“Are you kidding me? I can’t get out of here fast enough,” I say, then jump from the sofa and throw my arms around his neck.

Drunk on his cologne, I kiss him deeply and whisper a promise in his ear. Just for him.

33

Anya

Amonth can fly by when you’re out of a psychopath’s crosshairs.

With more of my lost memories gradually returning, I sincerely cannot recall a time when I have felt as free and as hopeful as I feel now. I am focused on thriving.

“One hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows coming right up,” Sheriff Mills announces as he comes into the bullpen.

“Oh, wow. I was joking when you asked if I wanted a hot drink. I thought you’d come back with tea or something.” I laugh lightly.

Comfortably seated in one of the guest chairs, I’ve got a nice view of Seeley Lake through the large windows as the morning light floods the entire police station. Outside, I hear the trills and buzzing of a busy bullpen, but in here, it’s nice and quiet.

Chance and Booker share the two-seater to my right; Nico has the chair next to mine, his hand covering mine on the armrest.

“For all her faults, Breonna did get me hooked on this stuff. I even got the order link from her before we sent her to court,” Mills replies and sets the mug on the edge of his desk within my reach.

“Thank you,” I reply.

Mills gets comfortable behind his desk, giving each of us a smile.

“How is Breonna these days?” I ask.

“She’s looking at some jail time for conspiracy to kidnap,” he says. “But she has a good lawyer, so she’ll take a plea and get time served. I did, however, recommend she sell her cabin and never return to Seeley Lake.”

“You recommended?” Nico chuckles.

“Sternly recommended,” Mills corrects himself. “How are you all holding up?”

Chance shrugs and smiles broadly. “Better than ever, truth be told. We’re going to testify in about a month or so. The Feds have secured our protective detail, but all the guys who helped us out in New York will be there, just in case.”

“Plus, my family’s security forces,” I add.

“I take it Zoya Asimova is back at the helm?” Mills replies.

“For now. She’s grooming a cousin on my father’s side, Evgeni. He flew in from Odessa to take over.”

“Well, what matters is that you’re all safe and together now,” Mills concludes. “How are you feeling these days, Anya?”

I give him a warm smile. “Much better, thank you. Obviously showing,” I point at my baby bump, now visible through a green knit dress. “We’re in good health. The doc says my stress levels are down, compared to what they were a month ago, and it shows in my bloodwork.”

“I’m glad to hear that. And you’re staying here?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Will we be seeing any more of the Asimovs in Seeley Lake then?”

“I assure you, if anybody comes to visit, it’ll be purely to see my baby and me,” I reply with a soft smile. “Zoya made it clear to the entire organization that I am off-limits. And after what happened in New York, they were all in agreement that I best be left alone. In fact, I look forward to carving out my own space within this wonderful community, Sheriff.”

“How so?”

Nico gives me a broad grin, his green eyes beaming with pride. “She wants to put together a kids art class at the community center. Once the baby is born, we’ll have a better idea of what we’ll do with our time as a family. My brothers and I will continue to run our businesses mostly from the lodge, of course. We want to spend every waking minute building our family.”

Mills laughs, throwing his head back. “Never imagined I’d see the three of you so whipped. But I love it. You deserve it.”