Melody
Chapter seventy
There’s blood everywhere. It stains my hands, soaking into my skin like a brand. As the service starts, the nameless faces around me shush into a haunting quiet. I can’t even look up as someone moves behind the funeral home’s podium.
He’s gone.
He’s gone, and I watched him die.
His essence still mars my skin, embedding itself into the grooves of my palms like a tattoo I can’t get rid of. Nothing else matters anymore…
“Melody,” a familiar voice calls from the head of the room.
Slowly, I tilt my chin up to see my phantom, the same man I watched die, standing over his own casket. His hand rests over the polished red wood, stroking the coffin as if he isn’t lying still inside of it.
Kaden’s eyes snap to me, the whole room fading as his voice becomes an echo. “It’s just a dream. Wake up…Wake up, Melody.”
I’m shunted awake, the gasp clawing up my throat as it croaks into a broken sob. I’m crying, the warmth trickling down my cheeks as Kaden covers me from above. He’s holding my cheeks, shaking me slightly as he pants and concern twists his features.
I grab his wrists, holding onto him for dear life as I cry out in a pained howl.
“I know, I know,” he mutters as he presses his forehead to mine. “I’m okay. I’m fine, Sunny.”
My arms snake around his neck, but I’m careful not to move too quickly so I don’t break his stitches.
He’s alive.
He’s here.
He coos gently into my hair, smoothing a hand over my head as he rocks us. “Everything is okay.”
I pull away from him, sucking air into my lungs as I prepare myself to say something I’ve been meaning to say since his injury terrified me last week. It’s all I’ve been able to think about.
“You can’t…” my voice croaks before I steady it. “You can’t do that to me again, Kaden.”
His face falls as his eyes round. But it isn’t in surprise. It’s in pure fear.
He sits back on his thighs before leaning over and flicking our lamp on. Muted light floods over us as he closes his eyes. He appears like he’s ready to battle a storm rather than a nightmare.
“I never told you this…” he begins before clearing his throat and grabbing my hands. “Melody, I have homicidal urges. I always have. That’s why I joined Ivan’s family in the first place.”
I blink. Unable to think or process.
He’s always wanted to…kill?
How did I not see that?
“I hid it from you,” he continues, tightening his hold on me. “And I shouldn’t have. But we’re starting over, and I can’t live with you not knowing who I am at my core. I have to kill, and I understand if you need space to process this—”
I press my fingers to his lips, silencing him as I frown. “Stop, Kaden.”
“No,” he shakes his head, his gaze piercing me with conviction and determination. “I broke you before, and I made a promise to you that I would never do that again. You can’t look me in the eyes and tell me that finding out I’m a serial killer for the rush of it isn’t too much—”
“And you can’t speak for me,” I hiss. “I can make my own decisions, Kaden. For some reason, everyone has this idea that I can’t handle life.
Maybe it’s because I was coddled while we grew up, but that doesn’t make me any less of a functioning member of society.
I should get to choose how this information makes me feel. Not you.”
“And how does it make you feel?” He asks quietly.
I blow out a breath, shaking my head as I look away from him. “Don’t bury bodies in our backyard.”
He snorts. “I find burning them is easier.”
I give him a pointed glare. “And stop putting yourself into such dangerous positions. I know it’s a part of the job, but for fuck’s sake, bring backup or something!”
He holds his hands up in surrender as he nods. “You’re the boss, and you’re right. I shouldn’t be as reckless anymore.”
I cross my arms over my chest as I ease back against the headboard. “This doesn’t make me okay with it, but I love you. I accept any and every part of you, Kaden. No matter how twisted or fucked up it is.”
He releases a breath, his shoulders sagging with relief as he runs a hand through his hair. “You really still love me?”
My hand moves, collaring gently around his throat before I drag his lips to mine in a passionate kiss.
“We’re in this for life. You made sure of that.
” I whisper against his mouth as my thumb brushes the stubble of his chin.
“I’ve fallen completely in love with my brother all over again.
Every version of you is who I choose to be with. ”
“I don’t deserve you,” he shakes his head as his eyes flutter. “I was wrapped the moment I met you, Sunny.”
I hum against his lips, smiling fondly. “If you bring work home again, I’m kicking your ass and then Ivan’s. And then Doc’s because he was a dick.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, he’s an acquired taste.”
My features settle into something gentle and pleading as I stare at the man who owns my heart. “I’m being serious. I can’t lose you.”
There’s a crack of vulnerability in him that melts my heart to see. It’s part of the emotions he saves only for me. “And I can’t lose you. So, no more reckless shit.”
“Glad we’re on the same page,” I grin, my heart fluttering in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” Ivan says from behind his desk as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Did you just say light duty?”
My hands are posted up on my hips as I leer over the Pahkan like his worst nightmare. If his worst nightmare wore a blue sundress with blonde curls, that is. “You heard me.”
Kaden is at my back, choosing to stay silent as I use my wifely powers to force the Russian mob boss into submission.
My husband is amused by our situation, rocking back on his heels as he keeps his lips tucked inward so he doesn’t burst into hysterics.
I told him this was a serious meeting, and if he was going to heckle Ivan the whole time, he could just stay home on bed rest. Like he’s supposed to.
The Pahkan’s eyes snap to the man at my back. “Not even a warning? Fuck you.”
Kaden shrugs. “Why would I interfere with Princess Melody’s wrath?”
Ivan sighs deeply, shaking his head. “Fine. I can put him on interrogations with Saint, but that’s as far as I go.”
I smile in triumph. “I knew you would see reason.”
“You’re both a menace to my sanity,” the Pahkan grumbles under his breath.