Page 64 of Luka

My arms cross to hug my stomach as I face the man. I’ve never heard his voice, but I’ve been looking at his face all week. The tattoos covering the skin of his arms revealed by his rolled-up sleeves are the most identifying characteristic of his, at least from a distance. The wavy brown hair he wears pushed back is next. I’m surprised by his face. I didn’t know it would be scarred. Not enough to render him ugly, but enough to make him even more terrifying than he already was if I didn’t know he was the leader of the Bratva.

He smiles and holds out his hand. “We haven’t gotten a chance to meet. I’m Vitaly.”

For a moment, I just stare at his hand. I’m reminded how infrequently I meet new people.

He doesn’t seem interested in giving up anytime soon, though, so I put my hand in his and let him shake.

“I’m happy to see you out of your room. Luka mentioned you haven’t been feeling well.”

Did he?

“Oh,” I squeak. “Yeah, well…” I shrug. I have no idea what to say.

“You’re feeling better, though?” Vitaly asks. His question feels pointed. Like it’s more important than it seems it should be, and I wonder if that’s how everything he says feels.

I hesitate like I’m taking some sort of test but nod. “Much better, yes. Thank you for asking.” I push myself to be polite, test social skills I never developed. I clear my throat and glance around the garden. “You haveimpressivetaste, sir. This is magnificent.”

Vitaly's smile seems strained. “It was my uncle’s doing, actually. But yes, I agree. It’s impressive.”

His uncle’s?

My face heats at the memory of Luka telling me about a previous Pakhan, one from six months ago. This garden was not made in the last six months.

Did I just insult him?

If I did, he doesn’t show it. His eyes move below my face, and for a moment I think he might be looking at my breasts. But he isn’t. Iwishhe was.

He’s looking at my neck.

When I pull the collar of the shirt higher to hide the fading bruises too late, Vitaly meets my eyes again.

“Can I be honest with you about something, Lucia?”

The seriousness of his tone makes me shrink, and I think he must notice because he smiles to cover it up. He goes on without me responding.

“I’m sorry about Luka’s apartment flooding, but I’m also glad to have you both here. I’ve been hoping for a chance to get to know my new brother, but he hasn’t been very forthcoming. Mywife wasn’t even aware he had a girlfriend until he brought you here, if you can believe it.”

I can believe it. Even if I was a real girlfriend, I could believe it.

“We would really love to have you both for dinner now that you’re feeling better. Would that be all right with you?”

No.

No, it definitely wouldn’t beall rightwith me. I prefer to hide in the room while Luka bad-mouths you.

And I thought his negative energy was a problem. I would bathe in it right now if it meant I didn’t have to swim in the anxiety I feel being around people.

I nod, because what else am I supposed to do? “Of course.”

He smiles wide. “Thank you, Lucia. You’re very kind.” He starts to back away, but then pauses. “You know what, I bet the rest of the family would love to meet you too. I’ll invite them.”

He gives me a wink before turning and walking back down the path.

The rest of the family.

Leo, the mother, and the sister, all at the same table.

What have I done?

---