Page 8 of Sapphire

We walk out of the bar onto the busy street. The spring air has some warmth to it as we walk down the cobblestone lane. We stop in front of two shiny motorcycles.

“This is yours?”

He gives me a devilish smile. “Jump on, moyo zoloste.”

“What does that mean?”

“My gold.” He smiles, holding my hand as I jump onto the back of his bike. It’s an interesting term of endearment, I guess Russians are not known for their flowery, romantic overtures. He jumps onto the bike and pulls my arms tight around his muscular abs. Turning his head as he revs the bike’s engine, he says, “I called you my gold because I think you might be precious to me.”

My stomach does somersaults as the bike launches us into the night.

* * *

Two months later

“I can’t believe he’s taking you to meet his family in Russia,” Gracie squeals down the phone.

“I know. Everything has happened so quickly. I think I’m in love.”

“You’re so lucky. I haven’t heard from Dmitri.” Gracie sounds sad over Dmitri’s lack of communication.

I don’t want to tell her that every time I see him, he’s had a new woman on his arm. She was smitten with him when she was here.

“Forget about him. I’m sure there is a heap of hot men in The Hague.”

“None are as good in bed as Dmitri. I’m guessing that’s because he’s had a lot of practice.” She sighs.

“You’d be right there.”

“Fine, message received, get over the hot Russian. He was just a holiday fling. Go have fun with your boyfriend. I’ll live vicariously through you.” She sighs.

“There’s someone out there for you.”

Grace scoffs and makes gagging sounds on the end of the phone. “Just remember I’m maid of honor at your wedding to Nikolai.”

“Wedding?”

“The rate you two are moving, I wouldn’t be surprised if he proposed after meeting the parents. That boy has fallen hard for you.”

My heart thuds in my chest at the thought. I’m not sure what I would say if he did.Yes. You’d say yes.We’ve only been together for a short time though.When you know, you know.I’m in love with Nikolai, no one has ever made me feel the way he does before. We had an instant connection since we met, but still, there’s something that I can’t put my finger on that I’m not sure of. Probably just the speed in which we are moving. I’m second-guessing it all.

“This isn’t a fairytale.”

“But he’s your prince.” My sister giggles.

Yeah, he is.

Ugh. When did I become one of those girls?When Nikolai came into your life.My inner thoughts make me want to gag. I’m so loved up.

“I’ll call you when I get back. Love you,” I tell my sister as we finish our phone call.

* * *

“Are you ready?” Nikolai asks as we step onto the plane.

“Yeah, I’m excited to see where you’re from. I’ve never been to Russia before.”

Nikolai takes hold of my hand protectively as we walk down the aisle. We stop at the luxury seats as Nikolai ushers me toward them.

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