Page 118 of Emerald Vices

Leonty just winks. “We’ll see about that.”

Their playful banter is like music to my ears. Is it possible that life can be like this? My friends happy? My family together? Everyone safe and thriving?

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, lastochka?” Andrey slides a hand up my thigh, but stops a few inches short of where I really want it.

“Oh, nothing,” I say coyly. “Just peeking into the future.”

“And? What do you see?”

“Exactly this,” I say. “But with a lot more children.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Ours or theirs?”

“A mix.” I blush. “Maybe not a whole baseball team, but I do want a few more.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Those silver eyes of his are so bright, but the clouds hanging over our heads are never far away.

“I’m not in a rush, though,” I add. “We both need time.”

One eyebrow notches higher on his forehead. “Why do I need time?”

“Well…” I clear my throat self-consciously. “Slavik and Nikolai, for one.”

His mouth turns down instantly. He knows how I feel about putting down roots with those threats out there, but I still hate having to bring it up. I want to live in this perfect little bubble.

“Of course. I understand.” He squeezes my thigh and gets to his feet.

“Where are you going?”

“I have a little work to take care of before your appointment this evening.”

Without warning, he strolls across the lawn. Even the others look taken back by his sudden departure. Grabbing my cover-up, I pull it on and run after him.

“Andrey! Wait.”

He stops at the staircase. “Don’t run. I don’t want you exerting yourself.”

“I’m not the one running.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I didn’t mean to upset you, but?—”

“You didn’t upset me.”

“Then why did you take off like a swarm of locusts were coming after you?”

He sighs, his face softening. “My reaction had nothing to do with you. It’s Nikolai and Slavik. I want them gone.”

“So do I, but we can’t let them steal the little moments. We have to try to enjoy ourselves.”

“It’s hard when you can’t even sleep at night,” he bites out. When he sees my confusion, he drags a hand through his hair. “You’ve been having nightmares. You said his name.”

I don’t have to ask whose name I said. I remember the nightmare plenty well.

“Shit… I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for, Natalia? It’s my fault.”

“No, it’s not. Don’t say that.”

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