Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Such a good girl,” I praise her while giving her a treat as reward.
We play catch for ten minutes before I see Isabella walk toward me.
“Morning,” she calls out.
“Morning.”
“Luna has so much energy.” She smiles at my dog and stops to pet her, then comes to me. “Your face looks so much better.”
“Yeah, I feel better too.”
“That’s good.”
She watches me throw the ball again, then says, “Viktor said you’re interested in working with me.”
“I am.” Feeling awkward, I add, “That’s if it’s okay with you. I don’t want to overstep.”
Isabella gestures to the patio, and once we’re seated, she mentions, “I’m worried whether you can handle it. It’s not pretty.”
“I know.” I only got a taste of it, and it still haunts me. “But I’d like to try.”
She thinks for a moment, then says, “I can show you some of the admin work. We can take it slow.”
Excitement bubbles in my chest. “Okay. That would be great.” I give her an apologetic smile. “It’s just… I don’t have any experience.”
“Then I’ll teach you.”
I’m so freaking happy to hear that, I have to resist the urge to hug her.
Isabella glances over the garden. “I don’t want you to think I didn’t fight for you.”
The sudden change of topic throws me for a loop.
When I keep quiet, she turns her attention back to me. “I didn’t rescue you because you didn’t need rescuing from Viktor. I knew you’d be safe with him.”
I nod, feeling a little awkward. “Viktor has always been good to me.”
A smile curves her lips, and I stare for a moment because she’s really a beautiful woman.
“My mother was a sex trafficker,” she admits. “I watched Alexei kill her.”
Holy shit.
She gives me a look of understanding. “So if you ever need to talk about what happened, I’m here. I’d like to think I can help.”
With my attention one hundred percent focused on her, I ask, “How did you deal with it?”
“I tried to save every person she sold into slavery. It was my way of rebelling and trying to put some good back into the world.” A chuckle escapes her, but it quickly dies away. “There was never any love between my mother and me, unlike with you and your family. Ariana will be able to help you with that. Her brother betrayed her, so I think she’ll be able to connect with you there.”
Wow. It’s actually humbling to hear Isabella and Ariana have their own painful pasts. They’re such powerful women, I never would’ve guessed it. It gives me hope that I can heal from everything that’s happened and make a difference in the world like they do.
“Thank you.” My smile comes easier this time. “I think there’s a lot I can learn from both of you.”
“Are you gossiping without me?” Ariana suddenly says, startling me.
“It’s not gossiping if it’s the truth,” Isabella teases her.
When Ariana sits down, I ask, “Would you like some coffee?”
“Please,” they both answer.
I quickly dart into the house to prepare the beverages. Glancing over my shoulder at the two women on the patio, a happy smile stretches over my face.
This is nice.
They’re really trying to make me feel at home, and I appreciate it so much.
When the coffee is ready, I carry the cups to the table and set them down. I take my seat, the smile still playing around my lips.
“Thank you for making me feel welcome here,” I say before I lose the nerve. “I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” Ariana gives my hand a squeeze. “After all. You’re a part of the family now.”
My heart bursts with warmth. “It’s nice to have a family again.”
Especially one who looks out for my wellbeing.
“Oh, my heart,” Viktor’s mom coos, then I’m tugged into a hug. “Don’t you just want to hug and love on her every time you see her?” she asks Isabella.
“That’s your thing. I want to put some muscle on her body and train her how to knee a man so he’ll crawl for a week.”
I let out a burst of laughter, loving all the attention and soaking it up like a dry sponge.
While we sip our coffee, I mostly listen to the women discussing their vacation plans.
“Have you and Viktor decided whether you’re going to join us?” Isabella asks.
I shake my head. “We actually haven’t spoken about it.”
Ariana waves her hand in the air. “There’s no pressure. Don’t worry about it.”
Honestly, we’ve been absorbed with each other, and I forgot.
I make a mental note to ask Viktor when he gets home, then focus on the conversation about all the views they want to see. I’m able to talk with them because of all the research I did for my own trip before Viktor kidnapped me.
With a grin never leaving my face, I spent the afternoon with Ariana and Isabella. I’m so grateful that things are going so well. It feels like I’m finally allowed to be happy.