Page 118 of Nikola

“I’m feeling too far away from her,” I answered honestly, caught off guard.

“Then go get her, you blind idiot.” I shook my head. I was a selfish bastard, but could I be that fucking selfish to tie her to me in this state? “Did you know she’s been taking her classes remotely from Italy? Word on the street is that she’ll finish up without coming back to the States.”

I didn’t ask why. I’d had two months’ worth of practice successfully avoiding the topic of Skye Leone. Despite my parents and hers bombarding me with unsolicited updates.

If only I could forget her. That woman lived rent free in my head.

I kept telling myself if I maintained my distance, then maybe, just maybe, Skye would forget all about me and move on. But I was a slave to this love for her. During the day, it was easier not to think about her, but at night, I remembered everything. Every smile, every word, and every moment we’d ever shared.

Fuck.

Growing up and seeing my parents and my aunts and uncles in loving marriages, I thought falling in love was great. Nobody ever said it hurt like a motherfucker.

“Nikola, are you listening?” Gabriel asked. “You must be quite unwell to be acting so fucking tame.”

“You know who won’t be doing well?” I asked casually, and Gabriel flicked me a curious look.

“Who?”

“You, because I’m about to shoot your Colombian ass if you don’t get out of here.” Unfortunately, my words didn’t have the desired effect because he remained sitting.

“Trust me and my Latin roots, nephew,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Stop trying to be a martyr or whatever the hell you’re trying to be, and just work shit out with Skye. You love her, she loves you… it’s quite simple.”

“Yes, it would be if I could protect her,” I hissed. “I couldn’t even protect her from her great-grandmother. I’d been digging for the identity of The Duchess and then boom… Skye almost got killed.” I pointed to my lap. “Imagine how efficient I would be with these useless legs.”

“Hire extra bodyguards,” he argued back.

“I don’t want her to settle with me,” I admitted. “To pity me because of my… disability.”

He rolled his eyes.

“She loves you, not your legs.” That was Gabriel for you. A fucking comedian. “I’m sure they’re great legs, but your heart is probably even greater.” He shifted, pushing his hand through his hair uncomfortably. We usually steered clear from discussing emotions. “Or maybe it’s just your dick she wants. Whatever.”

I narrowed my eyes on my friend. “This conversation is over. If you don’t get the fuck out of here, I’m going to?—”

He stood up, brushing the nonexistent wrinkles off his suit.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re going to shoot me because I brought up one name that nobody dares to utter around you despite your impending marriage.” He made his way to the door and then flicked me a glance over his shoulder. “The wedding is happening, you know. With or without you.”

“The wedding won’t happen,” I hissed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“She won’t wait forever.”

“That’s the point,” I grumbled, just as the door to the office opened and my father appeared. The two shared a glance, and Gabriel gave him a subtle shake of the head. I should have known. Why couldn’t anyone mind their own fucking business?

“See you at the wedding, Nikola.”

I didn’t get to ask whose before he disappeared and my father took his previously occupied seat.

“Remind me to change the locks on that door,” I muttered, turning to my laptop screen.

“Nikola, we have to talk.”Jesus Christ. I felt like I’d aged twenty years since November. “You know your mother and I love you.”

“Of course. I love you guys too.”

“And I don’t say this enough, because you always manage to somehow drive me crazy beforehand, but I am proud of you, son. I’ve always been proud of you.”

“If Mom shows up now and starts fawning over me, I’m going to lock you both out of this office.”