Page 86 of Tangled Roses
This is it. It’s no longer only the two of us, and I wonder if things will change because of that.
I am so nervous about losing Arman because in the short time I’ve known him, he has become the most important person in my life and not just because he’s the only person in it.
I search for him when he’s not around, and my heart lifts when he walks into the room. When he smiles, it lifts my spirits and when his eyes darken with lust, I melt at the mere thought of what happens next. He has fast become my everything and I’m worried about that. What if he doesn’t feel the same and I am merely part of the mystery surrounding his father’s death? He says I’m to be his assistant in every way, is that it? Is that all I’ll ever be?
We step inside a hallway that makes me blink because it’s stunning. Marble floors, floral arrangements and so clean I could lick the floor. The entrance alone could house a small family and I’m in awe of the breathtaking staircase that sits at the center, splitting in two in the middle.
Then I see what I assume is his mom. Either that, or the staff are very familiar because she races toward Arman with outstretched arms and as his wrap around her, she says tearfully, “Arman. I’ve missed you so much.”
I hear the emotion in his voice as he whispers, “Mama. It’s good to be home.”
It brings a tear to my eye as I watch them because it reminds me of my relationship with my grandmother and I wish more than anything I could have one more hug with her.
She pulls back and her gaze swings to me and the curiosity burns bright in her eyes as Arman says gruffly, “Mama, this is Ellie, my girlfriend.”
CHAPTER 54
ARMAN
It’s good to be home, it always is, and this time it’s more meaningful because I am returning with somebody incredibly special to me.
I can tell she’s nervous. I expected that and as mama stares at her with curiosity; I hold my breath that she approves of Ellie. It would mean the world to me and to Ellie. For a woman with no family, it’s important mine accepts her and makes her feel part of it.
“Your girlfriend?” Mama’s eyes shine as she smiles her welcome to Ellie and then pulls her into her arms for a hug.
“Welcome, honey. I must say I should send my sons away more often because there’s a trend developing here.”
Ellie appears confused and I add, “Two of my brothers have recently brought girlfriends home. It appears that when one falls, we all follow like dominoes.”
“Not all of us.” A deep voice cuts through my words and I glance toward it and notice my brother Titus heading toward us.
As always, he is the epitome of arrogance as he fixes me with an amused smile.
Ellie’s mouth drops open as he heads toward us, and I can tell she is nervous. Titus has a habit of doing that. He is a surly bastard most of the time and not much splits a grin on his face.
He reaches us and stares at Ellie with a curious nod and says in his husky voice, “Welcome to Russia, Ellie.”
“Um, thank you.” She swallows hard and I can tell she is overwhelmed already and she hasn’t even met the rest of my family yet.
I wish Ana was here to reassure her because my sister does an extremely good job of lightening the dark atmosphere the men in this family creates.
Mama obviously senses it too and turns to her and smiles.
“Come, I have arranged refreshment. You must be exhausted after your flight.”
We follow her into the living area and as we take our seats, I relish being home.
I travel for most of the year and appreciate the time I spend here.
Home is where the heart is, they say, and mine is definitely with my family. The fact an important one is now gone forever makes it harder to be around the familiar, but I have the fallout of that to occupy me and now I have Ellie.
“How did you two meet?” Mama asks with a bright smile and Titus studies her reaction as I take Ellie’s hand and throw the grenade into the room.
“Ellie is my assistant. Things moved on from there.”
“I see.”
Mama smiles, which fades as soon as I say casually, “It turns out Ellie’s mom knows you, mama.”