Total pages in book: 171
Estimated words: 170885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 854(@200wpm)___ 684(@250wpm)___ 570(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 170885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 854(@200wpm)___ 684(@250wpm)___ 570(@300wpm)
Bran smiles again and passes him a few jam-filled scones that he chomps on like a monster.
After breakfast, Astrid ushers them to the living room.
“Mum, shouldn’t you rest? You spent an all-nighter in the studio.”
“Nonsense. I wouldn’t miss the chance to meet Nikolai for the world. I had my English Breakfast tea. I’ll be fine.”
“Ma’am…” he trails off when she glares at him. “Astrid…I’m sorry I intruded on your resting time.”
“At least you’re aware of that,” I mutter, following close behind them.
My wife scolds me with those bright-green eyes that could make me do anything—absolutely anything—except for handing over my precious Bran to this wanker.
“I can leave if that’s better—” His words come to a halt when Bran clutches his wrist and shakes his head.
“Absolutely not,” my wife says. “You’re our guest.”
“Not one I approve of.”
“Levi, seriously. Shouldn’t you be going to work?” She hikes a hand on her hip and offers me her stern look.
“I’m calling in sick.”
I’m literally sick to my fucking stomach over the thought of yet another one of my children leaving the nest.
Yes, they’ve been going to university for a few years now, and I should be used to this feeling, but I most definitely am not. Besides, a part of me thought Bran would choose to move back home and stay with us for life.
Am I saying goodbye to my dream right now?
“Anyway, Nikolai,” my wife says after she shakes her head at me. “Do you want to see Bran’s baby photos?”
“Hell yeah,” he agrees readily like an eager child, then blurts, “I mean yes, please.”
“Mum.” Bran gives her an incredulous look.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to do this.”
Astrid leads Nikolai to her favorite sofa that faces the garden, then goes to the cupboard to fetch all the albums she treats like treasures.
Bran falls back so that he’s standing with me, a safe distance away from them.
We watch as his mother sits beside Nikolai and begins with pictures from the day she found out she was pregnant with the twins. We didn’t know they were twins at that time.
I remember that day so well. The joy that washed over us at the thought of having our own family was so palpable, I can still taste it on my tongue. It feels like yesterday, but it isn’t, because one of my first babies has his own life now and probably won’t call or text me when he needs a pick-me-up.
As Astrid tells Nikolai the story behind every picture, he listens carefully while looking at the album on his lap with keen interest.
Fucking creep.
Bran steps closer to me, his expression sheepish as he rubs the back of his neck and then speaks low so that I’m the only one who hears him. “Do you hate him that much, Dad?”
“Oh my, what gave you that impression?”
“You kind of made it obvious and, well, you’re still glaring at him.”
I break my staring contest with Nikolai’s skull. I figured if I glared hard enough, it’d crack and we’d be rid of the nuisance.
“I thought you said you weren’t together anymore?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.
“I…thought so, too.” He sighs and shakes his head. “It’s impossible to stay away from him. Believe me, I’ve tried. Multiple times. Each time, it only got harder, not easier, and I really can’t imagine my life without him in it anymore. I hurt him enough by denying my sexuality and him. He was patient and even agreed to see me in secret although he’s openly bi. I can’t hurt him anymore, that would be worse than causing pain to myself. The idea of losing him scares the shit out of me, Dad.”
Bloody hell.
I see it again. That look he had earlier. This time, it’s more intense as he stares at him.
He’s not afraid for him, he’s afraid of losing him.
The delinquent gangster motherfucker.
I knew that bastard Killian was trouble. Not only did he shove his unwanted presence into our lives, but now, there’s his cousin.
Though I admit Nikolai is a lot more well-mannered than that psycho.
Bran slides his attention back to me. “All my life, I thought I was one of those people who was meant to be alone, but he changed that. Single-handedly. He chased me and made it impossible to ignore him. He’s helped me become a better man—more balanced, less…agitated and lonely. He’s the only one for me. So…if you don’t hate him a lot, can you try to accept him? I love you and respect you a lot, Dad. You know how much your approval means to me.”
“Come here, son.” I half hug him. “I don’t actually hate him. I just don’t like the idea of him replacing me.”
“That’s impossible. No one can take your role in my life.” He steps back. “You’re also my only worthy kitchen mate. Nikolai can’t cook to save his life.”