42. Luna
Ifumble with the card in my pocket, turning it over and over again between my fingers, remembering the news Nik told me a week ago. The NYC chapter of Echelon Vanguard has officially been shut down. And thanks to the tips from the Bratva and the Cosa Nostra, law enforcement, in tandem with the FBI, were able to help twenty-five girls who had been held at the EV club against their will.
Nik has been home earlier from work this week, and we’ve enjoyed trying new recipes together. Tonight, I’m making a Mexican dish while he gets his workout in and speaks with some of the men in the warehouse. Several large shipments are moving out tomorrow, and he wants everything to go smoothly.
Leaning against the counter, I twirl the new ring resting on my finger and smile. Well, maybe it’s more like a grin, because my marriage no longer feels tarnished by my family. No. My union is now wholly independent of them, and I would choose Nik over and over and over.
I check on my rice and text Kate a photo of my cooking skills. She and I have been able to connect more lately, and I’m grateful for her steady friendship.
Shots sound from outside, and I rush to the door—thoughts that Nik might be in trouble clouding my judgement. Throwing it open, I pause at the top of the steps, waiting for anything more, but it’s silent. Jumping down the steps, I rush out the front door to find four security guards with their weapons raised at my father. Warning shots.
He’s sitting in his personal Audi, both hands on the steering wheel.
“Hey, stop! Put the guns down!” I yell.
All four guards look at each other, but they don’t move. Each of them keeps their weapon trained on the vehicle.
“When my wife tells you to lower your weapons, you do it.” Nik’s voice echoes off the metal siding of the warehouse, and I turn to see him stepping out of the door. Hands at his sides, he winks at me, and I shake my head.
All the guards lower their guns and nod at me in apology.
The car door opens and my father steps out. There are dark circles under his eyes and the wrinkles on his face seem deeper, pain etched into each one. I almost feel sorry for him.
I’ve thought a great deal about my parents since my capture. The anger I felt toward them for wanting to leave me has turned into disappointment, and then hurt. I will always love them. But the way they groomed me for this life—and their willingness to let me die—I’m not sure I’m a good enough person to let that go.
“Luna …” My father’s voice cracks as he waltzes over to me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
The sound of gravel kicks up behind me, and the warm hand on my back gives me comfort as Nik moves to stand by my side.
“Do you know where Isabella is?” my father asks, bringing a hand to his forehead.
“I don’t.”
My hands slide into the pockets of my blue denim dress, and again, I prod for the card.
“Rumor has it you’re trying to make a deal with the Cartel,” Nik says. “They say you’re looking to have Isabella marry.” Nik’s words cause my mouth to drop open, and I stare at my father in shock. He diverts his eyes to the ground, but only for a moment before he stiffens and steels his face.
“Only one daughter of mine is your concern, Nikolai.” His voice is powerful and angry. Burning in his eyes overshadows any pain I may have seen a moment ago. “I’ll ask you one last time, Luna. Do you know where Isabella is?”
“No,” I say firmly.
“You will inform me as soon as you hear from her.” He stares down at me, but I don’t turn away. I don’t falter. Nik’s hand tightens on my waist, and I know he’s seconds away from throwing a punch in my father’s direction.
“I don’t report to you, Father. Luka is our pakhan. You married me into the Bratva, and it’s the Bratva to which I am loyal now. You may be in my life because of this alliance, but you are not be welcome in my life as a parent. And for Bella’s sake—I hope she’s long gone from here. Now, I think it’s best you leave.”
My father straightens and steps toward me, gravel kicking in my direction with his shuffling feet. A finger extends to me, and he opens his mouth?—
“My wife told you to leave. So leave.” Nik beats my father to words.
There’s fire in my father’s gaze as he steps back and turns toward his car. “Luka will be hearing about this,” he threatens.
Those are his last words before he spins out of the drive and heads back down the long gravel road.
I sigh, stroking the card in my pocket once more.
“Are you okay? I’m sorry he came here demanding answers from you,” Nik says.
A small smile dusts my lips. I pull out the card and hand it to him. “I got this yesterday in the mail.”
Nik stares at the postcard, reading the single sentence I’ve since memorized.
I’m okay. Thank you, Luna. Love, Bella.
“There’s no return address, and the postcard is one of those generic Thinking of You ones. So, I didn’t lie. I don’t know where she is.” I take the card out of his hands and stick it back in my pocket. His eyes bore into mine. Most likely searching for discomfort or pain.
“I want her to be safe and enjoy life. If what you said about my father wanting to marry her off is true, this is not the place for her.” A single tear falls down my cheek, and Nik’s hand comes up to wipe it away.
“If she ever needs anything, we’ll be here.” His voice is a warm blanket enveloping me in security and love. This man, who I thought had eyes for every other girl but me, actually only loves me, and is loyal to me. I shake my head at how this arrangement turned out to be everything I needed and more.
I surge up to kiss him, laying claim to my husband. His scruff tickles me, but I love the roughness that comes with such pleasure.
We’re interrupted by an alarm going off in the warehouse. Pulling away, I slam my palm against my forehead.
“Shoot! My rice!”
I move away to go deal with my burning dinner, but Nik grabs me and plants a kiss on my neck.
“I’ll handle it.”
He takes off, getting to the front door right as Frank does, and I can tell they’re having a good laugh at my expense.
I chuckle to myself. Looking up to the deep blue sky, I wrap my arms around my middle, then move my gaze to roam over my home. The memory of my wedding night, and how I felt finding out I’d be living in a warehouse makes me laugh. This is the most peaceful place, and I truly don’t wish for anything more.
Being with Nik, and standing at his side as he lives out his unwavering loyalty to the Bratva and to Luka?—
Well, it really is true …
The best thing to happen to me was the murder of my uncle.