Chapter Forty-Two
Ava
We made it home to Baltimore after an early flight Nikolai booked for us, like he knew that we would be ok. It felt so good to be able to rest with Roman and sleep all the way here. After a good shower, and food, It felt like we laid in each others arms for days. I love him with everything I have within myself, and he is mine as much as I am his. I feel at ease understanding the balance between who I really am, accepting the hours between dusk and dawn. My programming was never different, I just had to find myself to wake up.
I place two cups of cappuccinos on the table in front of the red velvet loveseat. I straighten to a stand and look around, marveling. This wasn’t the only place I have that was worth living for anymore. The Rabbit Cafe is home but so is Roman.
He wraps his arms around my waist from behind, whispering in my ear, “It’s yours, Cottontail. I promise it isn’t going anywhere. So, come enjoy some coffee with me.” Roman takes my hand as I smile, leading me to the couch. We both sit down together as Alexei and Sergey enter through the front door.
Alexei laughs loudly, fidgeting with his beanie as he points behind himself, “Those two are going to be trouble—I love it!” He waves at me as Sergey gives me a wide smile, nudging Alexei into line for coffee.
Sarah and Nikolai bicker as they walk through the door but I’m not sure what about, “Ava, tell him that only a fool can’t tell the difference between Old Bay seasoning and the taste of real crab.” Sarah places her hand on her hip, looking up at Nikolai.
He keeps his eyes on her, “I know the difference. You just like to be a brat about everything,” he inches closer to her, “and anything with me,” he says with hungry eyes.
She inhales, biting the corner of her mouth and raises her hands in defeat. She looks at Roman and I, “Ava? Roman? See what I have had to deal with?” She walks towards the back, mumbling, “I’m going to check on the new hire.” Roman shakes his head slightly into a laugh as I raise my eyebrows at him.
“Hello, Ava.” Nikolai smiles, “You made it,” he says, and follows Sarah.
He said my name. He has never used my name.
Roman pulls me into his chest, leaning my head back onto his shoulder and kisses my forehead, “I love you, Sweet Rabbit.”
I look up at him, “I love you too, Roman.” We both look towards the door as it dings open again. I grab Roman’s knee tightly as Massimo Stravani strides to the front of the table.
He shuffles a toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other and smirks, “Sorry, I’m late.”