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“Thank you,” I nod.

He hands me a present. “I recommend waiting to open this in a non-public place.”

I peak into the large bag and see a gun case–like one of the many that Hunter has. I stand up straight. “Oh, thank you.”

“I may not approve of this situation, but if you are a part of this ... family and associated with the business, you’ll want to have that,” he says calmly.

It’s the closest to his approval that I’ve gotten. I nod and shake his hand. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon, Mr. Volkov.”

“Oh, Vlad, you’re so sweet,” Vanya gushes.

Hunter and Chase stay close to my side until I’m picked up and squeezed. “Val!”

Gunner’s happiness overrides all my worry in one instance. Maybe this party will be great instead of a horrible heaping of expectations from my in-laws.

THIRTEEN

Hunter

I shootGunner a glare as he spins Valerie around. When he sets her down, she points at him. “Down boy.”

“Still with the puppy jokes?” He groans, despite his very warm and eager smile. “You’re lucky we’re celebrating you and your men.”

“My men are watching,” Valerie warns.

“They’re jealous I still have the energy to spin you like that,” he says.

Roman walks up to him. “Let the bride-to-be go, Gunner.”

Gunner pouts. “I’m not flirting, Valerie is my bestie now.”

I roll my eyes and wrap my arm around my fiancée. “It’s good to see you all.”

“Where’s Sophie?” Valerie asks.

“I’m hurt, Val. You wound me, you know that?” Gunner asks.

“Get used to it. You’re hands off the rest of the night,” I warn him with a wink.

Gunner holds his hands up. Holden appears next and shakes Chase’s hand. Roman stands next to Lief and they talk about ... something. I don’t know what two quiet giants have to talk about in general, but neither looks bothered.

Sophie comes in with Nick and I lose track of my fiancée just like that. Gunner sighs. “Man, you’re going to love being married. You guys are going to have so much fun.”

“I believe it,” I say as a smile spreads across my face. “I do. I can’t wait to be married to her. If our previous trips prove anything, it’s that we can have a great time anywhere.”

“Then marriage will be for you. The advice my parents didn’t give me but should have is to always make time for fun. Whether it’s chores, random Tuesdays, all that shit matters, Hunter. Holidays, anniversaries, vacations, the big moments are great, but the little moments, what seems insignificant, they matter too.”

I blink at him in surprise. It sounds almost obvious out loud, but I’ve gotten next to no advice on marriage. My father wasn’t married, no one I knew was married. I’ve been planning to just continue our relationship with a fancier title.

“Thanks, that’s great advi-”

“Also, surprises. I’m so serious. Sophie loves surprises. You know Nick is so determined he brings her flowers every week.” Gunner says.

Nick sighs. “Talking about me because you’re so boring?”

Gunner shoots Nick a glare. “Why am I the butt of the jokes today?”

“When aren’t you a butt?” Nick asks.

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