Page 63 of The Mistake

“There’s a lot to do.”

“I know, and everything will be waiting foryou when you get back, but I’m not going to keep having work get in the way of what is important to me. Your marriage is important. You are to go to your country estate, stay there, and enjoy a honeymoon.” Ivan wrinkled his nose. “Personally I’d have suggested a private island, but I think you can’t run away from the beach, and that makes it more of a vacation. Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” Ivan asked.

Charlotte smiled and then turned to Ive. “Where would you like to go?”

I’d take her anywhere.“My country home sounds good.”

Her smile was still wide and this time, it did in fact, reach hereyes. I’d say that was pretty good progress.

“Fine, have it your way. You both may leave. I expect you gone by the end of the day. Victor is here to help take care of your territory while you’re away.”

“If I’m staying at my country home, I don’t need anyone else to take care of business.”

“You do, because I want you to focus on your wife,” Ivan said. “For the good of the Bratva.”

There was no arguing with the boss.He always had the final say on freaking everything.

****

Lottie

It didn’t take a genius towork out that Ive didn’t want to leave the city. Cassie wasn’t happy that I was leaving, but seeing as she now lived in the same building as me and Ive, she didn’t want to head back to the clubhouse either. Ive had told her she could stay for as long as she’d like.

I had a feeling she wasn’t ever leaving. I wonder what the club was like now that Dad was gone. Since he’d been killed I’d not been back home. Actually, since my kidnapping I’d not been back home. Being by Ive’s side was my home.

Ive wasn’t happy about that other brigadier being in his territory. We didn’t speak as we drove toward his country home. Ivan had given us orders that we were not to leave Ive’s estate. We were to treat this place as if it was a private island.

I know Ivan was upset with the place that I had chosen but it wasn’t like it was hard to figure out why I loved it here. For one, it was like a mansion all its own. The second reason was I truly loved this place. The third, it was the closest place I’d ever called home. Finally, this was the first place in my life that I’d ever been happy.

Of course, that could all be destroyed now, if Ive didn’t want me around.

Hubert was with us, and a few ofhis staff were there to greet us, including Michael, who pulled me in for a hug as I approached.

“I have missed your enjoyment of my food.” His accent had changed again, and now I didn’t have a cluewhat language he was studying.

Ive shook his hand.

“What would you like for this evening’s meal?” Michael asked.

“Steak and potatoes.”

I’d come to realize quite quickly that my husband loved his steak and potatoes. The only other meal he favored was a good burger and fries. Of course the cheeseburger was always a beef one, and he loved lots of cheese.

“And for my lady?” Michael asked.

“Surprise me.”

The chef winked at me and I smiled. In that moment, I felt like I had returned home, and that was a damn fine feeling. I didn’t want it to end, not ever.

“Come on,” Ive said, taking hold of my hand, and we entered his country home.

I noticedinstantly that my sticky labels were still in place.

Hubert took the lead as he made his way upstairs. Ive gave him a few seconds as he dismissed the staff. Once that was done, he kept hold of my hand as we made our way upstairs toward the main bedroom. This wasn’t the room I had stayed in before.

Hubert dropped the suitcases on the bed, and then turned to leave.He didn’t look at either of us.

“This isn’t my bedroom,” I said.

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