Page 11 of Gambit's Property

“Eastport Campus Nurse,” a woman answers the phone.

“Hello, do you give birth control shots?”

“Have you had them before and see a doctor? Or do you need to come in and see the NP?”

“I’ve had them before. I can have my records forwarded to you.” At least I hope they’ll send my records.

“Okay. The next availability I have is in October.”

“But I’ll be over a month and a half overdue at that point.” I huff in exasperation.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. We don’t have anything until then.”

“Fine.”

I give her my name and set up an appointment, putting it not only in my phone but on my paper planner too. She tells me I’ll have to have a pregnancy test before they’ll give me the shot, and I laugh. You have to have sex to get pregnant, I almost say. I can’t believe I missed my other appointment. I don’t care what they say, I didn’t cancel it. I take the shot for control of my period. I have less migraines when I’m on the shot too. We found out when I first started cycling that I get hormonal migraines. I need the shot.

I hang up as a knock sounds on my door. I look through the peephole before opening it.

“Babushka!” I throw open the door, excited to see her, and jump into her arms as I squeal.

She hugs me back. I had classes today, or I would’ve gotten to see her sooner. She’s been here since the day after I spent with Gray and Erika. I also kept making excuses not to visit with her, but I can’t hide from her for long.

“What was myvelikiy rebenokdoing that was so important she couldn’t come spend time with herbabushka?” Her words hit close, and I want to cry, but I don’t. She called me her grandbaby.

Ley taught me Russian when I first moved to the United States with her. It was a way for us to get to know each other more. I taught her my Gheg Albanian. It helped us share parts of each other and started a connection between us. I know my mother begged her with her dying breath to take care of me, but Ley didn’t have to. She did, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

“I had an important class so that I can do a fellowship next semester,” I explain as I turn to grab my bag. I’ll be staying atErika and Gray’s place, where I’ll get to spend more time withBabushka. Ley is working most of the week, and I’m avoiding her.

Ever since she dropped me off at our place after Gavin showed up, she’s been asking me what was going on between us. I told her the truth. Nothing. I didn’t tell her what happened before. I don’t tell her that I feel like he’s always around, because I kind of like it. I like that he’s close by. I don’t know how he’ll do that when I’m at Erika and Gray’s. Not only does Gray utilize Ley’s security services, but they also have a family bodyguard from Andrei.

Ley won’t say it, but I’ve heard and learned enough on my own to know that our family is part of the Las Vegas Bratva, the Russian mob. I know Andrei runs a private card room. I’ve read articles online about him in my search to know more about my new family. Many sources stated he’s a ruthless leader of the Bratva, but he’s moving them into a modern age that his father couldn’t do.

As we step out of the dorm building, I look around for Gavin. I don’t see him, but I feel him. Every morning, I wake up and feel like he’s right there with me. I smell him on my pillows and sometimes on me. This morning, I woke up, and sitting on my desk was a note with a heart on it. I don’t remember drawing it, so it had to be him.

When we climb into the back of the blacked-out SUV, I try to watch behind us to see if he follows, but I don’t see his bike.

“What are you looking for,malen'kiy?”Babushka’s voice has a touch of concern to it as she looks back too. This time she called me little one, which is her nickname for me.

“Nothing.”

“What is this outfit? It’s different than what you usually wear.” She points to my black skater skirt, black top, and leatherbiker jacket. I saw the coat and had to have it. It reminds me of a smaller version of Gavin’s.

“I decided I need to dress to impress.”

“Impress who?” she asks as she tips her head to the side and raises a brow.

I wonder if Ley put her up to questioning me to find out if Gavin and I are involved, or if I have any other boyfriends. I loveBabushka. She and I have always had a relationship where I tell her everything. But I can’t tell her this.

“No one in particular. I’ll be applying for my master’s soon, and I want the professors to know I’m serious, not just a fun party girl.”

After years of wearing uniforms at all the private schools, I like that I get to choose what I want to wear. I know my preferred style isn’t very professional, but it’s me.

“I like it.” She smiles, and I take in her outfit. She’s always impeccably dressed in beautiful, tailored outfits and pantsuits.

“Me too. You should see the sweater dress I got for when it gets a bit cooler. I just need some cute boots to wear with it.”

“Then that’s what we’ll go look for today. We need to pick up Erika from the shop and get her away from Gray for a bit.” She chuckles at the last part.

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