Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Now we’re talking.
After familiarizing myself with the neighborhood and surrounding areas, I drive in the direction of Pasadena, where Rosalie likes to go.
I’ve heard she’ll take Roman to a playground on a weekly basis, and I want to check the area for escape routes and possible threats.
I’m dressed in a brand-new suit, and it will take some time to get used to no longer wearing combat uniforms.
It’s going to take time for me to get used to a lot of things.
The day I got to spend with Alexei was out of this world. I even managed to forget about the shitshow that’s my life while we were shooting targets.
But now that I’m alone in the car, there’s no forgetting.
I drive around the park where the playground is, my eyes skimming over the kids before touching on the adults.
It’s an open space. Anyone can take a shot from any of the surrounding buildings.
As a car approaches from the opposite direction, my eyes lock on the driver. My heart stutters in my chest as I stare at a woman who looks exactly like Everleigh.
Same shoulder-length light brown hair. Same amber eyes.
Jesus.
She drives past me, and I catch sight of a child in the backseat.
Not thinking, I make a U-turn in the middle of the street. Horns blare, but I couldn’t give two shits. I’ll fucking drive over the other cars to get to her.
My heart sets off at a crazy pace as I floor the gas to catch up to the blue sedan, but it turns left up a street, and I lose sight for a moment.
When I turn left as well, there’s no sign of the blue sedan. It’s as if it vanished into thin air.
“Blyadʹ,” I curse as I slam my palm against the steering wheel.
I pull over to the curb and slump back in my seat. Gasping for air, the image of Everleigh haunts me.
Christ.
Breathe.
I don’t know how much time passes before I manage to get control over my mind again.
I glance at the buildings, but all I can see are back entrances, and I don’t know which gate is for which business.
Everleigh is gone, Alek. What the fuck are you doing?
Letting out a hopeless sigh, I pull away from the curb and drive in the direction of the estate.
Since I lost Everleigh, it’s the first time I’ve come across someone who reminded me of her. It’s jarring, to say the least.
Lying in bed, I check Viktor’s schedule for tomorrow. He has a seven o’clock appointment at the docks and a lunch meeting with a prospective buyer.
Other than that, we’ll be at the company that’s used as a front to import illegal goods and launder money.
Things are very different here from the way they were in Russia. I don’t even get to beat anyone.
I place my phone on the bedside table and stare up at the ceiling. I’m starting to get used to the sounds in the cottage, and the bed isn’t uncomfortable any longer.
I’ve converted the guest bedroom into a study. The walls are covered with photos and names so I can memorize who’s who faster.
Life is quiet here at the estate, which I like. Whenever I cross paths with one of the Vetrovs or Koslovs, I’m treated as an equal and not just another soldier.
Alexei checks the grounds with me every morning. I have to admit I enjoy our walks. Sometimes he talks about the biggest load of shit, and other times we have deep conversations that turn me into a sweating mess. I think he likes to fuck with me.
As always, when it’s time to sleep, my thoughts turn to Everleigh.
Shoving the covers off, I get out of bed and walk to the kitchen, where I pour myself a shot of vodka.
Since I saw the woman who reminded me of Everleigh, she’s all I’ve been thinking about.
Christ, how I wish it was really Everleigh.
I only had two months with her, and I cling to the memories like a dying man.
Sometimes I torture myself by wondering what it would’ve been like if we had met under different circumstances.
I never got to see her be carefree. I never got to hear her laughter.
“Jesus, I miss you, moya malen'kaya lyubov',” I mutter. “I think you would’ve loved it here.”
Downing the vodka, I close my eyes and let memory after memory wash over me.
It’s torture, but it’s all I have.
Chapter 25
Everleigh
A shipment of books came in, and I’m busy unpacking them when a man comes into the store. I’ve seen him here before, and usually, he likes to check the thriller section.
“Morning,” he greets before he starts to browse the shelves.
“Morning. Let me know if I can help you find anything.”
“Thanks.”
My eyes flick to where Vincent is coloring in a picture of an elephant before I continue to unpack the books.