Page 101 of Queen’s Gambit

“Don’t be.”

“Well, as long as you don’t plan on running away with Ted. Otherwise, I’ll have to take him outside and let him find the ocean.”

“I think my crazy is rubbing off on you.”

“No….” I shook my head. “You reached into my chest and captured my soul as your own. I love you, Ana.”

“I love you more.”

“Impossible.”

Yulianna

I ached all over in the best way possible.

When Eddie said he could go all night if I wanted, I’d thought he was boasting, but I should’ve known better. There was literally nothing in the world he couldn’t do once he set his mind to it.

He was so close to taking the reins of power from his father and becoming a Don. Mr. Genovese had already announced Eddie as his successor when he retired next year. That put him in the perfect position to eventually move up to a Don of Dons. It would be tricky, even with all of his hard work. Enemies would be made and there would be new alliances as well. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t happen before my wedding to Christov.

I giggled as the pedicurist found a ticklish spot on my foot.

Ella touched my arm and then looked around conspiratorially before she started to sign.

Eddie is here, isn’t he?

I blushed.

What makes you say that?

You’re glowing brighter than the sun. Is he why we’re here?

I bit my lip and nodded.

I did want to see you again before my wedding to jerk face. But yes, Eddie is here. My mother is being shockingly supportive.

Ella looked over at my mom, who had her eyes closed while her hands were massaged after the manicure.

She loves you. I think she’s felt as trapped by her life as you do. She just didn’t have the kick-the-door-down attitude you have.

I agreed.

“Hey, what are you two chatting about? I feel left out,” Frida said from the chair on my other side.

“Just how beautiful it is here,” I lied for the sake of any potential ears.

It really was stunning. I loved how they had a quasi-private area that was shaded and looked out over the pool and the beach beyond. Everything was so bright and fresh. I picked up a strawberry and took a bite. Even the fruit was sweeter here.

“Well, I guess you didn’t lie after all.”

His vile voice was a mix of sucking on a lemon while someone ran their nails down a chalkboard.

The strawberry suddenly tasted sour as I looked up to see Christov tainting the view as well.

“What the hell are you doing here,” I asked, tempted to grab the bottle of champagne and throw it at him.

“Needed to make sure you weren’t pulling a disappearing act, so I asked your father where I could find you. Thought I might have to hunt you down and drag you back by your hair.”

I opened my mouth to tell him off, but my mother stood up so fast it shocked me. She marched over to Christov, and the cocky expression on his face quickly faded.