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“Yes, and Larisa and Mina.”
I swallow. “My mother’s name was Sophia.”
She rises over me, looking into my eyes. “You said your mother loved you.”
“She did. The perfect mom. Like you’ll be.”
“Then that’s what we should name her.”
I rub my hand down her back. “We don’t have to.”
“We do. It’s good to honor our past. I’m named after my grandmother. What was your father’s name?”
“Maxim. Everyone called him Max.”
“When we have a boy, we’ll name him Max.”
I can’t believe my luck. She’s thinking of the future. With me. I roll her until she’s under me again. “Will there be more kids with your family name?”
“My mother’s name was Eva.”
“A name on the list. How about Sophia Eva or Eva Sophia?” I kiss her because I can’t help myself.
“Thank goodness we have a few months to decide.”
I can already picture a large house in the country filled with kids. Six, maybe. I wonder what Kate will think of that?
Afew weeks later, Kate is settled into my Manhattan apartment, and I’ve closed on the purchase of land an hour north of here to build us a home. It will be gated and armed to the hilt, but inside, it will be a sanctuary.
As promised, I arranged a home office for her to run her bookstore, and on occasion, she’s able to go in person, although not without at least six men guarding her. She balked at first and I had to be an asshole about it. She acquiesced and didn’t fight me on protection thereafter. I wonder what Elena and Lucy have taught her about being a wife to a made man. It’s definitely not to be subservient because Kate has no qualms about standing up to me or putting me in my place. And I fucking love it.
Elena and Lucy set up a baby shower for Kate, and so we’re now at Donovan and Lucy’s place. The ladies are having a good time sitting outside in the back, enjoying the summer day. I’m happy to see the sparkle in Kate’s eyes has fully returned. Aria, Niko’s little sister, is here too, although she seems sulkier than usual. Whatever is going on between those too doesn’t seem to be getting better.
“Let’s go to the office and let the ladies do their thing,” Niko says to me.
“Sure thing.” I follow him inside and to Donovan’s office.
“Got shots all around,” Donovan says as we enter. He’s prepared four glasses of something potent.
“Where’s the fourth, or does one of us get two?” I ask, taking a glass.
“Luca is coming.” Donovan eyes Niko as if he’s gauging his reaction.
Niko’s expression is one of distaste, but he doesn’t say anything as he takes a glass.
“Did you ever figure out your mole?” Donovan asks.
The memory of standing over the bed of my FBI contact with a gun to his head comes to me. He might have betrayed me, but I have the dirt of a lifetime on him. He hadn’t just been working with Igor, he’d also been working with Tiberius Abate and Giovanni Fiori when he’d disposed of Captain Emerson, Kate’s father’s, body. I own him now.
“Yes,” I respond.
“Is he dead?” Niko asks.
“No. He’s working for me.”
“Sweet.” Donovan holds up his glass and clinks it with mine, then drinks.
“I guess we’re not waiting for Luca.” I toss back the booze that turns out to be tequila.
