Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance Book Club #4) by Lyssa Kay Adams

            Oh my God. Anna.

            Tony felt his knees give way, and the orderly dropped the mop to quickly catch him. Next to him, Jack trembled from head to foot. How? How was she here? How was she on this ship? A million thoughts collided at once, but he couldn’t focus on a single one except the fear that he was dreaming.

            “Anna . . .” A man’s voice groaned her name, and Tony had no idea if it came from him or Jack.

            With a cry, Anna rushed forward and threw her arms around them both. Tony wrapped a single arm around her waist, still afraid that this was just a dream. But she felt real. She was warm.

            “Anna . . . how?” That time it was Jack.

            She held a hand to each of their cheeks and spoke as tears poured down her face. “I was rescued by a Red Cross unit and brought on board. There was so much confusion, and I was in and out of consciousness.”

            “You were shot,” Tony choked. “I saw it.”

            “It grazed my scalp, that’s all.”

            No. That couldn’t be possible. Tony ran his hands up and down her body. “You’re okay? I can’t believe you’re alive.”

            “Tony,” she whispered.

            A groan escaped his lips as he yanked her against him. “I thought I lost you.”

            Next to them, Jack shuffled his feet. Tony pulled away from Anna and watched in agony as she turned to him.

            “Jack . . .”

            A small, sad smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “It’s okay, Anna.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “It’s okay.”

            “I didn’t mean to . . .” A sob broke off her voice.

            “Didn’t mean to fall in love again?” He looked at Tony. “You’re a good man, Tony. I can’t think of anyone else who could possibly deserve her.”

            Jack held out his hand, and Tony accepted it with a lump in his throat.

            “Jack,” Anna whispered.

            He ran a knuckle down her jaw. “I’ll always love you, Anna. But you belong with Tony.” He wiped a hand across his cheek. “I’m going to give you two some time.”

            Tony couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. So, he did the only thing he could. He kissed her. In front of everyone. He wrapped his arms around her, ignored the twinge in his side, and held her as tightly as he’d ever held her. He was never letting her go.

            “Anna . . .” Her name was the only word he could say. So, he said it over and over again. Chanted it like a sacred prayer.

            “I’m here,” she whispered, soothing him with her touch, her kisses. “Everything is going to be okay now.”

            “Promise me.”

            “I promise.”





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


            When I created the lovable character the Russian in the first Bromance Book Club book, I never intended for him to get his own story one day. I owe a huge thank-you to all the readers, bloggers, and reviewers who sent me messages and tagged me on social media to say, “Please give this gentle giant his own book!” I listened, and I’m so glad I did. I hope I have done justice to the man you’ve all grown to love so much.

            Huge thanks to my niece, Madison Kefferstan, a real athletic trainer who helped me research hockey injuries and rehab. Thanks for indulging all my questions, no matter how ridiculous. I can’t wait to see where your career takes you! Also thank you to attorney Melissa Indish for your invaluable help in researching the complex and heartbreaking realities of the American immigration system. Any mistakes in either area are entirely my own!

            As always, enormous thanks to my agent, Tara Gelsomino, for your hard work and enthusiastic belief in the Bromance boys. Equal gratitude to my editor, Kristine E. Swartz, who helped me work through several rewrites of this book to make sure the Russian’s story was perfect and true to his character. And to the entire marketing, publicity, foreign rights, and sales teams at Berkley Romance—you are the best in the business.

            Thank you to my friends—Meika Usher, Christina Mitchell, Alyssa Alexander, Victoria Solomon, Tamara Lush, Thien-Kim Lam, Erin King, Elizabeth Cole, G.G. Andrews, Deborah Wilde, Jennifer Seay, Amanda Gale, Jessica Arden . . . I couldn’t do this without you.