Page 226 of The Umarova Crime Family

“When we were in Italy, Rolando would go to that bakery in town. It made me realize just how much baking is important to me. I used to do it all the time with my adoptive mother when we were back in Prague, and I miss it. I miss being able to be in the kitchen for hours on end.”

Ambros tilts his head and presses his lips together. “Do you miss being in the kitchen, or do you miss the experience with your adoptive mother?”

Ouch. I wasn’t expecting that. I lick my lips and think about what he’s asking me. “Maybe a little bit of both.”

“I see. Well, if you’re asking for my advice, you know I’m going to tell you to follow your dreams. Life is too short to live with regrets. If owning a bakery or being a pastry chef will make you happy, then you should do it and not let anyone talk you out of it either.” I don’t know who Ambros thinks is going to talk me out of this, but no one is going to be successful at it, even if they do try.

“I won’t. I really think I could be so happy doing this,” I declare with a smile. I feel like a child on their birthday, when they know they’re about to get some of the best presents in the world.

“Good. That’s the only thing that matters,” Ambros declares.

The doorbell to my apartment rings out, signaling some of my family members are here.

I stop what I’m doing and tuck away the remaining bit of my turnover, then head to the door. Ambros comes with me, always sticking close by when Rolando isn’t around. It’s Ruslan, Amelia, and the kids. They also have their security guard with them, who is carrying a few platters of food.

“Hey! I’m so glad you both finally made it back,” Amelia states, pulling me into a hug and then giving Ambros one. Friendliness is so natural to her, and I sometimes wish I could be as welcoming as Amelia is. I have far too many trust issues for that.

“We’re both happy you made it back safely,” Ruslan adds, looking at me and then over at Ambros. “I appreciate everything you did to ensure Xava made it back in one piece. I will never forget what you’ve done for my sister, Ambros.”

“It was nothing. I would have done it anyway,” Ambros states.

Amelia bites her bottom lip as she tries to hide a smile, looking at me and then at Ambros. “I have to know… does this mean what I think it means?” It does, and I can’t wait until we officially say it.

“Depends on what you’re asking,” Ambros replies.

“You two are an item, right?” There’s a glint in Amelia’s eyes, which gives away she’s hoping it’s true.

She wants me to be with Ambros, which makes my heart flutter. For the first time, someone in my family is being completely supportive of this. When I spoke with my siblings a couple weeks ago, it seemed like my going out on dates with Ambros could create some conflict, though I’m glad it isn’t. Maybe my family is finally starting to warm up to the idea that Ambros makes me happy and might be good for me.

“Yes, we are. Officially,” Ambros says while grabbing my hand.

My heart swells three times as big, and I don’t know if I’ve ever been this happy before. I’m elated, and I can’t wait for the future with him. I feel as though we’ve already gone through so much together, and going through more will only make us stronger.

“Congrats! I’m so happy for you.” Amelia is all smiles, while Ruslan is a bit quieter on the issue.

“Can we speak in private?” Ruslan asks.

My stomach immediately drops because I don’t know what he wants. Is he about to tell me he doesn’t think Ambros is suitable for me or that he’s bad news? I guess I should have expected it, but I’m just going to have to stick up for Ambros.

“Sure. Let’s go this way,” I say as I release Ambros’ hand and walk through my apartment. I head into my bedroom, and once my brother is inside, I shut the door behind me so we have some privacy. “Now, if you’re going to lecture me about being with Ambros, I really don’t want to hear it. He’s a great fit for me, and he makes me happy. So whatever you’re going to try to do to deter me from being with him won’t work.”

Ruslan raises both of his brows and begins laughing. “I wasn’t bringing up Ambros at all. If anything, I was going to ask you if you’ve thought about anything career or school-wise. I thought maybe being away for a little while might have helped you think better or at least figure it out.” Ruslan shrugs, and I take a breather.

Okay, so I don’t have to be in defensive mode right now. Cool.

“Um, I actually have an idea. Something I want to explore at least.”

“Go on,” Ruslan urges me.

“I want to go to school to become a pastry chef. I’m not sure if I want to own my own business or work for someone else, but I have a lot of fun doing it, and it’s something I can see myself doing for many years to come.”

There’s not one peep of sound transpiring between us, and the quieter Ruslan is, the more I begin to worry.

“Have you looked into many schools?”

“There’s a couple in France that I like. I haven’t made any decisions yet, though.”

“Okay, that’s a good start. If you decide to open your own business, what would your plan be?”

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