Chapter 33 Sera
SERA
The Atelier Florian jewelry store opening is a flashy spectacle crammed into a small, boutique storefront on the hotel's shopping promenade. Crystal chandeliers reflect off the glittering jewels below, and velvet ropes hold back all of the curious tourists outside. Inside the space, it’s too warm, and there are far too many expensive perfumes vying for dominance.
I glance at Liev, jealous that his position monitoring the front door means he gets a steady dose of fresh air.
Keke stands at the center of the room, in a black satin column of a dress, the priceless ruby parure a stark contrast against her chest and ears. She’s been subdued since we picked her up earlier. Perhaps potentially losing this brand deal finally got through to her.
The party's been going for two hours now, and people are finally trickling out. Overly tan guests air-kiss each other good-bye and eagerly take the swag bag offered by two young women standing near the front.
It’s probably the last night of this assignment, and I feel torn. I’m happy to be done with the bodyguard work. This assignment let me see that I don’t enjoy field work. But I’ll miss being with Liev.
I rub the emerald on my finger.
You won’t miss him. You’re married to him.
The thought warms my chest, and I grin before—for the first time—it occurs to me to wonder what the day-to-day of a marriage between us will look like.
Maybe something you should have thought of before?
I silence the rational thought. I still don’t regret it. We’ll figure it out.
Liev catches my eye again, then glances at his watch. Even from this distance I can see his jaw tighten. It's almost ten. Mikhail's car will be waiting outside.
He’d hoped Keke would be done by now, but the guests have lingered. With one more glance at his watch, his lips thin, and he weaves through the small crowd until he reaches my side.
I look up and give him a smile. “We’re all good here.”
He looks conflicted. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
I nod, keeping my expression professional for anyone who might be observing us. “Not a problem. This is almost over, and once Etienne locks up the jewels, I’ll tuck Keke in bed.” I arch a brow and mutter, “So sorry about your food poisoning.”
His lips tip. “Couldn’t you have thought of a little less ignoble way to explain it? Like, I had to rush to a burning building and save a school of orphans. Not that I had to run to the toilet.”
“Nope, I’m the one telling it. I get to pick the story. Go. You’re going to be late.”
Bending down, he cups my jaw roughly and kisses me hard on the mouth. It's over in a second, but it leaves my lips tingling and my heart slamming against my ribs.
I blink, caught off guard, my gaze darting around the room. "Liev—"
He pulls back, his eyes dark with something unspoken. "Be safe, malyshka." Then he strides away, not looking back.
Etienne, who's been lingering nearby, raises an arched brow at me. His lips quirk in faint amusement, but he says nothing. Heat creeps up my neck.
Whatever. The job’s essentially over now.
I shoot Etienne a mind-your-business glare, and he shrugs, turning his attention back to the crowd.
Within twenty minutes, the party is down to the stragglers.
I escort Keke to a small alcove at the back of the room for the priceless parure to be packed away for the last time.
If fashion week goes ahead, Keke will be wearing the Atelier’s newest ruby line.
With a polite nod, the Frenchmen are gone leaving Keke and me alone.
“I’ll text Dani to let her know we are getting ready to head back to the room.” I pull the new phone Liev purchased for me from my pocket. None of my apps or saved info is on it, but it works.
Bored, Dani and Marco went to the casino after the first half-hour of the event. I wait for Keke to object, to argue that she wants to gamble or go to the bar, but she just nods her head.
I’m typing when a shrill alarm cuts through the air, and red lights flash on the walls. A soothing, automated voice sounds from speakers placed around the building.
“Attention, guests. A fire has been detected. Please proceed calmly to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators. Hotel staff will assist you.”
The room freezes for a single suspended heartbeat then erupts into a hushed urgency. Glasses clink down onto tables, and heels click on the marble floors as everyone hurries for the exit.
“Stay right with me,” I murmur to Keke, fingers firm on her elbow as we merge into the river of bodies streaming past on the promenade.
The alarm echoes louder out here, bouncing off the high ceilings and marble floors. The crowd is thick near where the casino spills into the lobby. Forward momentum grinds to a frustrating crawl. Black-polo-shirted security line the walls, directing traffic with clipped gestures.
My real worry is Keke growing restless and doing something attention-grabbing in front of witnesses. Fortunately, it seems as if most of the people around us are more interested in evacuating than scouting celebrities.
I scan for Dani and Marco but don’t spot them. They’ve probably been swept into the flow. Keke’s my priority.
Two men in identical security black uniforms, push through the crowd until they reach us.
“Keke Novak?” The taller one with a buzz cut asks in a no-nonsense voice. “We have a VIP evac path. Main routes are jammed,” he continues, taking Keke’s other elbow without asking, already steering us sideways out of the flow and down a side hall.
Something about this doesn’t feel right. My muscles tighten, and a cold prickle races up my spine. I glance at their badges swinging from their lanyards but can’t see them clearly.
“Hang on.” I plant my feet pulling us to a stop.
The second guard shoots me a glare. “Ma’am we have protocols,” he snaps.
“So do we.” My voice is hard. “Show me your badges. Nothing was mentioned about VIP routes at the check-in security brief.”
Buzz cut stiffens.
“They’re hotel security. Stop being so competitive. I want to get out of here.” Keke pulls her elbow out of my grip before I can stop her. “Let’s go.”
The two men exchange a quick, satisfied glance before guiding her toward a door camouflaged to blend with the wall. The prickle sharpens into alarm when the wiry one reaches for the handle and pushes the door open without touching the security panel beside it.
Too late, I register the soft, persistent beeping beneath the fire alarm’s wail—the chime of a secured door held ajar too long.
Adrenaline floods my veins, and my vision tunnels on the two men. My hand drops instinctively to the holster beneath my blazer as I pivot, shoving my body between Keke and the two men. “Back off.”
The wiry one’s fake-concerned smile flickers. His gaze drops to my hand, then snaps back to my face. “We’re trying to help.”
“Sera?” Keke’s voice is small behind my shoulder, as if she is finally realizing something isn’t right.
It’s a trap.
“We’re all good. Thanks. I’ve got it from here.” I start backing us up, one arm sweeping out to keep Keke fully behind me and prevent them from grabbing her.
The stocky one draws a taser and depresses the button to send blue sparks snapping between the prongs. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Sera.”
Keke screams and bolts, her heels clattering as she runs. At the same instant, my father’s voice thunders behind me. “Sera!”
“Move,” the shorter one barks. The pair vanishes through the door, slamming it shut. One of Ray’s bodyguards lunges for the handle, but it’s too late. The door locked behind them.
I don’t hesitate. Ignoring Ray’s urgent questions, I sprint toward the promenade and spot Keke crouched behind a massive potted palm, eyes enormous, chest heaving.
The alarm cuts abruptly. Silence rings in my ears, and the smooth automated voice comes on again. “All clear. It is safe to return to your rooms.”
Ray reaches me, breathing hard, eyes scanning every direction. “What the hell was that?”
“Imposters.” My voice is even despite my trembling hands. Nausea churns low in my belly as the adrenaline dump begins. “Come on, Keke. We need to get you to your room.”
She flicks a curious glance at Ray but lets me guide her with a hand at her back toward the elevators. Ray falls in beside me. “I’m coming with you.”
I don’t argue. The adrenaline draining my body leaves me with a jittery, edgy feeling. But I have to stay calm and collected for the client.
Ray’s bodyguards clear a path through the crowd, and once the elevator doors slide shut, Keke finally speaks. “What did they want?”
“I don’t know.” I fix my eyes on the ascending floor numbers. I need to focus on something, because my brain is whirling.
Those men hadn’t chased Keke when she ran. Their focus had shifted—to me. Why? Because I was the bigger threat? Or because Keke wasn’t the target.
Keke hugs her waist, shivering.
“You’re okay, Keke,” I say, softer than usual, giving her a smile. “Everything’s under control.”
My father stays silent, but I can feel the simmering tension rolling off him. It’s so reminiscent of my brother I almost smile.
Ray’s bodyguards stop at the door of the suite, but my father follows me inside.
“Just let me get her settled,” I say wearily, as I walk Keke to her bedroom.
My brain is already going through the checklist of what needs to happen next: alert Elite, arrange more security for the airport tomorrow, contact her manager, call Elizabeth.
“I’ll be right here if you need me, okay?”
Keke nods but then frowns, looking at Ray. “You’re that boxer.”
“I’m Sera’s father.” He stands a little taller, and I groan when Keke’s mouth falls open.
“No fucking way.”
“Good night, Keke.” I pull the door shut in her stunned face.
I wish Liev were here. My heart clenches with a new worry. I don’t know where he is or what’s happening to him. I don’t think those fake guards had anything to do with the bratva. There wasn’t a visible tattoo on either man.
But at this point, I don’t know. There are too many variables.
I need sleep and a vacation. Anything but this never-ending merry-go-round of drama.
“Are you okay?” Ray asks, concern forming grooves around his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I cross to the minibar, grab a water, crack it open. “Want something?”
He shakes his head, brows knit. “Were they trying to kidnap her?”
“Possibly.” I sink onto the sofa, rubbing slow circles at my temple where a headache pulses. “She’s pissed off some people lately, but I didn’t think it was that serious.”
“Shouldn’t you call the police?”
“I need to call Brady first. He’ll coordinate with her manager and decide next steps. Nothing actually happened. Could’ve just have been overzealous guards.”
He gives me a look that says, Bullshit.
“I’ll call as soon as you leave. What were you doing here anyway?”
“I was coming to see you. I saw you head down that hall. Your brother told me you were in Vegas working, but I thought you might be done already.”
“Oh, he did, did he?” Thanks, Brady.
“Don’t look like that. He didn’t tell me where you were staying. I figured out where you were when he said you were guarding Keke Novak.”
I’m not sure what to make of that. I wasn’t aware that Brady and our father were in close communication like that.
“Where’s the giant Russian?” Ray’s abrupt question snaps me out of that quagmire of thoughts.
“What?”
“Your brother said he’s the other bodyguard. Shouldn’t he have been with you?”
Oh, fuck! Liev is going to lose it when he hears about this.
I swallow, keeping my voice mild. “He had to leave suddenly. Sick.”
Ray stalks to the other bedrooms glancing in the open doorways. He pauses at the room Liev and I share, only one bed clearly having been used. “Sick? Then where the fuck is he?”
“Must have gone to a doc in the box. Why do you care?”
He jerks his thumb over his shoulder at our room, and I lift my chin. “None of your business.”
“It’s my business if my daughter is involved with a violent criminal.” He fumes. “I recognized those tattoos. He’s organized crime. A mobster. Did you know that?”
“Yes, and it’s a little late for the daddy-dearest act, don’t you think?”
He flinches, and guilt twists in my gut. “I’ve always loved you, Sera. Always cared about you. I know I wasn’t always what you needed, but have you ever considered that my staying out of your life was for your benefit.”
“No.”
“I won’t lie and say it didn’t benefit me, too, but the world of professional fighting can be an ugly place. I didn’t want you or your brother anywhere near it.”
I fold my arms over my chest. He doesn’t get to whitewash my childhood. “If that were true, then why did you train Brady? Why, on the rare occasion you came around, did you ignore me.”
“I… I don’t know. I’m a self-centered prick is the best answer.
” He swallows. “Honestly, I was terrified of you. You were so tiny and precious, with those big eyes, and you looked at me like I hung the fucking moon. It scared the shit out of me, knowing I’d never live up to who you thought I was.
I was a coward.” He threw his hands up in defeat.
“That’s the real answer. I’m a selfish coward, but I’m trying to change. ”
His words hit me square in the chest. Sudden hot tears sting even as my throat closes.
“I’d like to be in your life more. Can we try? Have a coffee sometime?”
I nod, barely trusting my voice. “Yes, I can do that. But right now, I’ve got to deal with…” I wave my hand in the air.
He looks ready to argue but then turns for the door. He hesitates on the threshold.
I’m not sure what comes over me, if it’s the genuine note in his words—words I’ve waited to hear my entire life—or if the adrenaline has made me an emotional mess, but I shock us both when I throw my arms around his thick neck and hug him tight.
His arms hover and then clamp around my back, and I feel a tiny shudder run through him.
I think I hear him whisper, “I’m sorry,” but I’m not sure.
I push back, and he gives me an awkward pat on the shoulder, his eyes suspiciously bright. “Call me when you’re back in Atlanta. I’ll fly in, and we can talk.”
I stand motionless for a moment after the door clicks shut, drawing in one long, shaking breath. A weight I’ve always carried cracks and shifts inside my chest. It’s not gone, but it’s definitely lighter.
Pulling out my phone, I dial my brother’s number.
This should be fun.