Chapter 28
Abbie
There’s something freeing about sharing your pain with another person.
Especially if that person is Nikolai Vetrov.
The weight on my shoulders isn’t as heavy anymore. Since I told Nikolai I was raped, he’s only left my side to use the bathroom.
During the last couple of days at St. Monarch’s, I was at every combat class he had to give. I got a peek behind the scenes of St. Monarch’s, watching as he dealt with active and closed contracts. I sat in on meetings between him and Director Koslov. I overheard business and private calls.
Nikolai didn’t lie when he said I’d never leave his side.
As the private jet lands on the Vetrovs’ island, my stomach spins with nerves. The entire criminal world knows not to fuck with a Vetrov. Not if you want to stay alive.
Nikolai’s father, Damien Vetrov, is the best custodian St. Monarch’s has ever produced. I heard he was meant to be Director Koslov’s custodian back when he was still an assassin, but a marriage was arranged between Damien and Winter.
Nikolai’s mother, Winter, was nicknamed the blood princess, and she’s known to be ruthless.
Jesus, I’m going to have a nervous breakdown.
Only Aurora knows I’ll be here for a week. I didn’t dare tell my parents. Not that my mother would care. She’s never sober enough to worry about me.
My father, on the other hand, will probably shit himself. Even though there’s a tentative truce between him and the bratva, I’m sure he would disapprove of my relationship with Nikolai.
Bitterness swirls in my heart because my father hasn’t even taken the time to ask whether I’m okay after the ambush.
As a child, I was shipped off to a boarding school. I hardly saw my parents and never felt loved by them. I’m just a product of a loveless marriage.
But the Vetrovs are different. Nikolai said he had an amazing childhood.
Will they approve of us?
Will they view me as the enemy who seduced their only son? Will they refuse to acknowledge me as Nikolai’s girlfriend? What will they think of the age gap?
Shit.
“Hey.” Nikolai grips my hand tightly. “Stop overthinking things. My parents are going to love you.”
“I’m so freaking nervous,” I admit.
Honestly, I’m still getting used to the fact that we’re in a committed relationship. I just hope I didn’t make a mistake by allowing it to progress from friendship to dating.
The plane comes to a standstill, and Nikolai tugs me to my feet. He wraps his strong arms around me and kisses my temple. “I have to warn you, though…”
Oh, Jesus.
When my body tenses, he lets out a chuckle. “My mother is going to lose her shit.”
Fuck my life.
“I’ve changed my mind. I want to go back to St. Monarch’s,” I mutter. “Too late.” He pulls me toward the open door. “You’re my captive
now.”
“Nikolai,” I hiss as I tug against his hold on my hand. “Wait!”
I’m hauled down the steps, then hear a woman excitedly shriek, “My baby!”
I watch as a woman in her early sixties walks toward us. There’s a breathtakingly beautiful smile on her face – the same one I’ve seen from Nikolai.
Winter. GodGodGod.
“Finally, you’re done with St. Monarch’s and home permanently. My heart can rest.” She presses a kiss to Nikolai’s cheek before turning her full attention to me.
Ugh. I’m going to die.
“So this is the woman?” she says as she comes to stand in front of me.
Winter isn’t much taller than me, but I know she can kill me with a flick of her finger.
Her eyes search mine, and I’m surprised when her expression turns soft.
A smile curves her lips. “Welcome home, Abigail.”
Huh?
I expected a ton of rejection, not this…not acceptance when she doesn’t know anything about me.
Remembering my manners, I say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.
Vetrov. Nikolai has only told me good things about you.”
“Call me Winter.” Lifting a hand, she pats my shoulder. “After all, we’ll be family soon.”
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.
“This is your room.” Nikolai lets go of my hand. “I think my mom got everything you need, but let me know if we missed something.”
Lifting a hand to cover my trembling mouth, I walk closer and brush my other hand over the canvasses and tubes of paints.
Jesus. This is a dream come true.