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He kisses me, and I suck in a breath against his lips, unable to stop the wave of emotion that crashes through me so hard I’m sure I’ll break into a million pieces because of it. It’s like our love, our bond is this living, breathing thing that I can feel expanding within me, filling up the empty spaces that I didn’t even know existed. The way he kisses me is desperate, urgent, filled with a passion that burns like the sun. Nicoli’s lips are so familiar, yet every time he kisses me it feels like the first time again. His hands slide down from my cheeks to my neck, his fingers twining into my hair as he deepens the kiss, our mouths madly pressing together as we both try to pour our souls into each other.
When he breaks the kiss for air, both of us gasping against each other’s lips, there’s a sudden ache inside my chest I just can’t endure.
“We shouldn’t do this,” I whisper. “I can’t do this, Nicoli.”
“Mira.”
“No. No. I can’t. There’s still time to stop this,” I beg, and he presses his forehead against mine. “Please, Nicoli.”
“You know as well as I do that this has to be done.”
“No.” A tear slips down my cheek. “I was wrong. I never should have suggested—”
“Baby.” His fingers bite into my arms as he pulls me closer. “We can do this.”
“We don’t—”
“Yes, Mira. We have to. It’s the only way we’ll be able to put this behind us.” He presses his lips hard against mine, and a sob fills my breath. “It’s the only way you’ll find peace.”
I nod, swallowing hard as I push away the fear that threatens to consume me. The thought of being separated from Nicoli, even for a short time, is almost unbearable.
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” I whisper.
“Only if you promise me the same.”
“We promise each other. No matter what happens, we won’t be reckless.”
He nods. “We got this, baby girl.”
“Yo, Nicoli.” Caelian appears by the door. “The cars are ready. We gotta go.”
Nicoli brushes his lips softly against mine, and I’m sure my heart will tear out of my chest at any moment. “Tonight, we end this. Okay? You and me.”
I nod quickly, and he gives me one last reassuring smile and says, “I’ll meet you downstairs,” before turning to follow Caelian out the door.
For a moment, I stand there in the silence, listening to the sound of my own heartbeat thudding like a bass drum. I know Nicoli’s words are true. We must see this through to the end, no matter what, but the panic and fear are so raw I’m struggling to control it. I wipe away the tears that stream down my face and take a deep breath, trying to collect myself. There’s no turning back now.
When I get to the foyer, everyone is already there. Alexius is helping Leandra with the twins, pulling on their coats. Every time I see him with them, I’m struck by how different he is around them. It’s like a mask slips off his face, showing a side of him only his family gets to see. He’s still intense and brooding, but there’s a gentleness to him that no one ever thought existed.
It’s amazing how much Aria looks like her dad—black locks and those intense blue irises. Alessio also has Alexius’ sapphire eyes and the same midnight hair. But there’s a softness in him that’s identical to his mother—a kindness that can melt the most hardened of hearts.
Caelian and Isaia step outside while Nicoli and Maximo are deep in quiet conversation. I can only imagine the storm that beats inside them, both fiercely protective of me.
“Are you okay?” Leandra asks, and I turn toward her.
“I’m fine. I’m sorry you and the twins are caught up in this, too.”
“Don’t,” she says, touching my elbow. “We’ll all be okay. And hopefully, this all ends soon.”
I give her a small smile in return, grateful for her presence and the friendship that has become invaluable to me and my sanity.
As we head out to the cars that will take us to separate safehouses, Nicoli’s hand slips into mine briefly, sending a shiver up my arm.
“I got you, Hummingbird,” he rasps into my ear. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know.” I squeeze his hand in return, feeling a sense of security wash over me, but it doesn’t settle the deep, looming fear of uncertainty—not knowing how this night will end.
He opens the passenger side door of the black SUV, standing to the side as I slide into the back seat. Nausea starts to creep up again, so I clutch my stomach, breathing through the sickening feel in my gut.
