Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“I need to learn how to take care of Emily.”
Valentina shifted to Russian. “But, we are doing a good job.”
“I need help with Emily's hair. I believe Maxwell. She might wake up and cut us all. I want her relaxed. There will be a lot for her to unpack.”
“But, my stylist can do it.”
“Do they know how to do her hair?”
Maxwell smirked. “I don't know what the fuck you two are saying, but it better be goodbyes and wishes of health as Valentina takes her journey out of here.”
Glaring, I rose and headed over to where Valentina kneeled.
Blue brought in the two stools. She set one by my leg.
I sat down on it and took over, holding my mouse's shoulders. “Thank you for all of your help.”
Blue put the other stool next to me and headed back out.
Valentina let go of Emily and gave me one of those famous pouts. “I prefer my thank-yous in expensive fur, especially since you are kicking me out due to him.”
“You will have your fur.”
Smiling, Valentina rose.
With his arms crossed over his chest, Maxwell leaned against the counter and gazed at my sister. Lust filled his eyes. I didn't appreciate the way he took in her curves.
Valentina strolled Maxwell's way and stopped in front of him. “I hate you.”
“When I heard you got shot, my heart ached.”
Valentina blinked.
“I was ready to kill those motherfuckers, but I'm sure you took care of them.”
“I did.”
“Are you in any pain?”
Valentina's voice softened. “No.”
“But if you are, you know I'll come through. . .and take care of it.”
They stared at each other.
Silence rose between them.
And the jazz swirled along the room, pulsing in a steady rhythm.
Clearing her throat, Valentina tucked blonde strands behind her ear and hurried off, almost bumping into Blue as she carried in a big box.
Maxwell watched Valentina walk away.
Blue set the box by the tub and left.
When Maxwell turned and looked at me, he spotted my scowl. “What?”
“Do not flirt with my sister.”
He shrugged. “But we already—”
“Do not remind me. I pretend it never happened, so I do not daydream about killing you.”
“You're messing with my sister. It's fair play among gentlemen.”
“You had your chance. Step aside. Whoever ends up with Valentina will be a father to my niece. He must be the best and be able to deal with Valentina's. . .moods.”
“Moods? She's crazy.”
“My sister is a wonderful woman. A Russian Queen.”
“I don't know about that.”
“Step. Aside.”
“Damn, man. I was just. . .” He grinned and licked his lips.
I raised my eyebrows.
“Never mind.” Maxwell rubbed his hands together and headed over to the empty stool. “We've got shit to do.”
Blue brought in several huge cups and a pile of towels.
Maxwell sat down on the stool, reeking of weed. It was like he'd bathed in a thick cloud of the smoke. “Good job, Blue. Take a break.”
“I am fine.” Blue went back to the door and stood there.
Maxwell shook his head. “Go to your room, clear your head, get some food and sleep.”
She remained there. “I plan to be here, when she wakes up—”
“Goodnight, Blue.”
Maxwell stared at her. Not one hint of compromise or humor decorated his face.
Blue looked down at the floor. “Are you sure you won't need me?”
“I'm sure.” Maxwell put his attention on Emily. “And if you see Boris by the door again, tell him that if he doesn't get back in his room, I'm going to start talking about the Eagle.”
The Eagle?
Maxwell continued, “I love that Harlem Crew is trying to have Em's back, but none of you can do it, if you're exhausted.”
Sighing, Blue left the room and closed the door.
Gazing at Emily, Maxwell touched her forehead and slowly slipped his fingers along her soft skin. Then, he moved them to her hair and shook his head. “I should have come up earlier, but I wanted to kill you. I figured I should calm down.”
“That was a very smart decision.” I pictured snapping his neck in two. Surely, my thoughts showed in my eyes. “We would not want a repeat of your falling on the floor and splashing blood all over yourself.”
“If I remember correctly, you fell first.”
“Did I?”
“Yeah, man. I could show you if you don't remember.”
“You would die before you got to show me.”
We glared at each other.
He smirked. “The problem with you, Kazimir, is that you're not used to having another man with big dick energy around you.”
“I am more concerned with why you care about the size of my dick. I think you have been with the Pansies for too long.”
“Eh, man.” Maxwell let go of Emily and picked up a bottle from the box. “After spending time with Jean-Pierre and the rest of the French. . .I fuck with them. Nothing but respect from now on.”
I twisted my face in confusion. “What the hell happened?”