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“Done.”
I watch a satisfied smile form on his face and pray that whatever happens next doesn’t break my heart. Or spirit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Yuri
The door to my loft slides open, and I hear Lina inhale softly. “My humble abode.” I take her hand, lead her over the threshold, and try to see the cavernous space through her eyes. Polished concrete floors, enormous windows, bare brick walls, black furniture, and not one piece of decoration.
Every woman’s dream.
Maybe my brothers were right, and I should show her one of the empty lofts on the floor below. “Let me get you a drink.” I slide the bag of food on the island and watch her walk around as I pour two glasses of wine.
“It seems safe to assume that Dracula did the decorating.” She picks up a pack of black cards. “It’s very modern coffin. You really committed to the vision.”
“I’m not one to hold back.” I hand her a glass and tap mine against hers. “To new beginnings.”
“Indeed.” Holding up the cards, she smiles. “What’s your game of choice?”
“Solitare. It helps empty my mind…after a challenging day.” She sets them down and then walks to the large windows overlooking the street. “I bought this building a couple of years ago. My brothers have lofts on the floors above. Dmitri isn’t around much since he oversees the estate’s kennels and guards Gianna, but Vlad is.”
“I met Dmitri the other day. He and Gianna act like friends, not employer and employee.”
“She’s the Don’s daughter, so she makes her own rules.”
“And the Vor’s wife.” She walks around me and trails her hand over the marble island. “Did you ever dream of becoming something other than a Bratva enforcer?”
“No.” I pull a stool out for her and hold her hand as she sits. “The Novikovs have beenvor y zakonesince Stalin’s forced work camps. I never considered another option.”
“No driving need to become a ballet dancer or mime?”
“No. But now that you mention it, I might’ve had some success as a mime since I only speak when necessary and often communicate with my hands.” I grab plates from the shelf and take the stool beside Lina’s. “Are you living your dream, or did you have another one?”
“I started doing needlework as a child. At first, it was pleasantly distracting, but it eventually became my saving grace. It takes complete concentration and allows me to be still.”
“Why is that important?” I take her hand and cover it with mine.
“I saw life as a series of disasters waiting to happen and decided that the only way to avoid them was if I was still.” She shakes her head. “I thought my quiet guaranteed nothing would change. Mama would stay on her meds, and the monsters from her stories wouldn’t find us if I didn’t let the string of beads fall and shatter.”
“String of beads?”
“All the minute choices and decisions that build a life.”
“If that hadn’t been necessary, what do you think you might’ve pursued?”
“I have no idea, Yuri. The monsters are coming despite my best efforts, so I think it will be a long time before I can think about chasing anything.”
“When the times come, I will ensure your dreams come true.” I move closer and realize I mean it with every bone in my body. “Leave your monsters to me.” Her gaze meets mine. “Now, let’s eat.”
“Okay.” She slides her hands away. “Whatever you say.”
“Damn straight,” I mutter as I unpack the cartons and watch her fill our plates. “This is the second night I’ve eaten at home this week. Which is a rarity.”
“If the nightlife is calling, why stay in.”
“The only time I drag my ass into a club is if I have a meeting.”
“I told Stasia on Saturday that I was ready to start going out more, but I suppose that will have to wait.” Her shoulders drop. “So why did you bring me here?”
