Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I was far more dazzled by his taste in music and art, by his surprising, often hidden, kindness and compassion…. Those things were wooing me far more than his wealth. Though the level of luxury and the experiences that wealth provided was obviously impressive. Much of what he had shown me was wondrous and enjoyable, at the same time as being strange and almost frightening.
I did not need that wealth to be happy. To enjoy his company. In the short time since our relationship had transformed into a whirlwind romance, I had caught myself wondering if I might be more happy with him if he was an ordinary man. Just a brilliant, handsome, simple man who held my hand and fed me hot dogs from a street vendor in a park.
Back to reality, Mishka. Anton is many things. But simple is not one of them. But perhaps, neither are you.
I stared out the window, trying to calm my thoughts as he continued talking. He was telling me how their father had his own properties, which they all avoided unless summoned directly. I turned and saw something unusual on his face. A tension in his shoulders and jaw. He squeezed my hand and stared at me. The haunted look in his eyes had told me there was more to that story, but I didn’t pry. If he wanted to tell me, I knew he would. Right now, he was in a mood I had never seen before.
He seemed… almost nervous. Is he truly trying to impress me? Is that even possible? I wondered. Anton was one of the richest men in the world. As much as I was enjoying all of this, it was overwhelming. I did not need such an extravagant lifestyle. It was not something I had ever thought about or dreamed of.
Yet, here I am, I thought ruefully. I gave Anton a quick smile. He was watching me closely as I turned away again to look out of the window as we approached the grand house, or in this case, houses.
Unlike the sprawling estate outside of Moscow, this property actually included multiple houses. Three equal sized homes, similar but not identical, with several other buildings, including a stable, pool house, several guest houses, and an enormous structure that looked like an extremely fancy barn.
“The barn is for events” he explained. “Americans love rustic elegance. I find that I appreciate that style as well. There is a kitchen and staff lodging as well.”
I turned to look at him.
“Do you actually host events here?”
His gorgeous lips quirked into a smile. How did a man have such pretty lips? I wondered. It should be illegal. It was certainly unfair. And I wasn’t even counting those eyes of his or his outrageously long eyelashes.
“No. We do not. But it made sense to include it. We Aslanov’s are a large family, with many relatives, though we do not like most of them.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. And my laugh made him smile like a child. He looked so relaxed when he heard that sound. So happy.
So… good.
How could he be capable of so much evil? I knew very well that he had killed, or instructed someone else to kill, many, many men. But he had also shown my father mercy and kindness. It made no sense to me. Perhaps that wasn’t truly who he was. Perhaps the evil he had seen and done was a result of his upbringing. He had promised to tell me about his father…. I would never pry, but I did hope he would tell me some day.
I needed to understand the complex man who I had given my heart to… who I was about to give my virginity to, as well. The man who I was foolish, or brave, enough to trust with myself and my father’s wellbeing and future.
For better or worse, he was in charge of my entire family. Our fates were entirely in his hands. I prayed that he would continue to be the best version of himself. With my father and myself, but with himself.
I prayed that he was brave enough to show the goodness inside his heart to the world.
Despite my inner turmoil, I was walking on air as we climbed out of the limo and stood on the driveway, facing one of the three enormous mansions that looked over the ocean.
From one coast, to the other, I mused. I had travelled over the widest part of the United States last night, in a private jet no less. Me, the simple girl born and raised on the outskirts of Moscow.
“Do you want to go inside and freshen up.”
“No, thank you. It is so beautiful out here…” I trailed off, unsure what he had in mind for us. He always seemed to have a plan. I wasn’t used to this easy-going version of him.