“You aren’t pushing anymore—you’re done.” He says sternly.
He pulls me out of my chair and my legs ache from sitting down for too long. He wraps his arms around me and I melt against him, breathing in his scent.
“We still have the dinner tonight at my brother’s place. Are you up for it? I can cancel if you like. We can snuggle up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, watching horror movies all night, “ he grins, looking hopeful. I know he hates all of this socializing.
“We are going,” I laugh. “Don’t use me as an excuse to get out of it.”
He chuckles, hugging me tighter. “Fine. Then you definitely have to stop studying now. It’s almost time to start getting ready.”
“It can’t be that late,” I say in shock, glancing down at my watch.
But it is—I can’t believe the entire day has just disappeared.
I groan loudly, leaning more into Oleg.
He laughs, picking me up in his arms. “I’ll help you with the shower.” He grins as he carries me towards the bedroom.
I squeal and wiggle away from him. “If you help me with the shower, we will never get out of the shower,” I laugh, escaping his grip.
“That was my plan.”
I gently push his chest and throw him a naughty smile.
“You have to wait until we get home. If you’re good you’re nice to everyone at the dinner, then I will reward you with something extra special,” I laugh.
“Hey, I’m always nice—but fine—I accept your deal.” He slaps my butt cheek as I walk away from him to go and get ready.
Later that night we arrive at Leon’s house just as the last light is fading from the sky.
I can see my brothers are already here. Their cars are all parked in the driveway, scattered between Oleg’s brothers' cars.
Oleg and I walk into the dinner party and I grin when I see Anya and Ruslana sitting together, laughing over a cocktail. Those two get on far too well. They are trouble—I can just see it.
I walk right over to them and hug them both tightly.
“Are you two causing trouble?”
“Who us? Never,” Anya laughs, winking at Ruslana.
“Well, I’m just happy that both of my sisters are getting along,” I say, sitting down to join them. Oleg comes to hand me a drink, smiles at me, leans over to kiss me and then disappears to talk to the brothers.
“Is everyone getting along?” I ask Anya, who has been here the longest and can update me on things.
“Actually, yes. Alexei and Rad seem to get on like a house on fire. I don’t know if that’s good or not. Overall, all of our brothers are tensely getting on. Like there is awkwardness—but it’s not bad. Definitely an improvement every time we have a dinner,” she laughs.
“And you?” I raise my brows towards her.
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t even get me started. I am not ready to get on with your brothers yet. I’m happy just being friends with your sister.”
Ruslana smiles and lifts her glass towards Anya. “Cheers to that. Who needs boys anyway?”
I roll my eyes at both of them.
“You two might need boys if you don’t want to be single for the rest of your lives,” I laugh, standing up to go and find my husband.
“I’ll get married when a man comes along who deserves me,” Anya calls after me. I shake my head and wave my hand to dismiss her silliness.
I do hope she finds someone amazing one day. She deserves it.