Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Her eyes widen as she holds out her hand to him. When they shake hands, she says, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Max has told me a lot about you.”
“He has?” Nikolai’s sharp gaze flicks between Cami and me. “You didn’t mention Miss DuBois would be joining us.”
“Yeah, about that. We need to talk.”
Nikolai gestures toward a lining of trees.
“How was your flight?” Nikolai asks.
“Good. How’re your nerves holding up?”
He lets out a chuckle. “You should rather ask how my patience is holding up. I just want to put my ring on Abigail’s finger and get the celebration over with.”
I take a good look at my friend, and seeing how happy he is, I pat him on the back. “I’m glad you’ve found someone you can share your life with.”
There’s a path we follow to reach his house. The two-story log cabin is nestled in the woods covering half of the island.
My dream of retiring on an island of my own is inspired by the Vetrovs’ island. I fell in love with the place the first time I visited.
“Come in,” Nikolai invites. “Abigail’s at the main house with my mother. You’ll meet her after the ceremony.”
We take a seat in the living room, and while Cami glances at the modern décor, Nikolai’s eyes narrow on us.
Shock flutters over his face, then he says, “Christ, is this what I think it is?”
I let out a breath, and taking Cami’s hand in mine, I nod at my friend. “Yes.”
Another wave of shock washes over him. “Holy fuck, Maxim. Are you serious?”
Seeing the worry creeping into his eyes, I put him at ease, “She knows I’m an assassin. She knows everything.”
Nikolai’s gaze snaps to Cami. “And you’re okay with it?”
She clears her throat. “It’s not like it will change anything if I weren’t okay with it. Right?”
A frown forms on my friend’s forehead, and I quickly explain, “She didn’t freak out, and she’s not going to.” It’s actually hard to explain Cami’s personality to Nikolai. “She doesn’t do drama.”
That doesn’t sound right, either.
“What Max is trying to say is that I’m fine with everything as long as you all don’t go around killing innocent people. I’m not saying what you’re doing is acceptable, but I’m not going to judge. Consider me a judge-free zone. I’m Switzerland.”
Nikolai tilts his head and looks at Cami like she’s lost her mind.
“She takes some getting used to. You can relax. What you see is what you get with Cami.”
“Does Maurice know?” he asks.
“Not yet,” Cami answers. “My father has a lot to deal with right now, and I haven’t had a chance to talk with him.”
Nikolai pins me with a scowl. “So when you said she’s a headache, that was bullshit?”
Nodding, I let out a chuckle. “I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”
“And you’re both serious about this relationship?”
Christ, it feels like I’m being grilled by a parent.
“It’s serious.” I’ll go into more detail when I get a moment alone with Nikolai.
“Where’s the restroom?” Cami asks.
“Down the hallway, first door to your left,” I say. I watch her walk away, and when I hear the door shut, I lock eyes with Nikolai. “She’s the one for me. I’m just waiting for the right time before I discuss it with her.”
“You love her?” Nikolai’s gaze narrows as he searches my face for the answer.
I take a few seconds before I nod, not quite ready to say the words out loud.
A smile spreads over my friend’s face, and he stands up. I’m yanked into a hug. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.”
We pull apart, and I give him a reassuring look. “She gets me, Nikolai. We’re complete opposites, but somehow, we fit perfectly.”
“I understand. It’s the same with Abigail and me.” He pats my shoulder.
While I have this moment, I say, “If you’re looking for my blessing, you have it. I hope your future with Abigail is blessed.”
Emotion tightens his features for a moment. “Thanks, brother.”
We hear the restroom’s door open, and seconds later, Cami comes back into the living room. She sits down beside me, giving me a nervous smile.
“You can relax,” I chuckle. “Nikolai’s done with his interrogation.”
“Interrogation, my ass,” he grumbles.
Chapter 26
Cami
Since we arrived on the island, Max isn’t as guarded as I’m used to seeing. He seems to relax when he’s around Nikolai, which tells me how much they trust each other.
After meeting Nikolai’s family and his bride-to-be, Max takes me to the guest room we’ll be using for the day so I can change into my dress.
Honestly, I don’t have much trust in Max’s fashion sense, so I’m a little anxious to see the dress he bought for me.
As soon as we enter the bedroom, my eyes lock on the garment bag, and I make a beeline for it. I pull the zipper down, then my eyebrows fly up, and I gasp.