Page 76 of Reclaiming Izabel

“It’s not. In fact, Maddox, could you please retrieve the box in my vehicle? Marissa wanted to send you guys something for the house and the baby.”

“Why didn’t you bring it in yourself?” I asked, baffled.

Viktor grimaced, didn’t say another word, and pivoted to walk out the door. We followed him to his SUV, and I realized why Viktor didn’t want to be caught dead holding the box.

“My wife’s been messing with me,” he muttered. “It was enough I had to carry that thing from the loft to the car.”

In the cargo area sat a big box wrapped in pink wrapping paper with a unicorn print. If that wasn’t enough, a large white bow finished the look. I couldn’t help cracking up with the vision of Viktor carrying that thing.

I leaned in and lifted the box from the SUV. “You should try having kids, Viktor. Then you’ll get over this aversion to pink wrapping paper.”

Fuck offViktor mouthed as he slammed the back closed and opened the driver’s door.

“Care for a drink? Scotch? Beer?”

Viktor shook his head. “Marissa’s expecting me back tonight.”

“I’m touched,” I teased. “You mean you came all the way down from DC just to deliver this?”

Viktor emitted a wry chuckle. “Yeah. Guess I’m getting soft in my later years.”

I barked a laugh as the other man started the engine and backed out of our driveway.

“That was a weird visit,” Izabel said, bemused as we went inside.

I didn’t answer. It was Viktor’s personality. Beyond the cold façade that he projected, there was a man who cared deeply.

Izabel

I snuggled close to Drake,our bodies still glistening with a sheen of sweat from making love. He loved me slow and sweet, which wasn’t our usual style, but, given how hectic the day had been, I welcomed the pace. Usually I’d fall asleep after sex, especially since Ana Lisa sucked up so much of my energy, but the appearance of Viktor had started the gears in my head, trying to understand this sudden peace that had settled in my heart.

“Full circle,” I whispered.

“What was that, baby?” Drake murmured drowsily as he shifted beside me.

“There was always that niggle of fear,” I said. “I told you this, but this last year, it hasn’t been about my trust in you. You’ve had it. Ever since I drew those plans for this house, I was ready for a new beginning with you.”

Drake was silent, then with a heavy exhale, he said, “Not quite following, Iza.”

“I didn’t trust the people who’d influenced your decision to leave me.”

“Viktor?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “I know you’ve always been annoyed at him, but I see a grudging respect.”

“Grudging is right,” Drake muttered.

I laughed softly. “He’s not all that bad, it seems.”

“Is it because he got Ana Lisa that electric car?”

“No. It’s because I see how he loves his wife.”

“Because he carried that pink box for her? If that’s all it takes to prove how much I love you and Ana Lisa, I’d carry a damn pink box every day.”

I pressed my body closer. “Have I told you how much I love our life?”

“I’d rather you say you love me.” There was amusement in his voice.

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