Page 95 of Luka

She knew because she’s lived this.

“Mi, I… I don’t know what to say.”

She shrugs and steps the rest of the way to me, concerned eyes going to my shoulder. “Say nothing, big brother. Go get your girl.”

I nod and stumble a few steps toward Lucia before backtracking and wrapping my good arm around Mila’s back. She tenses like this is the first hug we’ve ever had, and I think it actually might be. Slowly, she hugs me back, her embrace tightening as the awkwardness fades.

“You’re forgivable, Luka. You’re forgivable and lovable, and no matter what happens, we’re family. Promise me you’ll remember that tomorrow.”

I give one last squeeze before letting go. “I promise.”

When she smiles encouragingly and nods, I turn and head toward Lucia, my shoulder protesting every movement, but the pain feels negligible when she meets me halfway and throws herself into my arms.

I kiss her with my hand cupping her face and try not to show how weak I feel inside. But it’s happiness and relief making me feel that way. I’ve never felt so relieved in my life.

“I love you, Luka,” she says after ripping away from my mouth. She stares into my eyes with such an intensity that it makes me feel like these are the most important words she’s ever spoken.

I nod. “I know. I heard.”

Her smile brightens when I lift my lips into a teasing grin, but it vanishes when her lips crash to mine. When she pulls backagain, she’s animated with excitement. Behind her, the SUVs pull away.

“He’s letting me marry you. He—he’s letting mestay here. What did you say?” she asks, her voice nearly a gleeful laugh.

I don’t dare ruin it.

I open my mouth, thinking up what I promise myself will be the last lie I will ever tell Lucia. It makes me think of our first night at the mansion, when she demanded my honesty. It was so important to her then, and ever since, I’ve told nothing but the truth to her. Because, to Lucia, truth is respect, and I felt compelled to give it to her.

But this is not the time for respect. This is the time for love. Sometimes the most selfless gift you can give to a person is a lie.

I shrug. “It was Mila actually. She told him what it was like growing up in societies like ours, and he empathized with her… All of this may be hard for him to understand, but his bottom line is for you to be safe and happy.”

She considers that for a moment before smiling and lifting onto her toes to kiss me. It’s minutes before our kiss breaks this time, but it still feels too soon. The only thing that eases the wanting inside of me is knowing that these are the lips I get to kiss for the rest of my life.

I can live with that.

EPILOGUE

LUCIA

I’ve never seen a more beautiful Vegas sunset.

I stare at it through the glass back door of Mila’s and Vitaly’s lake house. Every time I catch my reflection in the glass, I feel a source of vanity that makes my face blush, so now I try not to pay attention. But I have to admit, I really do look good in a wedding dress.

This is the second one I’ve worn in the last two weeks, and if Luka doesn’t hurry, it’ll be for nothing. The sun is setting quickly. I suppose we could have a wedding in the dark, though the lights are all by the house where the reception will be. The wedding is taking place down at the lake. If I squint, I can see everyone there waiting for us. Everyone except the person Luka really wants there.

When Mila steps into the kitchen, I turn to her and force a smile.

Her jaw drops. “Is he still not ready? Does he not get it’s the bride we’re supposed to be waiting on,notthe groom?”

“Maybe he’s getting cold feet,” I tease with a shrug.

Mila snorts and comes to stand beside me. Even irritated, she looks radiant in her red dress with red lips to match.

“Pretty sure you can only get cold feet at yourfirstwedding. Fuck, I really wanted to blow your father’s shindig out of the water, but we’re gonna have to take flashlights out there if he doesn’t hurry up. Whose idea was it to do this thing at sunset?”

“Yours. Definitely yours.”

Mila looks up at the ceiling and blows out a breath.

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