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Chapter 14
Hugo
Nico and I took Michelle out shopping in downtown Moscow. She was a classy woman, so we focused on our attention on high-end stores that sold designer brands. We even watched her try on some outfits, such as a violet Armani dress and red Chanel heels. The biggest surprise for her, however, was that we insisted on buying everything for her.
“You guys don’t have to do that,” Michelle said while putting her wallet away. The sales clerk smiled at her and then us.
We even took her to a few boutiques that exclusively sold Russian designers. Michelle’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw a pair of faux fur white boots, the kind that goes all the way up to your knee.
“Russian women love those because they’re so warm,” Nico said while she tried a pair on. She bought those too, along with a matching faux fur handbag.
The women who ran the boutiques immediately recognized her face. Then again, everyone in Russia knew who the Harringtons were in the United States. They also recognized Nico and me. Between the three of our reputations, salespeople were bending over backward to make us happy.
After spending a few hours shopping, Nico and I took her to a vodka tasting. It was located just a few doors down from the Vodka Grove, where we all hung out the first night, and was being held by a new vodka distillery. It looked pretty crowded from the outside, but we were given a seat as soon as we walked in since they knew who we were.
“I didn’t even know they had vodka tastings,” Michelle said as we entered the distillery. “Back home, Elaina and I go to a lot of wine tastings. This seems much more fun, though. I actually can’t stand wine snobs, to be honest. I’m more of a hard liquor kind of woman.”
“Yes, Americans are more into wine and beer tastings,” I said as we sat down. “But vodka is much more popular here. Probably because it warms you up, and Russian winters are relentless. And we’re hard liquor kinds of men,” I said and winked at her. Michelle nuzzled her head against my shoulder, and I immediately smelled her beautiful blonde hair.
After trying about a dozen different vodkas, our driver took us to all of the major museums. Our father made sure that we knew all about Russian history, and that helped us as we viewed different exhibits. I loved that Michelle appreciated the culture as much as the shopping. It showed that she wasn’t a materialistic of a person, even though she worked her ass off to make money.
After stopping for some coffee, we took her to a few local landmarks. Michelle mentioned being interested in history, especially internationally, and Russia was steeped in it.
“I have to say,” she said while we stared at a monument, “this has been one of my favorite days of this trip so far. You guys sure do know how to spoil a woman.”
Nico wrapped his arms around her and gave her a long, passionate kiss. Michelle turned around, and I did the same, letting my hand lower just a little bit so that I could squeeze her ass.
“Hugo, come on now. Show her a little respect.” Michelle laughed as she took both of our hands, then rested her head on my shoulder. It was the first time that I had been happy with a woman in years, and it was nice to see Nico fall into the steps of being in a normal, healthy relationship.
“Are you hungry, Michelle?” She looked up at me and nodded, then over at Nico.
“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “I can always eat.”
“How do you not gain any weight,” Michelle said, deciding to rest her head against his shoulders.
“I work out a lot,” Nico said while stroking her blonde hair.
All three of us got into our car and had the driver take us to a five-star restaurant. I thought about taking her to one of our local Russian restaurants that were run by a family, but she was probably craving food that reminded her of home.
“What kind of food do they serve,” Michelle asked me.
“They serve traditional Russian fare, but they also have excellent pizza. I’ve heard it’s just as good as New York City pizza.” Michelle tilted her head and smiled.
“I’ll be the one to decide that,” she said. “After all, that’s one of the things that New York City is known for.”
The host took us to a private dining area, where we all cozied up in a booth. Once again, Michelle was between Nico and me. The waiter immediately brought us out a bottle of vodka as well as some mineral water, and we decided to share a large pizza. Michelle looked so content sitting between Nico and me, and she even took it upon herself to hold each of our hands under the table.
About halfway during our meal, Michelle’s phone went off. She briefly glanced at it, but then quickly put it back in her purse. I assumed it was her father, given the look on her face, but didn’t want to press the issue. It was starting to bother me how much he didn’t trust her, and I kept wondering if I really should have just called him myself and told him to chill out.
She wasn’t happy to hear from whoever had texted her, though. Which was a shame, since she deserved a day of fun for all of the hard work that she did.
“Is everything all right?” She shook her head at Nico and then went back to eating her pizza.
“It’s just a text message from my father,” she said. “I’ll get back to him later.”
“He sure likes to keep tabs on you, doesn’t he?” Michelle nodded as she tore apart her pizza crust.
“I actually have plans for my own real estate company,” Michelle said. “My father is extremely hard to please, and I’d love to be on my own someday.”
