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I let out a nervous chuckle. “Ah…we’re only dating.”
She gives me a knowing look. “Once you belong to a Vetrov, a wedding is a mere formality.”
“Mom,” Nikolai mutters, warning lacing his tone.
She waves a hand in the air. “Oh hush, I’m bonding with the love of your life.” She gives him an overly patient look. “Finally. You took forever, by the way.”
He lets out a chuckle. “It’s not my fault I’m so picky. You gave me the best all my life, so my expectations were high.”
Feeling overwhelmed by the warm reception, I step closer to Nikolai’s side. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, then says, “You can bond tomorrow. Right now, I’m taking Abigail to my house so she can rest.”
“I’m arranging a barbeque for tomorrow afternoon so you can introduce Abigail to everyone.”
“We’ll be there,” Nikolai answers before he steers me in the opposite direction of the main house.
A guard follows behind us with our luggage while Nikolai leads me into the woods. The island is absolutely stunning, the trees decades old with their leaves providing a carpet on the ground.
“It’s beautiful here,” I mention, my eyes darting around to take in all the beauty. I can hear the ocean crashing against the rocky shores.
It’s so peaceful.
“I’m glad you like it.”
We approach a luxurious log cabin, the timber dark against the backdrop of the woods. “Jesus, Nikolai,” I breathe. “Your home is…God, I have no words.”
He lets out a chuckle as he opens the front door, then he gestures for me to enter. I step into his personal space and instantly smell him in the air.
I glance at all the wood furnishings, the lights hanging from the ceiling like falling raindrops, and the comfy-looking living room.
Honestly, I expected steel and chrome, something representing the dangerous side of him.
“Make yourself at home,moya lyubov'.”
The guard places our luggage just inside the door, and with a nod of his head, he leaves us alone.
I walk deeper into the open space, the living room in front of me and the kitchen to my right. Beyond the huge windows, there’s a fire pit, and beyond that, a perfect view of the ocean crashing against rocks.
This is nothing short of heaven.
Turning around to look at Nikolai, I see him with new eyes. To the world, he’s a ruthless diamond smuggler, but to me, he’s love and safety.
A tear rolls down my cheek as I stare at the man who’s given me a safe place to escape to.
This is exactly what I needed. A secluded island where I can lick my wounds. Where I can attempt to patch the pieces of my soul together.
Concern flashes over his face as he moves closer to me. “Is anything wrong?”
Slowly, I shake my head. “No.”
“Why do you look shocked?” He lifts a hand to the side of my neck. “Did something trigger a memory?”
I shake my head again, and lifting myself on my tiptoes, I press a soft kiss to his mouth. “Thank you, Nikolai.” My eyes lock with his. “Thank you for knowing what I need.”
His lips curve into a hot smirk. “Come, I have a surprise for you.”
He takes my hand and leads me past the kitchen. We walk into a den, and my lips part.
There are three easels, each with a different size canvas. Every oil paint and brush imaginable is neatly placed on a workbench. The French doors are open, and a light breeze carries the fresh scent of nature from the woods.
