Page 20 of Grave Secrets

“Yes,” I say. “I, uh… was kinda cheating on Chris.”

“Girl, I don’t blame you,” Maisy laughs.

“Chris was abusive, and I tried to leave many times, but he took something very special of mine, and it trapped me. That’s not even including the threat of death. I guess he would have found any reason to try and kill me,” I say. “That doesn’t make cheating…”

“We aren’t judging you, Ada,” Archer says.

“I’m judging myself.”

“Well, don’t,” Megan says. “Let that man take care of you. You do too much for everyone else. We all see how thin you spread yourself.”

“Please, let’s not talk about her spreading herself,” Archer remarks.

“Gross, Archer,” I laugh.

“Ada is going to go radio silent for a while, but I promise she will be back,” Viktor says.

“I will kick your ass if you hurt her,” Trisha threatens.

“Yeah, fuck that. I’ll do worse than that,” Maggie says.

“They are a real group of women, Vik. You’ve been warned,” I say to Viktor with a smile.

“I wouldn’t dream of hurting you, my love,” Viktor says, gently cupping my face and kissing me. The entire room erupts in cheers and applause, making me pull away and blush. I cover my cheeks, and Viktor chuckles as he hugs me. When he pulls away, I start to say something to everyone, but I’m stopped mid-sentence with my mouth open when Viktor drops to one knee.

“Vik,” I say as tears well up. “You don’t…”

“Shhh,” Archer says.

“Ada, you are an incredible woman with a beautiful heart. It has been an absolute treasure to get to know you over the last two months. I know that this is not an ideal situation, and you are being forced into positions that you deserve far more out of,” Viktor says. “I want us to show that you are always my priority. No matter what happens, know that I will make anything happen for you.”

Viktor pulls a small ring box from his pocket. When he opens it, and I see my parents’ rings, I burst into tears. Viktor stands and hugs me as I completely melt down.

“What’s happening?” Jane asks.

“Her parents died when she was a kid, and the only thing she had left of them was their wedding rings,” Archer says. “Her ex took them, and Viktor was able to find them for her.”

“Oh, that’s just adorable,” Megan says.

“Ada sucks at sharing herself with people, so I will say this,” Archer says. “She and Viktor are getting married, and I know she would love it if you all came. I can get everyone some info on Monday.”

“Oh, my God!” Mattie squeals. “Oh, I love this!”

“Fuck, Viktor,” I say, pulling back to wipe my face. “You made me cry.”

“I’m not sorry,” he laughs. “We are going to go, everyone. Reach out to Archer if you need anything, and we will give him the information about the wedding.”

When we get out to the truck, I sigh and lay my head back. Viktor glances over at me as he starts the truck. “Want to come to the warehouse with me?” he asks. I lift my head and look at him.

“Why?” I ask.

“Why, what? Why do I want you there?”

“Why do you want me anywhere near your… world? Why would you do that?” I ask, confused.

“Well… Do you plan on going to the FBI?” he asks.

“No.” I frown at him.