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)
“You’re welcome, little one,” Alexei says.
Alek asks Viktor, “Anything I can help with?”
“Sit and take a load off,” his boss orders.
Alexei takes a seat to my right, shifting his chair closer. “I hear you have a bookstore?”
“Yes, I opened it before Vincent was born.”
“I take it you like to read?”
I nod. “I love books.”
“What’s your favorite?”
I frown at the man like he's lost his mind. “It’s impossible to choose a favorite.”
“Okay.” I see a teasing glint in his eyes. “Give me your top five.”
“You’re torturing her, Alexei,” Alek chuckles.
“I know,” Alexei admits. “It’s fun.”
I shake my head at the retired bratva boss. “What’s your favorite book?”
“The Art of War,” he answers without hesitating.
“Why am I not surprised,” I mutter.
“Would you like something to drink?” Viktor asks me.
“Ahh…what do you have?”
“Everything.”
“A glass of wine would be nice. Semi-sweet?”
I watch as he walks to a table with various drinks available, and on the spur of the moment, I get up and join him.
“I’ll just grab a soda for Vincent,” I say. Picking up the bottle, I pour some into a red solo cup. My eyes dart to Viktor, who’s focused on pouring wine into a glass.
“Is there something you want to ask?”
“Ahh…”
His eyes flick to me.
“Can you give it to me straight? How dangerous will it be for Vincent and me if I continue this relationship with Alek?”
Viktor turns his body toward me, a serious expression on his face. “You’ll be safe here, but I can’t guarantee the same should you decide to stay in your house. You’re an easy target on your own.”
“In other words, move in as quickly as possible?”
He nods. “The sooner, the better. For your safety and Alek’s sanity. He’s been through hell the past four years. I’ve never seen him this happy, Everleigh. There’s no reason to fight the inevitable.”
True.
“I just wanted to make sure about the safety issue.”
He gestures at his family. “You’re part of the family. I promise nothing will happen to you.” He pauses momentarily, then adds, “As long as you don’t do something stupid.”
Is that a threat?
“Like?”
“Like run off on your own. Always take your guards with you.”
“I only have Peter,” I mention.
“You’ll have more,” he assures me. “Alek is important to me, and I’d like to keep him sane, so your safety is a priority.”
Oh, wow.
“Do you feel better?” he asks.
I nod quickly. “Yes. Thank you for answering my questions.”
I take the cup of soda to Vincent and watch as he drinks some before I say, “I’ll keep the cup by me, baby. Just come take a sip when you’re thirsty.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
When I take my seat again, I glance at Alek. He winks at me, a grin tugging at his mouth.
“What did you and Viktor talk about?” Rosalie asks.
“Our safety should Vincent and me move here.”
A happy smile forms on her face. “I can’t wait. It’s going to be so awesome. Let me know if you need help packing your belongings.”
I get the feeling if I give Alek and Rosalie half a chance, they’d have us moved in before the sun sets.
I have to admit, though. It’s nice having people in my life who care about me.
Chapter 45
Alek
Watching Everleigh relax makes me relax. I was worried she’d want to leave early, but the food is almost ready, and it looks like she’s having fun.
“How did you and Viktor meet?” she asks Rosalie.
Oh, Fuck. I spoke too soon.
“I kidnapped her,” Viktor mutters from the grill.
Everleigh laughs, “Funny.” She glances at Rosalie again. “So, how did you meet?”
“No, really. Viktor kidnapped me a week before my eighteenth birthday.”
Everleigh’s mouth drops open, then her eyes flit to Isabella. “But I thought you saved people from sex slavery?”
Jesus Christ.
Before I can jump in, Viktor says, “I waited until Rosalie was twenty-one. Give me credit.”
Rosalie places her hand on Everleigh’s arm. “He was the perfect gentleman. He basically saved my life by kidnapping me. Then he let me go and had to save me again. Now he’s stuck with me for life.”
“Oh,” the word pops from Everleigh, then she gives Isabella an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. The words came out before I could censor them.”
“It’s okay.” Isabella brushes it off as if Everleigh didn’t just insult her. “But yes, I rescue sex-trafficking victims. It’s a passion of mine.”
“I think it’s amazing.”
“You know what else is amazing?” Alexei asks.
When Everleigh shakes her head, he places a book on her lap. “Read it. Best work of literature ever.”
“I thought you were joking when you said The Art of War is your favorite book,” my woman mutters as she pages through it.
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle,” Alexei quotes the book. “Sun Tzu was a wise man.”
“I like the sound of that,” Everleigh says, a smile curving her lips. She starts to read, and Alexei leans closer, pointing out more quotes.