Page 71 of Heritage of Blood

She thanks me, and I hang up, checking behind me to see if those two were listening.

A knot forms in my throat when I think about going back to an unsafe place and scraping for money to get by. I’m sure Luka won’t keep me at the office after I practically run away from him. A small thrill runs through me at the possibility of Luka not allowing me to go, but I shake it away.

In the first half of the day, Luka isn’t in the office. Around lunch, he comes storming off the elevator and strides right to his office door. I let my eyes wander to him as I’m typing up another contract, but when he turns his head to see me gawking at him, I divert my eyes back to the screen. He doesn’t even hesitate; he plows into his office. A sigh escapes me, and Natallia looks over, misunderstanding the reason for it.

“I know, contract revision is my least favorite part of the job, too.”

She offers me a timid smile and goes back to her stack of papers. If only contract revision was the worst part of my job. I think the worst part is seeing Luka and wanting him, yearning for more.

“How long have you been working for Luka?” I ask.

I’m not sure if it’s okay to ask these sorts of questions. But I’ve grown comfortable here, some of the loneliness in my life diminishing.

Natallia has been a big part of that. She is full of sunshine and happiness most days, and I often chuckle at the juxtaposition between her and Luka.

“My father worked for Luka’s father, and my brother and I followed suit. When Luka took over for his father, I had turned eighteen, and my own father wanted Luka to use me for a marriage alliance. I guess he has spoken with Vladimir about it as I was growing up.”

I shudder. I can’t imagine being groomed all your life to marry young, only in an arrangement and not for love.

“I’m sorry, Natallia.”

“It’s normal, and far too common among many organizations.” Her lashes blink rapidly, and I wonder if she is trying not to cry.

“Anyway,” she continues, “Igor told Luka he didn’t want that for me, and Luka listened. He gave me an opportunity here to work for him. He says he can change his mind any minute, but I’ve gotten to know him—Luka hasn’t made any woman marry for an alliance in the couple years he’s been pakhan.”

Ilena’s words from my first night at the penthouse come back to me.

“Pakhan is a strong leader; he takes care of his men and their families. I do not wish to deceive him.”

Guilt gnaws at me as the time before my visit to the apartment dwindles. I don’t want to deceive him either.

When 2:30 p.m. rolls around, I gather my things, and let Natallia know I have a few errands to run. I make it to the lobby before both guards spot me and look between each other, no doubt confused as to my leaving midday. I don’t say anything but continue out of the building and down the street. I don’t even bother glancing to see if they decided to follow. I make my way toward the closest station, descending within the sea of people.

Let’s see how they enjoy the subway.

Chapter42

Luka

It’s almost 3 p.m. and I can’t take it anymore. I’ve only seen Kate once today when I came into the office for a file that Natallia could’ve easily sent me via email. I told myself I wasn’t going to stay, but here I am sitting at my desk, pretending to work, as my thoughts of Kate get out of hand.

Her lips invade my thoughts for the millionth time and I have half the mind to drag her in here. I’m such an idiot. After sharing with her some things that I’ve never told anyone, it felt like we were on a certain trajectory. I wanted her to stay with me, and her sweet voice saying she couldn’t makes me want to prove to her how much she can.

The rawness of last night grates at me. Having her coconut scent left on my bed was intoxicating I couldn’t sleep.

Hell.

I want Kate. I want her in my bed, in my office, in my world, and in my life. I slam my fist on the desk, papers fluttering to the floor. I get up to pour myself a drink, but after one sip, even that tastes like ash in my mouth. When did I become this man? The one whose thoughts are riddled with a blonde. This has to end. I need to take back control. I throw my glass down and march over to the door, flinging it open.

“Kate!” I bark. Natallia jumps, and her gaze goes wide. My head turns to Kate’s desk, and it’s empty. “Where is she?”

“She said she had some errands to run, she left a few minutes ago.”

I grip the door handle, seriously considering ripping the door off the hinges, when the elevator door rings, and Nik walks out. His limp is barely noticeable anymore, and he winks at Natallia before finding me seething.

“Who pissed in your vodka?” he chides. I ignore him and march back into my office, and he follows, closing the door behind him. “Passed your girl in the lobby; where is she off to?”

Those words capture my attention.My girl.

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