Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Oh, my God. Who would’ve thought you’d have such an epic love story? What happened? How did you lose her?”
After spending over a month with Rosie, keeping her as safe as I could from Yegor’s loyal dogs, I find it easy to talk to her.
“I didn’t know who she was related to when we met, and her family swiped her from under my nose. We only exchanged first names, and I didn’t have you back then, so I couldn’t find her. Just over a week ago, I visited a factory that made the prison you were kept in look like a five-star resort. She was starved and…” The sight of Anastasia in that fucking pen shudders through me, and I suck in a deep breath. “Anyway, I have her back, and she’s healing.”
“Rodian,” Rosie gasps softly. “I’m so sorry that happened to her.”
I exhale through my nose and glance out the window at where Dad is pulling weeds from one of the flower beds.
“Dammit,” Rosie suddenly sighs. “Tim is at it again. He thinks I have time to play hacking games with him.”
“Talking about Tim. Will you speak to the kid? I don’t want him mixed up in the Bratva at such a young age.”
Rosie lets out a snort. “Good luck with that. He’s not going to listen. I suggest you give him small things to keep him busy.”
“I don’t have time to entertain the little shit,” I mutter.
“Just give him some attention, Rodian. He thinks you hung the moon after you saved him.”
“No, you have that all wrong. The kid idolizes you.”
“Just throw him a bone is all I’m saying,” she sighs. “Anyway, why did you call?”
“Are you back up and running?”
“Kinda. Still have a few things to do, but the system is up. What do you need?”
“Oleg Sokolov. Yegor was his best friend. Can you find out everything possible about him, his family, his most loyal men, and who he has been seen with recently?”
“On it. I’ll get back to you with the info.”
“Thanks, Rosie.” My tone softens as I add, “I’m glad we can work together. This alliance means a lot to me.”
“Aww, is that your way of saying you care and miss me? Don’t worry, big guy, Enzo and I will be at your wedding. Too-de-loo.”
When she ends the call, laughter shakes my shoulders.
Yeah, I actually do miss her. Rosie just has a way of lighting up whatever room she’s in, and she’s one of the few people who doesn’t annoy me at all.
I send Enzo Falco a quick text.
Rodian: Congrats on the engagement. BTW, manufacturing is up and running, and we’re ready for orders.
I’m surprised when he reads it and replies within seconds.
Enzo: I’m with Rosie and overheard the conversation. Just let us know if you need backup to take on Sokolov. Will send over the first order after talking with the other capos.
Rodian: Don’t worry about backup. Thanks, though.
Needing to get ready for our date, I climb to my feet and leave the study. Deciding to let Anastasia have my bedroom to herself, I grab everything I’ll need and head to one of the guest rooms.
Anastasia
Heading down the staircase, I smooth my palms over my hips, trying to breathe through the nerves spinning wildly in my stomach.
It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to go out and do something normal, and even though I’m excited about it, I’m struggling not to have an anxiety attack. My hands are trembling uncontrollably, so I start doing the calming technique Artem showed me earlier today.
I’m torn in two. My impending marriage to the pakhan is too scary to think of, but since Rodian rescued me eight days ago, he’s gone out of his way to care for me.
Where I once used to trust my instincts, I now doubt everything, and I hate it.
Halfway down the stairs, the foyer comes into view, and I see Rodian standing in the middle of the room.
Dressed in a tailored dark blue suit, with tan-colored shoes, and his hair up, he looks too attractive for me to handle. My pulse instantly speeds up at the sight of him, and my stomach begins to do cartwheels, as if it’s an Olympic sport and it’s going for gold.
The moment his eyes land on me, I feel their intensity. Rodian takes a step back, and placing his hand over his heart, he stares at me as if I’m a work of wonder.
“Iisus Khristos. You take my breath away.”
His genuine admiration repairs one of the many cracks in my self-esteem. Little by little, he’s mending parts of me I thought would be broken forever.
I picked a cream long-sleeve blouse and red skirt that reaches my ankles to wear, pairing the outfit with low-heeled pumps, and as I take the last step, I smooth my palms over my stomach.