Page 54 of Heritage of Fire

Hell. Luna could make broccoli appealing, and I hate the stuff.

“It’s delicious,” she says, her words muffled by her bite. She gestures out the car window. “Such a cute place, too.”

“I always appreciate them being open late. Especially on nights after a hard meeting with Luka, or, you know … mafia business.” I skirt around mentioning specifics. “Next time, I’d love to take you inside. The owners are good people.”

Luna snickers.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing. It’s just weird thinking about you having a life where you go to retro donut shopsandknow the owners.”

I shrug, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

“I like it, though,” she says, a blush dusting her cheeks.

I smile at her, but I don’t know what to say.

Ilikethat she likes it—and that’s new.

Chapter 22

Nik

It’s been several long weeks since the night we had dinner with Luna’s parents. A few days ago, a new shipment of AKs got hung up in transit to another warehouse, and Luka decided to send Igor and me to help facilitate transport. Half the containers are set to go to the Cosa Nostra—the other half to a new buyer from a small town in Mississippi.

I didn’t want to leave Luna. Every day, she occupies a little bit more real estate in my mind. It’s distracting. So much so that yesterday I miscounted our containers and got my ass handed to me by Luka.

I keep almost texting her—only to type nothing. I wonder what she’s doing. I’m wanting to talk to her. To hear her voice.

I always miss my bed when I travel, but I’ve been missing it extra hard this trip. Luna’s presence at night has become an addiction. Knowing she’s there when I slide into bed, her sweet jasmine scent tickling my nose every time she shifts in her sleep, her legs brushing against mine—like I said,addiction.

It’s the final night away, and I’m alone in my hotel. It’s an average room—large king bed with crisp sheets and a lumpy pillow, and my desire to check on her finally overwhelms me. Ihaveto text her.

Nik: Burn any food?

Luna: That’s not very nice. Also, didn’t know you had my number.

Nik: Who gave you the phone?

Luna: Glad to know you’re still alive :)

Nik: Are you, though? Thought maybe you’d be planning my demise.

Luna: Not yet ;) Do you have life insurance?

Nik: Ah, she jokes :)

I tap out another message, drowning in a sensation I’ve never experienced before, but my typing gets cut off by a phone call from Luka.

“Da,” I answer.

“I need you to put together paperwork for the new Cosa Nostra shipments coming into the country. Natallia is busy with the art imports we’ve contracted.”

I groan. I hate paperwork, and all I want to do is talk to Luna.

“Nikolai.”

“Yes, Boss. I’ll get it done,” I say. After hanging up, I delete what I’d been about to send to Luna.

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