Page 18 of Final Installment
Although reluctant, I grasped her hand with a smile I hoped was sufficiently convincing.“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh, I think we crossed paths in middle school?”She asked it like a question, but it was clear she remembered me from the exclusive private school.If we had crossed paths, I didn’t remember it.I could hardly remember anything about my years there.PTSD.Dissociative amnesia.Take your pick.
“We had the same library and PE periods.”There was nothing cruel or venomous in her gaze or voice.She wasn’t making a thinly-veiled hint to embarrass me.She seemed to be genuinely trying to help me remember her.“I remember because you were always checking out the mystery books I wanted to read, and you were so good at softball.Do you still play?”
“I do.I play on a co-ed team in Dallas.I also coach a minor league team.The Fastpitch Fairies.”
“The Fastpitch Fairies?”she repeated with an amused smile.
“My team is mostly ten-year-old girls.Imagine lots of attitude and glitter.”Coaching those girls was the highlight of my spring and early summer.They were the silliest, sweetest kids, and I loved watching them grow as people and players.
“Oh, gosh!I see the youth teams at the park where my son likes to play.I’m so looking forward to his first T-ball game.”She refilled her glass with a similar mix of club soda and lime juice.As she moved, the fabric of her dress pulled taut against her midsection and revealed a curve.That and the club soda convinced me she was pregnant.
Not that I was going to say anything.I had been asked more than once when my baby was due.At least I was able to get a little smug satisfaction from seeing their mortified expressions when I said, “Never.”
“Did you play in college?”
I nodded.“Yes, at SMU.”
“What did you study?”
“Business.”
All thoughts of chitchat fled as Nikolai Kalasnikov approached his wife from behind.He slid his arm around her waist, his heavily tattoed hand a stark reminder of his brutality as it possessively claimed her.He tenderly brushed a quick kiss along her temple before offering me a polite smile.“Miss Dushku.”
The most powerful crime boss in Houston stood before me, all masculine power and danger.My stomach dropped like a runaway elevator.I hadn’t seen him in years, not since...
Well.I really didn’t want to think about that.
He was older now, more polished.Calmer.Quieter.But his eyes were still terrifying.One look, and I got the silent message.If I said one single word in front of his wife about our prior interactions, he would end me.
As much as he scared me, I couldn’t deny that he and his wife were the picture of sophistication.The age gap between them made them seem all the more striking and impressive.It would be easy to assume Vivian had married Nikolai for money and status, but the look they shared was one that made me envious.Vivian loved this man with all her heart, and he was completely besotted with her.
I wanted a man to look at me like that.I wanted to be the center of my husband’s world, to be cherished and adored.
Fat chance, pig.Luka’s imaginary voice insulted me.
“Elona and I were just talking about our time together at school and what we’re doing now.I was about to invite her to come by the gallery.”
“Yes, you must,” Nikolai agreed.It wasn’t quite a command, but it was close enough to make me nervous.“Vivian’s gallery showcases Houston’s best artists.You’ll enjoy it.”
Another command that I didn’t dare ignore.
Controlling the tremor in my voice, I smiled apologetically.“I’m only staying tonight.Maybe the next time I’m in town I can visit.”
“Mbesë.”
My shoulders stiffened at the sound of my grandfather’s voice.Vivian obviously noticed my reaction because her expression morphed from one of happiness to concern.I managed to fake another smile before turning to face my grandfather.
Skender had warned me during our last video chat that our grandfather looked like he was a single step from death’s door.Frail, sallow—he was a shell of the violent, cruel and overbearing warlord he had once been.
Good, I thought silently.I hope he’s suffering.
“Gjyshi.” I politely kissed both of his cheeks and tried not to dwell on his clammy skin or the strange smell coming from him.“How are you?”
He ignored my question and scowled as he looked me over.His thin lips curled, and I steeled myself for the cutting remark that was sure to come.“Thank God your father can’t see you now.”
“Artan,” Nikolai interjected forcefully.
