30. ~Caterina~
30
~Caterina~
It was bittersweet.
Levi and I had achieved what had been near impossible.
We’d acquired every byte of data from Erebus’ system.
We’d destroyed said system and devastated their communications network.
We also had more than enough proof that Joe’s contacts would be able to use as well.
And we had a location on Donahue, thanks to the last piece of the puzzle generated from Levi’s specialized program.
Not to mention, on a personal note, I’d achieved the greatest hack of my life.
Everything was set to take Erebus and what remained of the Marchetti resistance under Leo down.
We were just one night away from victory.
Everything was slated to go down tomorrow night.
But the bittersweet aspect was that it meant Levi’s part was over and done with.
It meant he needed to go home.
He was leaving.
I pulled from my thoughts as Milo wrapped his arm around me while we waited in the foyer as Levi finished packing up.
“You doing okay, bellezza?”
“Yeah,” I murmured. “I know he needs to get back, but he’ll really be missed.”
“I know,” he said, softly stroking my hair. “We’ll make sure the two of you keep in much closer contact than before. You won’t be so distanced anymore.”
“That’s true. Good point.” I beamed up at him. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
Footsteps sounded, taking our attention, and we both looked to see Nico and Joe walking down the corridor together and making their way to the foyer, discussing some final details about the upcoming operation.
I zoned out as I caught sight of Levi at the top of the stairs with Julian, the two of them chatting away as Julian helped him with his bags.
They’d developed a friendship when I’d been gone, and I knew that Julian was going to miss him as well.
As they reached the foyer, Levi dropped his bags, then came to me and threw his arms around me.
I chuckled against him as he basically enveloped me in a bear hug.
He pulled back, holding my arms loosely as he beamed down at me. “That super hack was a blast, sweetheart. We should do it again sometime. Although, without such insane stakes.”
“I’ll do my best to arrange that,” I jested.
“Or you could just hang out,” Julian suggested. “You know, at least try to do the whole normal thing?”
“Hmm. I used to think normal was overrated,” Levi mused. “But toning things down can also bring a little peace.” He eyed me. “Keep that in mind, yeah?”
“I will.” I gave his hands a squeeze. “Thank you, Levi. For everything. It means more than you know.”
“I’ve always got your back. And I know that goes both ways. Just don’t be a stranger this time.”
“I promise. Things are different now. There’s no more need to keep our friendship a secret.”
“Or your skills, for that matter.”
“That, too.”
“It’s about time you felt that freedom. You’ve earned it several times over.”
“And you’ve earned that peace you’d been fighting for over far too long.”
He smiled, squeezed me to him, then stepped back.
Then his attention went to Joe.
“Nice seeing you again.”
“Right back at you, Knight. Keep doing what you’re doing now.”
“Will do.”
And that no-nonsense goodbye was over as quickly as it had begun.
Nico stepped forward, and a smirk graced Levi’s lips as he told him, “It’s been interesting and unexpectedly pleasant getting to know the real you. Turns out you’re not the asshole I took you for beforehand.”
“Damn,” Milo uttered.
Amusement danced in Nico’s eyes. “The feeling’s mutual. You’re not just the antagonistic shit I took you for.”
They shook hands. “In all seriousness, I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done. Thank you, Levi. You’ll always have an ally in me and mine.”
“Anytime, anywhere,” Milo added.
“Much appreciated.”
They hugged it out, then Levi turned and slap-shook with Milo. “It’s been fun.”
“ Fun. You’re something else, aren’t you?”
Levi grinned. “That I am.”
Julian grasped his arm. “Come, let’s get you settled in the armored car Nico’s insisting on transporting you back to Stonewell in. With armed escorts, too.”
“It’s just a precaution,” Nico said.
“Aww, I’m touched.”
I chuckled. “Only the best for you now.”
He smiled out at me as he reached the door. “See you soon, Rina.”
“That’s a promise.”
“Good.”
With that, I watched as Julian walked him out, the two of them chatting away about sparring.
I turned to see that Joe had gone off somewhere again.
He was restless like that.
Especially here with my guys and under these strained circumstances.
But Nico and Milo were there and coming to me in the next moment as the emotion of saying goodbye to Levi and watching him go slammed into me.
It was what needed to happen.
And, besides, things would be better going forward than they’d ever been when it came to maintaining our friendship.
So much easier.
So much lighter.
It was all good.
I was so wiped, I could barely make it up the stairs.
Apparently, I didn’t have to worry about that because, in the next second, Nico was sweeping me up in his arms and carrying me bridal-style up the stairs as Milo and Julian chuckled.
They followed us up as Nico carried me into my bedroom.
And then all three of them were there, carefully stripping me out of my clothes until I was completely bared to them.
Groans and growls surrounded me.
“Not tonight,” Nico spoke, using his firm and uncompromising tone. “She’s exhausted.”
Julian brushed his lips over mine sweetly. “You’re going to get some solid sleep tonight, all right?”
“No arguments here,” I agreed.
In the next second, Milo was there with one of my silk night dresses. He slid it on me.
“Aww, I feel so special. Even being dressed.”
“You are so special,” Nico said.
“So fucking special to us,” Milo added.
Julian picked me up this time and settled me under the sheets in the middle of the bed.
And then as I got comfortable, my eyes growing heavy, I heard a whole lot of stripping, before they then climbed into bed with me, the three of them wrapping themselves all over me.
“Mmm,” I murmured sleepily, sinking into it all. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“It’s going to be just like this every night for the rest of our lives,” Nico assured me.
“Perfect,” I breathed. “So perfect. Just like our love.”
The last thing I heard was them all telling me how much they loved me, before I let their warmth, love, and safety infuse every part of me, as sleep took me.