Page 15 of Stolen Seconds

“It’s Eva!” My sister appeared before me, her hands up in defense mode as her eyes widened.

“What the fuck, Evangeline?” I bellowed, my heart racing. I put my gun back inside its holster. “Never do that again.”

“You gave me your pin,” she whispered, letting her arms fall beside her.

“For emergencies.” I glared at her. “Call me before you show up next time.”

She knew better than to come here unannounced, especially when I wasn’t home. I’d secured the place, but she could’ve been followed by anyone.

“So now I need permission to come see my brother?”

“If it has to do with your safety, then yes. You do as your told, do you understand?” I knew my words were harsh, but she had come unescorted and without her security team.

“Yes, I fucking understand! Eva, do this, Eva, do that!” Her anger was palpable, her body shaking. “I’m exhausted,fratello.”

She walked into the living area and sank down onto the black leather couch, her frail shoulders slumped.

I looked up at the white ceiling, reining in my emotions. I often wished our mother were here to guideme on how to approach certain situations with Eva. I’d helped raise her, but I knew she missed out on that motherly bond, and I wished she hadn’t.

I felt the start of a headache, remembering the reason why my mother was six feet under the ground. And I’d make sure my sister didn’t meet the same fate.

I removed my leather jacket and sat beside her. She peered up at me with a sad expression and in this moment, she resembled our mother so heavily, it pained me.

“You want to talk about it?”

She shook her head subtly.

“Alright, come here.” She laid her head on my lap like she used to do when she’d cry as a small child. “I’ll always take care of you.”

The silence stretched as I caressed the strands of her hair before she asked, “And who takes care of you, Luca?”

I didn’t know how long I’d sat there, mulling over my sister’s question until sleep overcame her.

I didn’t need anyone to take care of me and the only person who ever had was murdered in front of me by our father.

Chapter 4

Irina

“Does this look okay?” I asked Aurora, staring at myself in the full-length mirror.

I never wore anything revealing—unless it was for a mission. It made it harder to hide my weapons and with this silky red dress, I was only able to wrap my blade around my upper thigh. The only reason I had worn it was because Aurora came into my room and insisted.

She stood beside me, her emerald eyes catching mine in the reflection, matching the flowy green grown she wore. It was a bit large on her, but I refrained from commenting on it. I was the last person to tell others how to dress. “You could wear a trash bag and you’d still be stunning.”

It was Christmas Day and Aurora had planned a small party at the manor. She’d said she wanted it to be intimate with her closest friends and family. And all I could think about was Nicolai and if tonight I’d meet him.

Nerves pricked at my skin, worried that he wouldn’tlike me. It was a stupid thought because he had no reason to hate me. . . yet.

“When is everyone arriving?”

Socializing with others was a skill I had needed to learn after leaving Russia. It was interesting how easily people fell into manipulation. All you needed was to give them what they wanted to hear.

Yet, the hollowness inside my chest expanded, ready for the onslaught of emotions I’d shove down.

“They should be arriving soon.” She handed me my lipstick. “I should head down and make sure Roman isn’t yelling at the staff.”

I chuckled. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

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