Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Slamming the stop button on the treadmill, I step off as I shake my head hard to get the unwelcome thoughts out of my mind.
Just then, the fourth-year attendees start to arrive, and I instantly notice the grim expressions on the three bratva trainees' faces.
Misha looks like he could murder someone, and Alek gives me the impression he just killed some poor fucker. Armani, the level-headed one between the three, lets out a sigh, shaking his head at his friends.
The two yakuza men and the Albanian sex trafficker enter the room. Knowing how volatile the group is, I’m relieved to see Misha and his friends didn’t kill one of the yakuza soldiers.
They probably ran into the mafia princesses.
Locking eyes with the bratva enforcers, I say, “I take it you saw Sartori and D’Angelo?”
Misha nods, the expression on his face darkening.
Abigail and Aurora’s fathers were responsible for a bombing two years ago when they tried to kill Misha and his friends. Since then, things have been gravely strained between the bratva and the women’s fathers.
“Stay away from those women,” I warn them. My cousin will lose his shit if his three men try to take out the enemy’s daughters on St. Monarch’s grounds. “Focus on your training.”
“Yes, sir,” Armani answers.
Knowing Alek is the most unpredictable one, I say, “Alek, you’re with me.” I pair up the rest of the men, then order, “Fight until there’s a knock-out.”
Chapter 2
Abbie
I spent last night at Aurora’s suite because she needed comfort after the crazy first day at St. Monarch’s. While she gets ready, I head back to my own suite to do the same.
I’ve known Aurora all my life. We attended a boarding school in Austria where we shared a room, so she’s more than my best friend. She’s my sister, my soulmate, the yin to my yang.
Yesterday she came face to face with Misha Petrov, who seems to be the love of her life. Yeah, color me surprised. My best friend, soul-sister, and twinsie has been in love for two years.
Twenty-four months, and I never knew!
After the volatile encounter, she spilled the beans about her feelings for the guy. It stings a little that she never told me he was her first kiss, but she’s always been on the shy side, unlike me, who has no filter.
But I mean, come on. Out of all the men in the world, my friend had to fall for a bratva enforcer?
Honestly, I’m worried there might not be a happy ending for her first love.
Walking into my suite, I still have to unpack and grab the nearest bag that holds all my painting supplies. My parents like to refer to my love of painting as a ‘time-waisting hobby,’ but it’s my passion. I wish they’d understand that.
I don’t want to take over the family business, but my father doesn’t want to hear anything about what I want.
Instead, he’s sent me to this place – St. Monarch’s, a castle that’s been converted into a five-star resort and training center for elite criminals and mafia families. As long as you have enough money to afford St. Monarch’s, you’re welcome.
I’m looking forward to all the pampering but not the training.
At least I get to see Aurora every day.
Two years ago, we snuck out of my house to go to a nightclub. It’s where she met Misha, and it was apparently love at first sight. Little did I know there would be a bombing. My father lost his shit, and I was practically locked up for the past two years. Not because he loves me but because he doesn’t want his enemies to get the upper hand by killing his only child.
Even if I don’t like the idea of training to take over the family business, I’m super happy to be at St. Monarch’s with Aurora. At least I don’t have to watch my mother drink herself to death while my father greedily looks for any way to make money. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t sold me off to the highest bidder.
I’m just worried about my friend, seeing as Misha was as cold as ice toward her. Part of me wants to encourage her to go after the man she wants, but the other part wants to protect her from the potential heartache.
It’s not my place to tell Aurora what to do, though. I can only give her advice and support whatever decision she makes.
Hmm…where should I set up my easel?
I glance around the luxurious suite and decide the massive floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room area would be best. During the day, it will be easy to carry everything out on the balcony, where I’ll have a perfect view of the gardens.
Clearing the decanter filled with whiskey and matching crystal glasses from the glass liquor table, I arrange all my brushes and oil paints on it. I set up my easel with a blank canvas, a smile spreading over my face as excitement rushes through my chest to capture the beauty of St. Monarch’s gardens on canvas.