“First, stop calling mewoman. I have a name. Second, he’s too young by at least ten years,” Abbie snaps at Alek.
Giving up the hope that this will be a peaceful dinner, I cut into my steak and pop the bite into my mouth.
Abbie glances around the dining hall, then points at Instructor Nikolai. “That’s the kind of man I’m interested in.”
I swallow, then comment, “I thought you hated him.”
She scrunches her nose. “Nah, it’s a love-hate relationship.”
“Does Nikolai know he’s in a relationship with you?” Alek taunts her.
Jesus Christ, I’m not going to win with these two.
Alek catches my exasperated expression and shrugs, “I’m just asking a question.”
“I didn’t say we’re dating,” Abbie mutters.
“Interesting fact.” I’m just about to think Armani’s changing the subject when he says, “Did you know Nikolai was married?”
“What?” Abbie gasps.
“His wife died days after they got married. She had a heart problem. Word is he hasn’t looked at another woman since.”
“Oh wow, that’s so tragic,” Aurora murmurs.
“Yeah, unless he’s here, he’s at home with his family,” Alek adds. “The man doesn’t let anyone in. I can understand why.”
My eyes lock with Alek’s, and for a split-moment, I see the pain he keeps hidden before it’s gone.
People think Alek is cruel, but he’s just broken.
For a blessed minute, everyone eats, then Abbie asks, “What time are we leaving on Saturday?”
“Ten?” Aurora asks, looking at me for approval.
“Ten works,” I murmur, watching as she takes a bite of her food. “Enjoying it?”
She nods, a beautiful smile tugging at her lips.
Chapter 29
Misha
The moment we’re done eating, I take Aurora’s hand and pull her to her feet. “Have a good night, everyone.”
She only has time to wave at Abbie before I drag her out of the dining hall. I head for one of the exits on the side of the castle, and once we’re outside, I let out a relieved breath.
“That went better than I thought it would,” Aurora mentions.
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I chuckle, “Alek was a second away from killing Abbie.”
Aurora snuggles into my side as we walk down a path. “Those two are like oil and fire. There’s bound to be an explosion.”
Unable to avoid the matter for much longer, I say, “There’s something we have to talk about.”
She tilts her head back to meet my eyes. “What?”
“There’s still a hit out on Abbie’s family. Viktor only canceled the one on you.”