Page 87 of Killer Love

The tension breaks and she gives into the pleasures tearing her apart. She settles against my grip, trusting me to hold her up. I cradle her closer, refusing to let her go.

Strong and beautiful Sofia. My Sofia.

I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces.

Chapter 26

Sofia

The Zappia casino is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life but, then again, I’ve said that quite a few times recently.

It sits on the water just west of the beach. I fill my lungs with the constant Chicago wind sailing in from the waves, hoping that it calms my nerves.

It doesn’t.

“Sofia.”

Luka grabs my hand. He kisses my knuckles before tugging me along with him toward the entrance across the dock. Suddenly, that story of the man being swallowed whole by the giant whale enters my mind.

We walk inside, right into the belly of the Zappia beast.

A dozen tables line the floor, each one surrounded by players with stacks of poker chips and drinks from the bar. My nose twitches from the chaotic mix of smells — from alcohol to sweets to cigarette smoke — and my ears ring from the constant chatter.

I tighten my grip on Luka’s hand.

He smiles, his silver eyes calm and steady as ever, and I breathe a little easier. At first.

It all changes when I spot Antony standing on the balcony overseeing the casino floor.

He sees me as I see him, and my heart stops.

That stare. So full of bitterness and apathy. Ever since the day Rosalie and I were dropped off at his estate in Rome, he’s looked at me like this. Tonight is no different, but as recognition crosses his eyes, confusion settles in along his brow.

“Antony!” Luka shouts with a grin. “How are you? It’s been a long time.”

The sudden boom of his voice draws plenty of eyes. Most of them instantly turn back to their games, but there are some who pause.

Enzo and Marty, Gio’s brothers, stand up from their poker table.

Antony’s eyes shift from me to Luka, looking even more puzzled as he makes his way down the balcony stairs. I scan the room, feeling two other pairs of Zappia eyes boring holes deep into my skull.

Still, I smile. “Hello, Antony.”

He stops in front of us. “Luka, what is she doing here?” he asks.

“She’s with me,” he answers.

“With you?” Antony asks.

Luka’s smug smile remains, even as Enzo and Marty plant themselves behind us. “That’s right. I wanted to come here and let you know, in person, that Sofia is no longer a madam of the Zappia household. Her marriage to Gio is over. She and our son now reside in Moscow.”

My chest constricts. Having my biggest secret spoken aloud so casually is quite jarring, no matter how many times I hear it. The Zappia boys glare at me with whiplashed eyes, both of them eager to squash me with their heels.

Antony stares at Luka as if he were a punk kid getting busted with too much grass in his pocket. Arrogant and immature Luka Lutrova. “Your son?”

“My son,” Luka nods. “Lucian is a Lutrova. Always has been.”

The man finally looks at me and he takes a short step forward, but Luka grows a little taller beside me. “You…” he whispers. “You did this to my boy?”

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