Page 78 of Runaway Queen

He leaned back, resting against the counter and crossing his arms. “Believe it or not, I’m a big boy and don’t get scared of needles. Getting a sticker was fun, though.”

“Very funny. I mean… are you okay really?” I didn’t really know what I was asking, only that Nikolai seemed calmer than I’d seen him since he’d returned to my life. There was a contentedness about him that made me feel soothed inside.

We both looked at the full, noisy table.

Nikolai discreetly took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. “A month ago, I’d have said no, and seriously doubt if I ever would be again. Now… Yes. I’m okay.Budet zima, budet leto.There will be winter, there will be summer.”

“Meaning?”

People called us to join them. Leo was laughing, and Bran and Chiara were arguing, while Angelo poured wine liberally into glasses.

“Meaning, you, Sofia… are my summer.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. Like always, he stole my words and my heart at the same time.

“Nikolai!” Leo’s voice carried across the din. “You can sit next to me.”

Nikolai immediately turned toward the sound of his son’s voice. “With pleasure.”

He squeezed my hip and headed to the end of the table, where Leo was grinning at him madly.

Finally, everyone had a plate, a drink, and was ready to eat.

“Can I propose a toast?” Bran said, rising to his feet. “It’ll be short, because this food is too good not to eat immediately.”

“Go head then,” Nikolai said and waved to his friend. “He won’t stop until he’s done it,” he explained.

“To friends, old and new. To good health and many more dinners to come. To family, wherever you find it, no matter the distance or time apart.” Bran’s words seemed to hold us all spellbound for a second.

“Slainte!’ Bran grinned and raised his glass.

“Salute,” Angelo followed, kissing Chiara on the forehead as she clinked her glass against his.

I turned to Nikolai. “Cheers.”

“Na Zdorovie,”Nikolai raised his glass to mine.

27

NIKOLAI

Islept with Sofia. She didn’t seem worried that Leo would wonder why someone was sharing her room. I took my cue from her.

When dawn was just peaking over the horizon, with my beloved held tightly in my arms, I heard the soft sound of the door creaking open. My hand closed around the pistol under my pillow. Thankfully, before I could level it at whoever had come in, a tiny voice reached my ears.

“Psst, Nikolai! Wake up!”

Releasing my grip on the hidden gun, I shifted carefully and sat up. Leo stood in the doorway, his hair tousled and adorable. He waved at me. I waved back. My heart tightened painfully.

He beckoned me with a mischievous grin. The kid looked like trouble. I couldn’t wait to see what he was up to. I followed him quietly. He took us downstairs to the kitchen.

“Let’s make my mom breakfast. She never stays in bed late.”

“Okay, let’s do it. What do you want to make her?”

Leo considered it for a moment. “Toast?”

“Toast? I think we can do better than that. What aboutblinchiki? Pancakes.”

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