Page 14 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

"Where are you going?" He almost sounds disappointed.

"Somewhere you're not."

"Always so caring, my ice queen." He’s mocking me.

"No." I turn toward him. "I'm not one of your conquests, Donovan. I don't belong to you, to Niko, or to any of this."

"Lucy—"

"Let me make this clear. I'm here for Elena. That's my sole purpose. Not to be a pawn in some power struggle."

He tries to push himself up, his face contorting in pain. Concern flickers inside me for a moment, but I ignore it.

He gives up, lies back. "Always so fiery.”

“Fire burns, Donovan. You should remember that.”

"One day, you're going to let someone in. And when you do, all these walls you've built won't mean a damn thing." The certainty in his voice stirs something deep within me, and it terrifies me because a part of me hopes he’s right.

But I push the feeling away. "That day isn’t today." With one last look at his stubborn face, I turn and exit the room. With each step, I rebuild the walls, higher, stronger. I have to, because Donovan’s world is filled with blood and tears.

It's a death sentence.

5

LUCIA

Two days later, I’ve been able to avoid Donovan, and because I’m not lurking about anymore, I’m able to avoid Niko and his men. My focus is on Elena, who isn’t throwing up as much anymore, but she’s still tired. Right now, she’s resting while I’m in the kitchen, sitting alone with a glass of water, feeling like I’m in limbo. At any minute, Niko can tell me to leave, even if Elena wants me to stay. Or maybe Luca will order me back to Italy, a command that Niko would likely enforce as it turns out they’re professional acquaintances.

My solitude is interrupted when Niko enters the kitchen carrying a glass of something potent. He has a large, foreboding presence that ensures no one forgets the power he wields.

"Lucia.” His tone is casual, and yet, there’s an undercurrent of command. "You and Elena will be staying here?—”

“I thought we were going to the compound in Long Island. You said we’d be safer?—”

“You’ll be safer here.”

I arch a brow. “So, before, you were lying. You just wanted Elena out of the way?—”

“Careful—”

“No. Kill me if you must.”

He jerks back. His expression suggests he thinks I’ve gone off my rocker.

“I’ve lived my entire life under the threat of pain or torture or death. After a while, it’s too exhausting to be afraid.”

I think there’s a slight upward twitch of his lips. Great, he’s humored by me as well. He sits down, and there’s something about his coming to my level that hints of his approaching me not as a Don.

“I love your sister. Before… let’s just say it was difficult to be around her thinking she wanted to leave. You and Elena are safe in both places, but I want her close. I want to avoid what happened the other day when she got it in her head to come to the city.”

Okay, so I can’t blame him for that since Elena’s plan put us in danger.

“I’ve beefed up security here, and Donovan will be staying onsite with you both.”

Crap. "Is that necessary?" I hope my voice is steady and doesn’t reveal my annoyance at this plan.

"Absolutely." Niko takes a sip of his drink, eyes assessing. "Donovan is best positioned to ensure your safety, especially with the recent threats."

---