ass bachelor party with lots and lots of strippers for the lion.”
I scowled at him. “Don’t get shot, Max.”
“Good point. To a respectable bachelor party and lots of lovely memories from now on.” Max cheered our glasses with the bottle. “Party. Party. Party.”
Valentina shook her head and raised her glass to us. “To my brother finally finding love and starting a family. I was worried for him, but I believe he picked the right woman.”
“Thank you, Valentina.” I tapped my glass against hers and Kaz’s.
Max drank from the bottle.
I laughed at him.
“Let’s see the ring, Em.” Max grabbed my hand and then whistled. “Money. Money. Money.”
“You like it?”
He shrugged. “I guess. Back in the day, I damn sure would have stolen it off a chick’s finger.”
I shrugged. “That’s a good enough measurement.”
While a smile was on his face, worry filled Max eyes. I knew he thought everything was going too fast. But what else could he do. I was in love with Kaz in the worst way. And we were having a baby. Our child deserved two parents that were willing to try and create a good family.
But even more, like Kaz had said. I didn’t want to spend a day or night without him.
To a dope ass wedding indeed.
Chapter 35
The Love Boat
Kazimir
We arrived in Venice by midnight.
Several limos waited outside the airport. Everyone from our men to security would ride in style.
I held Emily’s hand as we walked to the limo. “Are you able to move forward?”
“Yeah. What do you mean?”
“The diamond isn’t weighing you down?”
She grinned. “Even if it was, a lady never complains about anything to do with diamonds.”
We climbed in and headed away.
I gathered her into my arms. Harlem jumped on her lap.
I hit him with an alpha stare.
Harlem wagged his tail.
I shook my head. “Will Harlem be able to share your lap, once the baby comes?”
“I’m sure he will.”
I frowned at him. “He is going to have to learn how to share. I’ll have to teach him.”
“As if you know what the definition of share means.”
“Hmmm.” I kissed her, showing my mouse why there was no need to learn how to share. She was all mine, and there would be no competition. Not even from furry puppies.
The next stop was the yacht.
Venice boasted some of the best marinas in Italy, ready to welcome all to its majestic beauty. It was the perfect starting point to begin our vacation. It took us no time to arrive at the Yacht Pier of Punta Della Salute. Billionaires used it to safely shelter their multimillion dollar vessels while they visited the main attractions in the area—Piazza San Marco, Grand Canal, and the Doge’s Palace.
“Here we go.” I helped Emily out of the limo.
She rose. “Whoa.”
Harlem whimpered and stayed close to her ankles, probably nervous after the long flight. One by one, our men left their limos. Valentina got to my side. Boris, Blue, and Max stayed near Emily. Meanwhile, King David took his time as he held Baba’s hand and walked our way.
I’m glad I grabbed him in Paris. He’s the smartest decision I’ve made besides proposing to Emily. And his grandmother is a necessary bonus.
I directed my attention back to the large vessel, wondering if it was ready for a crazy crew like us. Everyone stood in front of the super yacht, gazing up at the big castle on the water. I wondered what ran through their minds. I hoped I had done the right thing by inviting them. While they were my most loyal, this trip could be dangerous. Hopefully, everyone who left would return.
The limos drove away.
I squeezed Emily’s hand. “What do you think?”
“Is this yours?”
“No. It belongs to my associate, Yevgeny Lebedev. He’s a businessman.”
Valentina smirked. “He’s a dirty Russian Tycoon.”
I led Emily forward as the rest followed. “Yevgeny’s parents were top athletes in the Soviet Union. They had a little money. When he became an adult, he set up a finance company with his inheritance. The company did well. Then, he bought a bank. That succeeded and became one of the largest banks in Russia.”
Valentina laughed. “Then, he bought up the newspapers after sticking his nose up President Smirnov’s anus.”
We continued up the walkway and boarded the yacht.
Emily glanced at my sister. “How did he stick his nose up the President’s ass?”
Valentina got on Emily side and hooked her arm with hers. “The newspaper was about to run an article on the President having an affair with a dancer half his age. Yevgeny bought