Page 53 of Dark Prince

Elena rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile behind them. “Okay, okay. I’ll keep an open mind. But only because you make it look so good.”

Lily adds, “Seriously, Elena. Love could be just around the next corner, waiting to surprise you.”

Our laughter fills the air again, weaving through the afternoon’s soft light and the shadows it creates. Our talk drifts from dreams to dares in the kind of heart-to-heart talk that stitches souls together.

Lily checks her watch. “All right, break time’s over. We have salmon for dinner tonight, so don’t spoil your appetites.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Elena says.

As Lily excuses herself, a shadow of concern crosses my face, pulling me away from the serene moment.

Elena, always the observant one, nudges me, her voice low and warm. “What's up? You've seemed off since we sat down.”

I let out a sigh, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t shake the feeling that I'm being watched. It's probably nothing, right? Just residual effects from everything that’s happened.”

Elena’s expression turns serious, her brow furrowing. “Maura, in our world, ‘probably nothing’ can mean a whole lot of something. But with Sharon gone and the Bratva’s grip tighter than ever, who would dare?”

“I know, but...” I trail off, the unease staying with me.

Elena nods understandingly. “Listen, there’s always someone looking to stir the pot, especially when they think the top dog might have a weak spot. But you know Luk, he’s always three steps ahead.”

Her words are meant to comfort me, but the knot in my stomach tightens. “I should tell Luk, shouldn't I?”

“Absolutely,” Elena agrees with a nod. “If there’s something to it, he’ll find out what’s going on and deal with it. And if it’s nothing, then at least you’ll have peace of mind.”

She's right, as usual. “Thanks. I just hate adding more to his plate.”

Elena smiles, placing a reassuring hand over mine. “Dealing with shadows is part of the job description for him. Besides, he’d want to know if something’s bothering you. You are his number one priority, no matter what may already be on his plate. It’s always better to be safe than sorry."

Elena's curiosity shifts, her eyes lighting up with a new interest. “So, how's the pregnancy going? How are you feeling?”

I can't help but beam, my hand automatically cradling my growing stomach. “Honestly, it's amazing. I was scared at first, but now, I love it more than I thought possible. Feeling him moving around in there, it's like a little miracle.”

Just as our conversation deepens, Elena's phone buzzes on the table between us, breaking the moment. She glances at it, her expression turning back to business. “Ah, it's a message from Grigori. Bratva stuff; you know how it is.”

I nod, understanding all too well the demands of the Bratva side of our lives. “Of course.”

Elena looks up at me after reading the message, a smile returning to her face. “Hey, let's go grab lunch in the city tomorrow, just us girls. What do you say?”

“I say that sounds wonderful,” I reply, genuinely excited at the prospect of some normalcy.

Elena stands to leave, promising to text me the details of the following day’s lunch plans. Left alone with my thoughts, I am forced to realize how my life has taken so many unexpected turns in such a short period of time, but sitting there, in the serenity of the garden, I wouldn't change a thing.

My mind wanders to the blessing I received from Father McCarry. A warm feeling of acceptance and understanding envelops me. It's given me a new perspective on my relationship with Luk.

Lost in thought, a sudden vibration from my own phone pulls me back to reality. It's a text from Luk.

Need to see you.

Those four simple words send a thrill through me.

I hurry through the sprawling mansion, my steps quick and light. I can't help but smile and throw hellos to the staff as I pass.

The moment I step into our bedroom, I'm hit with a massive wave of desire. He stands by the window, the afternoon sun framing his ridiculously handsome features. He’s wearing a suit that fits him perfectly, highlighting his broad chest and shoulders and every lean muscle in between. I can’t help but want to skip the pleasantries and dive right in. Just the sight of him makes my pussy clench, and my panties are immediately soaked.

“What's up?” I ask, trying to sound casual and not like I'm mentally drooling over him. But who am I kidding? I've been head over heels for this man from day one, not just for the power he wields so effortlessly but for the softness he shows only to me.

He turns from the window. “How are you feeling?” he asks. I melt at the question because, despite everything, his first thought is always my well-being.

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