“You can share them, you know.” Nathan glanced back at Leo and frowned. “Does he have to come to every single one of our meet-ups?”
“My husband is a little bit paranoid. This makes him feel safer.”
“I’m surprised he’d allow you to come and see me.”
I pressed my lips together.
“Ah, I take it he doesn’t like it?”
“I … I don’t have to do everything he wants.”
Nathan laughed. It was a deep, throaty laugh as he sat back.
I felt a little cold. The summer was ending fast and fall was approaching. I normally loved this time of year, heading into winter. I loved the seasons-Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year. There was so much to enjoy and celebrate during this incredibly dark period, and yet, nothing felt right. My marriage was a complete disaster.
Andrei and I were simply existing together. In the past few weeks, he’d been so busy with work. He rarely came home for dinner, and when we were in the same room for longer than five minutes, we ended up yelling at each other.
Some people would think I was a fool to anger my husband in such a way. He was Bratva, but I just couldn’t help it. He drove me crazy. I was so angry at him, but also, he made me feel so alone.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I tried to ward off the cold.
Nathan tutted. “I don’t know who you’re trying to please with these outfits you wear, but it’s not me. You’re going to catch your death in this.”
I smiled as he removed his jacket and placed it over my shoulders. “What about you?”
He shrugged. “I run hot. I’m not cold at all.”
“I can’t take your coat.”
“You can, Adelaide. It’s the least I can do.”
I sighed. He always seemed to be taking care of me. “So, how long will you be staying?” Nathan had only meant to be here for a couple of weeks, but his plans had changed, and he’d been staying at some hotel. I couldn’t remember the name of it.
“A couple more weeks. Business is going great. Also, I can’t just leave, not yet.” He nudged my shoulder. “I’ve got my bestie most days. You know how selfish I can be.”
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “You’re not selfish at all.”
“When am I going to meet this husband of yours?” he asked. “You won’t even allow me to come and visit you at your place. You do know how secretive you’re being?”
“My husband is not for everyone.” She shrugged. “Trust me, you’re not missing a whole lot.”
Nathan was interrupted by the ring of his cell phone. “I’ve got to take this.” He stepped away from me and I leaned forward, staring down at the ground. His jacket was nice and warm, but the chill I suffered was from the inside and there was no getting away from that.
My life had taken a dramatic turn. I don’t know what was worse-my current stalemate with Andrei now, or when I was bored out of my brains.
Nathan returned seconds later. “I hate to do this, but I’ve got to head off. I’ve got a meeting to attend. Can we do this another time?” he asked.
“Yeah, of course. Sure. Work is far more important. Here,” I said, removing the jacket, “take it back.”
“No, you keep that on. I don’t want you to catch a cold.” Nathan wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, babe, but please, you have to learn to trust me. I can make it all better for you.”
I wanted to tell him that I felt better already, but I just embraced the hug. He felt good, warm, and comfortable.
Pulling away, he dropped a kiss onto my forehead. “See you soon.”
I waved at him, watched him leave, and then turned toward an ever-disapproving Leo.
“Andrei wouldn’t like this,” he said.
“You sent him pictures. If he had any issue, he’d be here, rather than allowing you to guard me.”
“Do you have any idea what this is potentially doing to his reputation?”
“What?”
“You’re visiting a man often. Word of this gets out, Andrei becomes a laughingstock.”
This made me laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”
He raised a brow. I didn’t know how he was able to look so disapproving with one glance. I didn’t like it, but rather than tell him, I just offered him a glare. “I don’t mean anything … he’s a friend, okay? The only person I know and trust.”
My cell phone rang, and I answered it without looking at who called.
“Hello,” I said.
“Hello, dear sister, long time no chat.”
“Bethany?”