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Uncle Carson and Aunt Hailey never had children of their own. I’ve always been close with them, and they treat me like I’m their blood.
Meeting my beloved uncle’s eyes, I say, “I’m going home this coming weekend.”
He lets out a chuckle, and placing his hand on my shoulder, he mutters, “As long as you’re back by Monday morning.”
“You really have to find another instructor. I can’t do this indefinitely.”
Another chuckle escapes him as he walks to his desk. “I’ll have a replacement in the next two months.”
I nod, and when I start to walk toward the door, he adds, “Misha Petrov will assist you during training. Let him handle Aurora D’Angelo.”
My eyebrow raises as I glance at my uncle. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
He nods, then a grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I have a feeling there’s something between Misha and Aurora, and that’s why he attacked the yakuza yesterday. I’d like to test the theory.”
“Yeah, he beat the shit out of Seijo.” Nodding, I ask, “And Abigail? What do we do about her?”
My uncle’s grin turns into a full-blown smirk. “Surely you can handle her?”
Fuck. Uncle Carson always has one eye on all the live security camera feeds. Did he see Abigail flirting with me last night?
“The odds are good that I’ll strangle the girl,” I mutter.
A burst of laughter escapes him. “As long as you don’t kill her on St. Monarch’s grounds.”
Christ, help me.
He locks eyes with me, then his expression turns serious. “When are you going to settle down?”
“Not you, too. My mother nags me enough about the matter,” I mutter while shaking my head. “I’m happy alone. I don’t need a woman to fuck up my life.”
“As long as you’re happy, son,” he says, the fatherly love he feels for me showing on his face.
“I am,” I assure him before I walk out of the office.
I hate that people think you must be in a relationship to be happy. Having another person in my space twenty-four-seven will drive me insane. I have my family, friends, and a successful diamond empire. There’s nothing lacking in my life.
Heading toward the studio, my phone buzzes. When I check the device, I see a text from Maxim and quickly open it.
Maxim: Fine. I’ll babysit the girl.
Nikolai: I owe you. I’m going home this coming weekend. Join me so we can catch up and discuss the contract.
Maxim: I’ll be there Saturday morning.
Stepping into the room, I see the Almeida twins and Caspian are already warming up. Abigail and Aurora are standing to the side with unsure expressions on their faces.
Misha joins us a couple of seconds later, an apprehensive look in his eyes.
Getting to work, I say, “Mr. Shinoda won’t be joining us for a couple of days.” I lock eyes with Misha. “Someonebeat the shit out of him, so he’s indisposed.”
Gesturing at Aurora, I mutter, “Miss D’Angelo, you’re paired with Mr. Petrov. Miss Almeida, you’re with Mr. Almeida. Just keep practicing what you’ve already been taught. Miss Sartori, you’re with me.”
“Ah, sir?” Aurora looks like she’s about to puke.
“Yes, Miss D’Angelo.” I lock eyes with her and notice fear flitting over her face.
Nervously she rambles, “I’m not questioning you. I just want to know why I have to fight Mr. Petrov. He’s had two years of training, whereas I’ve had…none.”
