We have barely entered the front gate, but Sophia’s gentle presence can already be felt everywhere. She has added nice touches to the front garden—colorful planters line the walkway, and fairy lights are wrapped around the porch railings. Pink and red roses adorn the walkway that leads to the house, and there’s even a bird bath over in the corner that welcomes a variety of species.
The faint flapping of wings is music to my ears, making me feel like I’m out in nature, far away from the buzz of downtown Atlanta.
The door opens. There’s a squeal.
“You’re here!” Sophia pushes past the doorway to wrap her arms around me, bringing me into a warm hug. I embrace her tightly, not realizing how glad I am to have my best friend back. With everything going on lately, Sophia and I haven’t had time to catch up, not properly. Not like old times when we used to invite ourselves over to one another’s houses, gossiping and talking crap for hours.
A dark figure materializes behind her, walking down the corridor. Like a guard dog, Timur emerges and stares at me with calculating eyes. He has the same careful aura as Nikolai, cautious as to whom he invites in.
When his gaze flicks over to us, he extends his hand. “Come in.”
I step in, catching sight of Timur’s hand at Sophia’s lower back. It’s such a small gesture, but carries so much significance,and I can’t help but smile when I watch Sophia ease into him instinctively. It’s the small, unspoken things that indicate two people are in love.
I never expected this to happen. They’re clearly besotted with each other—I see that now. Timur might be a dangerous man, but he looks after Sophia, and somehow, that makes me feel happy for my bestie.
Sophia has filled the house with the scent of the roses growing outside, a fresh, floral smell filling every room we walk into. I catch sight of some of the bouquets gathered in vases on the windowsills, intricately trimmed and arranged. For a brief moment, I wonder if Timur comforts her like I used to whenever she cut her finger on a thorn.
Sophia directs us into the living room, where Nikolai and I take a seat on a leather couch. I expect him to sit at the other arm, putting distance between us, but he doesn’t. He sits right next to me, close enough for our thighs to almost touch.
I immediately notice as Sophia picks up on this.
I also notice how different she looks. Happier, more put together than she used to be during high school. She was uncertain during the wedding ceremony, her smiles not quite reaching her eyes, but they’re bright now, even when she’s not smiling.
Glancing at Nikolai, I place my palms on my thighs. “We have news.”
Sophia leans forward. “Do tell.”
Timur smirks at Nikolai as they share a look.
I motion for Sophia to come and sit next to me as I slip the envelope from my purse. Timur also comes up behind Nikolai, his tall frame looming over us like a dark shadow. He murmurs something to his boss in Russian. I hand Sophia the envelope, counting down the seconds before she squeals.
“A girl?! Oh my God, babe! Are you serious?” Sophia throws her arms around me. I can’t tell if this is a squeeze or a hug, or both. “Lauren!” She takes her chin from my shoulder, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. “This is amazing.”
Timur slaps Nikolai on the shoulder and they fall into Russian again.
“Da,”says Nikolai to Timur, which I now know means ‘yes.’
Timur leans closer to Nikolai’s ear, murmuring something low that softens his features. He pulls away, his voice returning to its original volume.
“Congratulations,bratan.She’s going to have the most terrifyingly protective father in the world.”
Nikolai shoves his comrade in the side, firing something back in Russian that has them both roaring with laughter. When they both settle down again, Timur jerks his head towards what I presume to be his office, and the two stand, heading away.
Nikolai meets my eyes before he leaves to enter the room, nodding at me with reassurance. It feels like we’re allies now.
Maybe even more.
As soon as the two men disappear into the office, Sophia squeals again. “Look at you, girl!” She grips both of my hands, smiling. “You are besotted.”
“Come on, Soph.” I roll my eyes to try and alleviate the blush I feel creeping up my neck, but it’s no good. She takes note of it, tilting her head. “Okay.” I hold up my hands, admitting defeat. “Maybe a little.” I lean in, whispering in her ear. “But only because he’s good in bed.” I joke.
“No wonder,” says Sophia.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Come on. They’re big, bad Russian men that look like demigods. Of course they’re going to be good in bed.”
“They?”I raise an eyebrow. Now it’s my turn to tease. “Look at me? Look atyou!Totally smitten!”
