Page 35 of Sinful Bodyguard (Dark Mafia Sins 4)

“Be safe.” His words are raspy, so I lean back to see his eyes. He doesn’t want to let me go alone, but him being willing to allow it warms my heart. His lips are parted, and I’m overcome with emotions. He wants to trust me. He’s willing to go out of his comfort zone to let me be me. We’re both set in our own ways, and I know how hard it is to concede to an idea you don’t like.

I kiss him again. This time, the kiss is harder. It’s more needy and possessive like he’ll never see me again. And maybe he thinks that. When we pull apart, our chests are heaving, and I can feel my cheeks warm from his stubble scratching my skin.

“If you’re not back in fifteen minutes, I will come in there and bust down every door.”

IwalkintoKatrina’sapartment, and she stands from the couch. Her sweater clings to her rounding stomach. I pause staring at the bump that seemed to have grown over night. I can’t help the sharp intake of air I take.

“Out of everyone, I wouldn’t have expected you to be the one to stare.”

She’s showing more and more each day. I don’t know why this had shocked me.

“Hey, baby mama,” I greet her with a hug. She holds me tight with shaky breaths, and I squeeze her tighter. I have done everything in my power to hide her pregnancy from the Bratva leader.

“Luna, I want to come home.” She lets go of me, her eyes glistening. “I’m lonely.” She sits back down, lifting her cup of tea, and the liquid sloshes in her trembling hands.

My spine stiffens with her request. Her baby daddy, Demetri Sokolov, is still searching for her. I can’t even imagine what he will do when he finds out that she is pregnant with his child. “Katrina, we agreed on this. You’re to lie low while everyone believes you’re in rehab.”

A sad chuckle leaves her. “I hate people thinking the worst of me.” She puts her untouched tea down and stares at the small cup.

I’m not sure what to say. Katrina has had two rough years. She fell in love with our sister’s fiancé, the one my father picked for Aria. When he was murdered, she spiraled out of control. She began using drugs and hooking up with strangers. Her overdosing wasn’t even her rock-bottom. She kept on with her lifestyle until she discovered she’s pregnant.

She’s been clean ever since she found out about the baby. But no one other than us know her secret. It’s for her own safety. Her hand goes back to her stomach—another reminder of why we have to keep her hidden.

“You agreed to this. It’s for your and the baby’s safety.” I place my hand on her knee, and her eyes meet mine.

“Why are you the one who always gets to have fun?”

“Katrina, I’m not having fun. I was forced to have a bodyguard. Your Russian lover and Ron Wheeler are trying to kill me. Now, what do you think Demetri will do when he finds out you’re having his child?”

“I know.” She sighs. “But I get it in my head that everything could work out.” Katrina has always been the dreamer and is willing to give her heart to anyone who might accept it. The sad fact of our life is that too many people take advantage of her sweet spirit.

“He wants you dead. And because I’m hiding you, he wantsmedead. This isn’t that fantasy, Katrina.”

She rubs her stomach. My sister has grown up so much in the last few months. It’s sad she can’t enjoy pregnancy the way she would like to.

“You’ve done so much for me, Luna. I really am grateful. You’ve always looked out for me and our sisters. I’m not sure if any of us truly realize how much you do.”

“I love you, Katrina. I would do anything for my family.”

Sitting in her small living room is uncomfortable and overly hot. Ron’s words keep playing in my mind. Iwoulddo anything for my family. Ten minutes pass, and I can’t wait to leave. I need fresh air, as my mind swirls with how my life is falling in on itself.

Chapter 18

Luna

MysisterGiawalksdown the aisle, looking beautiful in her white dress. There are no naysayers in the crowd, even with the smallest bump showing in the dress. Romeo Mancini is standing tall and proud at the front. They have no groomsmen or bridesmaids. All they care about is getting married. There’s no party afterward, only this intimate ceremony.

The way they look at each other has my eyes tearing up; the love they have for each other radiates throughout the room. My mother is a blubbering mess. She doesn’t even seem concerned that she didn’t get to plan a large wedding.

Two of her daughters are now married off, and she still hasn’t been able to plan the wedding of her dreams. I worry for her that she will never get the opportunity. The problem is she and my father raised headstrong girls. We don’t easily conform to society rules.

My father kisses Gia on the cheek as they arrive at the front, and Romeo takes Gia’s hands from him. I watch in fascination as Romeo looks pained—probably that he can’t kiss her yet. My father wastes no time kissing my mother like it’s their wedding day.

A warm hand rests on my leg, and I look over at Fin. He’s watching me, not paying any attention to the people in front of us. It’s times like these that remind me I grew up with a warm and loving family. Fin never had that… even when his father was alive.

Needing to break the eye contact, I glance around the room. Every other bodyguard is standing at the back of the room at attention. “Do you want me back there too?” he asks.

“I don’t need someone watching over me like a hawk,” I remark.

---