Page 151

Story: Climbing Everest

I turn my attention to the cousin and frown. There’s no way Kato would allow someone he didn’t trust in such close proximity to me. All three of them are super protective, but he’s made sure to vet every single person I’ve come into contact with including every single person who helped plan the ceremony and reception and all the way down to the people who did my hair and makeup.

Could there be another surprise waiting for me? That actually makes way more sense than my husbands allowing me to be stuck in a vehicle with someone they don’t trust.

The trip from the private landing strip to the isolated and private cabin takes just under thirty minutes. Honestly, though, I wouldn’t have minded if it had taken an hour. The entire drive was damn near as scenic as the destination.

Yeah, I’ve travelled with my parents in the past, but it’s not like I was ever given the opportunity to do what I wanted. It wasusually a business trip and I was sequestered away to whatever lodging my parents had reserved.

Sad to say this might very well be my first true vacation. I’m with my guys, I get to traipse around in a bikini and eat and drink to my heart’s content without my mom nagging me about being half-dressed in front of the guards or constantly being rushed from one location to another for meetings.

Seriously, though. Why the hell did they need to drag their young daughter to Bratva meetings? Weren’t they scared I could be hurt?

I know if –when– we become parents, there isn’t a chance in hell I’ll allow them anywhere near the dangerous aspects of the business.

All four men push from the vehicle and are instantly on alert. As I slide across the seat and look around, I notice men stationed around the property, all wearing black tees, black tactical pants, and armed with long range rifles and pistols.

The fuck?

“I thought we were safe here?” I whisper to Brix as I nudge him with my elbow and jerk my chin toward the guards.

“We are. But you didn’t think we’d take a chance with you, did you?”

His smile is sweet, but…tight. Like Maddox in the car, it feels more like he’s putting on a show.

Is he nervous? Are they nervous about our first vacation together?

Although maybe it’s the fact they’ll be away from business for ten whole days, leaving others in charge while we glut ourselves on food and alcohol and fuck like rabbits every day…

Andevery night.

Looping an arm through Brixton’s elbow, I let him lead me to the cabin sitting over the water on thick beams. It’s like we’ll be floating just above the surface.

Kato and Madd flank me on either side while Konstantin takes up the rear. I would think he’d lead the way, but it appears even here with the only people present they’ll always make sure I’m safe.

Seriously, though. Do they expect some enemy to jump from the trees? Maybe emerge from the ocean? I can’t see any other cabins or humans from our position.

I suppose after everything they’ve seen and done over the years, they’re more apt to be cautious rather than assume anywhere is safe.

As my flats clack against the wood walkway, Kato steps forward and Maddox falls back to make room since there’s no way four of us can squeeze through at once.

Kato pushes the doors open, revealing the epitome of luxury. Even in the middle of nowhere, it’s obvious Konstantin and his family spare no expense when it comes to their resorts.

The bed is an Alaskan king, just like the one my men ordered for our new bedroom – that will hopefully be done by the time we get home. There’s a couch positioned in front of a fireplace, though I don’t know why anyone would need a fire here. It’s balmy and so warm and I’m dying to slip into a bikini and dive headfirst into the water that’s as blue as Kato’s eyes.

There’s various other furniture that looks as though I could sink into the cushions like a cloud, and a full kitchen complete with a stove, fridge, and microwave.

A short hallway sits off to the left of the kitchen where I assume a bathroom is located. I can only imagine how ridiculously big the tub in there will be.

“This place is absolutely beautiful,” I say as I turn slowly.

The windows let in so much natural lighting, the floors look to be bamboo, and there’s the most heavenly scent of seawater and something fruity.

Yeah, I could definitely live here forever. How amazing would it be to stay sequestered away with my husbands for the rest of our lives?

“The fridge and pantry are stocked with staples, but let me know if there’s anything specific you want.” He jerks his chin toward Kato. “He has my number.” He then focuses his attention on my men, as though I’m no longer here. “My guys will stay where you position them. Let me know when it’s time.”

And with that last cryptic statement, he steps through the front door, pulling it closed behind him.

Time for what? Butterflies erupt in my stomach at all the possible surprises these three might have come up with as a wedding gift. Obviously, nothing living, no puppy or pony or whatever being as we’d have to fly it back.