study the menu as if I’ll write an exam about the contents later. “Ahh…everything looks good.”
Not wanting anything stuck in my teeth, I decide on gourmet soup. Alek chooses smoked trout, and when Celia comes to the table to pour the wine, he gives her our order.
Lifting our glasses, we wait for Vincent to take hold of his soda before we clink our glasses together.
“Here’s to our happily ever after,” Alek says.
My heart is full as I take a piece of paper and crayons out of my handbag so Vincent can draw.
I take a sip of my wine then look at Alek.
“I have to ask,” I say, and when he nods, I continue, “What’s with the suits?”
“Did you expect me to wear a combat uniform?” he teases. He lets out a chuckle, “That would make things a little too obvious. Plus, Viktor wants us to present a professional front.”
Professional, my butt. Alek looks like a wet dream in a suit. If anything, it only draws more attention to him.
We stare at each other for a moment, then he says, “I’ve ordered tracking devices from St. Monarch’s. As soon as they arrive, I need you and Vincent to always wear them.”
“What do they look like?”
“Yours is a ring, and Vincent’s is a wristwatch. As he gets older, I’ll get him something else.” Alek takes a little fob out of his pocket. “Also, carry this on you at all times. You can attach it to your keychain.”
Taking the fob, I turn it over in my fingers. “What’s it for?”
“It’s a panic button. If you need help, just press it.”
“Great.” Teasing him, I say, “Next time the drain gets blocked, I’ll be sure to press it.”
He lets out a chuckle. “That smart mouth will get you kissed.”
My eyes flick to his, and I’m hit with a wave of desire.
Chapter 41
Alek
I feel the date was a massive success as I carry my sleeping son into the house.
Everleigh helps to change him out of the tuxedo and into his pajamas before I pull the covers over him and press a kiss to his forehead.