Page 114 of Mountain Mens' Curvy Obsession

“I understand there was a skirmish with some Sokolov leftovers?” Nico asks. “Sheriff Mills has been keeping an eye on things in New York, just to make sure there’s no blowback on Seeley Lake.”

Zoya sighs deeply. “Yes, a former mistress of Max Sokolov tried to stage a coup against Lev Fedorov over a particular piece of Sokolov territory. Evgeny was brilliant in his strategy and avoided bloodshed. She is now rotting in federal prison, while Lev promised to be the godfather to Evgeny’s firstborn son as a show of gratitude.”

“Wow, he’s really getting around then. Good. I’m honestly happy for you, Grandma.”

“Me, too. Maybe this time I can actually retire and enjoy that Hamptons beach house without fearing for my safety,” she grumbles, but one look at baby Alex and she softens yet again. “There is another reason for my visit here, Anya. Not that seeing you and this perfect little creature isn’t reason enough.”

“Oh?”

“How is your art class at the community center going?” Zoya asks.

“Surprisingly well, actually. The sheriff’s niece has been volunteering and keeping the operation going when I’m on maternity leave,” I say. “She’s doing a great job of it, too.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. Perhaps she wouldn’t mind taking over for you for a while longer?”

“Why would she?”

“I did what you asked,” Zoya says, her lips curled into a coy smile. “I used Aleks’s inheritance to put together an art scholarship for a dozen children in need. It covers their full tuition all the way to a master’s degree, should any of them wish to pursue it.”

“Grandma, what does that have to do with me and the community center?”

“The community center will soon receive a hefty donation to continue running without any issues for the next ten years, at least. I set up a charitable foundation in Aleks’s name and put the scholarships and the Seeley Lake community under its purview. It’s my way of trying to get you to say yes.”

“Yes to what?” I nervously laugh. “I’m not coming back to the Bratva, if that’s what you want.”

“She got Evgeny for that,” Nico reminds me.

I shrug. “Which makes me more confused. Grandma, what’s going on?”

“There’s a full ride at the New York Institute of Fine Arts waiting for you, should you want it,” Zoya finally says. “Four years, plus a year’s worth of practice and a Guggenheim novice art show opportunity, just for you.”

I’m stunned. My heart’s about to explode with joy, but the reality of my new life is never too far behind. I want to leap from my seat, but I’ve already made some choices here. Choices I don’t regret for a second.

“Zoya my life is here.”

“It can be anywhere you want it to be,” Nico calmly intercedes.

“Wait, you knew about this?” I gasp.

“It’s not for me to decide, but Zoya did call and talk to us about it before she came here,” he says. “It’s up to you, though.”

“Wait, Booker and Chance are also aware?”

“Yes, my love,” he replies and gently kisses my cheek.

“But our lodge, the baby, the community center…”

Zoya nods slowly. “It’s an option I wanted to bring to you, darling. With everything that happened, you never got to complete your education. I want you to have every opportunity at your fingertips. I want to give you what that Sokolov monster took away from you. And I don’t want you to look back ten or twenty years from now and think you could have done more. You deserve more, and I am proud and honored to be able to provide it. But it is your decision to take this opportunity or not. I will love and support you either way.”

The New York Institute isn’t just an opportunity. It’s a beacon for every aspiring artist. A chance to get on the art scene radar and build an extraordinary career in the field. I’d be connected to every important agent and manager. I’d be showing my work at every major art show and festival all over the world. It’s the golden ticket to real success. This would be my shot.

“Anya, I want you to do what you feel is best for you,” Nico says after a long pause. “And I know Chance and Booker will agree. We’ve already talked about this.”

“You have?”

“Yes. If you decide to stay here, we’ll stay here. If you want to move to New York for this opportunity, we’ll move with you,” Nico says. “You’re a free woman, and you get to decide. But we’re with you, every step of the way.”

Before Dalton, I was looking forward to art school. I’d already been accepted at several colleges and universities. The world was my oyster, and I was about to jump into it head-first.

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