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“How many days are we staying? What’s the weather like? Do I pack dresses? Casual clothes? Swimsuits?” I glance over my shoulder. “Do I even own the right clothes?”
He chuckles behind me. “Aurora.”
I barely hear him as I pull a suitcase from the shelf.
“I’ll need shoes. Oh, and toiletries.”
“Aurora.”
I finally stop and turn around. “What?”
He’s leaning against the bedroom doorway, watching me with amusement. “You don’t have to pack your entire wardrobe,” he says. “Just bring whatever you love.”
“What if I forget something?”
“Then we’ll buy it.”
He walks over to me, gently taking the sweaters I’d been shoving into the suitcase, folding them neatly, and hanging them back on the rack.
“If you need anything,” he says, “we’ll get it once we’re there.”
He brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear before stepping back. “Keep packing. Don’t stress over what to bring—it wouldn't matter if you came with nothing at all.”
By the time I zip my suitcase closed, excitement has completely replaced the disappointment I’d felt only minutes earlier. I’m going to Florida. With my husband.
❦ ❦ ❦
Two hours later, we’re seated side by side aboard Roman’s private jet.
By the time our plane touches down, Maxim is already waiting on the tarmac beside a convoy of black SUVs.
The resemblance between the brothers is striking, same dark hair, same tall, powerful build. But that’s where the similarities end. Where Roman is controlled and reserved, Maxim radiates an easy, playful energy.
A wide grin spreads across his face as he closes the distance between us.
“So this is Aurora.”
Before I can react, he pulls me into a quick, easy hug.
“It’s about damn time we met.” He steps back, looking me over with an approving nod. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I smile. “Hopefully nothing too terrible.”
He laughs. “Actually, the opposite.” His grin widens. “It’s good to finally meet you in person, Aurora. Welcome to Florida.”
Then I notice the three scantily dressed women who step out of one of the cars. My eyes widen. They wear sheer mesh tops with no bras underneath and micro-shorts below. From a distance, they look as if they're walking around completely naked.
“These are my friends,” Maxim says lightly. “Say hello to my brother and my new sister-in-law.”
They greet Roman with bright smiles and lingering looks.
Roman gives him a flat look. “When are you going to change?”
Maxim stares at him as if he’s said something outrageous. Roman doesn’t repeat himself. He simply holds Maxim’s gaze until his younger brother sighs.
“Fine.” Maxim turns to the women with an apologetic smile. “Ladies, unfortunately your presence isn't welcome. I’ll catch up with you later.”
The women grumble as they climb into one of the waiting cars.
