by May Gordon
Telling him I have everything I need, I add, "Just watch his back, okay?"
"Always," he assures me. "Niro is staying behind to watch over you, as are some of the men." I tense at his words, hoping he doesn’t see it. Regardless of him being one of Luka’s enforcers, I still feel uncomfortable around him. At least Luka is still here, along with others I trust.
"Be safe," I admonish Zeke as he leaves and he gives me a wave over his shoulder. For the next few hours I read, then take a shower and change into comfortable clothes. Deciding to check out the impressive media room, I end up watching Italian soap operas, the perfect distraction while Luka is busy. I'm wrist deep in my bowl of popcorn, completely mesmerized by the television, when someone walks in. I hit the pause button when I realize it’s Luka.
He sits next to me and pulls me close for a kiss. "Sorry that took so long."
Concerned, I ask if everything is all right. "You've been in there almost since we arrived."
"Just business and working out the logistics," he says, sounding tired. Leaning my head on his shoulder, I take his hand and tell him we need to take an extended vacation, a real one, as soon as possible. Dropping a kiss on it, he states, "I completely agree and promise we will." Reluctantly rising, he helps me up and informs me, "I need to go. I'm meeting Smith and Zeke."
"Please be careful," I implore him. "And come back quickly."
Running his hands over my body and cupping my ass, he demands, "You better be naked in waiting in bed for me." I tease him and let him know I will, once my show is over. He chuckles, gives me another kiss and reminds me Niro and a few of the men are remaining behind.
Settling back on the couch, I resume the soap until my snack is gone, then head to the kitchen for more. I’m surprised when I hear voices coming from Luka’s office, knowing no one should be in there without him. Remaining quiet, I listen from the hallway.
"How long will he be gone?" One asks over the sound of papers being shifted.
I barely withhold my gasp when Niro responds to him. "Should be enough time to find what we're looking for and finish our mission. Otherwise, Roberto will have our heads."
"Then we take her?" The first clarifies.
"Roberto promised a big payday for her return." Not only is Niro betraying Luka, but he isn’t the only one. How many of them are there? I need to get out of here now.
"Shouldn't we get her now?"
"She's camped out in the media room and doesn't suspect a thing. First, we continue our search." Wasting no time, I sneak to the bedroom and grab shoes and a jacket. Moving to the private attached balcony, I glance down and see vines as well as latticework. Hopefully, since I left the television on, the noise from it and the slightly closed door will thwart them while I make my escape. If only I hadn’t left my cell in there. Slinging a small bag of essentials over my shoulder, I make my descent. My eyes scan the area, noticing men strolling the perimeter, but without knowing who is loyal to Luka versus which are in Roberto’s pocket, I can’t risk it.
Swiftly making my way to the bushes off to the side, I use them as cover to reach an old farm I’ve seen in the distance. Hopefully they can help me, or at least have a vehicle I can borrow.
I refuse to let that bastard take me from Luka.
Chapter 9
Luka
I take a sip of my wine with a nod at Enzo in thanks as he returns to his desk chair. Zeke does the same, yet he immediately spits his back in the glass.
When Enzo glares, Zeke jumps to his own defense, reminding him, "I'm Russian for fuck sakes."
Cold eyes shifting to me, Enzo mutters about how we aren’t known for our elegance. Some may find him intimidating, as well as slick-looking, but not me. "You’re here about my uncle," he declares after taking a drink. “He’s become a thorn in your side.”
"That is an understatement. I need him gone and you're the logical person to replace him."
"I don't want to." He doesn’t seem the least concerned nor interested until I inform him his uncle will be dead by morning. "No way. He's untouchable."
"Not when you have Smith." His eyes widen at the name. "Once he completes the assignment, and you know he always does, the organization will need a leader. Those still loyal to your father will follow you." Enzo mulls this news over, probably enjoying the thought of being rid of his uncle as much as I am.
"I’m not suited to rule as my father was." He isn’t outright saying no.
"Trust me. You’ll be fine."
"There has to be a catch? I assume you want me to work with you?"
"Yes,” I reply honestly, adding, “and others. You'll like us."
"I have one condition." When I ask what it is, he tells me, “I get to pull the trigger.” Smith couldn’t care less who does as long as he gets paid.
"As long as he dies, it doesn’t matter who does it. This happens tonight."
Enzo seems more confident now as he assures me, “I'm ready." I turn to Zeke when he calls my name and find him pocketing his phone.
"I can't reach Maya." I frown, not entirely understanding what he means. "We were texting about that stupid show she was watching. She hasn't replied for over an hour." Taking out my own cell, I dial her, yet she doesn’t answer, something she always does. No matter what.
"We need to go."
"Now?" Enzo asks. I nod, too worried to reply verbally because I know she’s in trouble. Standing to join us, the three of us head to my SUV and race to our villa. Upon arriving, we discover a fucking bloodbath. Drawing our guns, we methodically begin clearing the house as I shout Maya’s name. "What the hell happened here, Luka?" Enzo questions me.
"Not a damn clue," I growl as I storm to my office. I can tell from the doorway it’s been searched and trashed.
Zeke appears a few minutes later. "Niro and James are missing. Their bodies aren’t here either."
"You think it's a coincidence two of your men are AWOL while the others are dead and your girl can’t be located?” No, I don’t.
"This has your uncle written all over it."
"I don't doubt that. He likes to use inside men."
I’m beyond pissed. "I thought I cleaned house when I took over. We need Smith in order to strike, then we’ll find Maya."
"And my uncle?"
“He’ll be dead as planned; it’ll just be more painful than first intended.” I stole Maya once; I won’t hesitate to do so again.
Chapter 10
Maya
After stealing an old farm vehicle, I managed to put enough distance between myself and them. Of course, I eventually had to ditch it and make the rest of the journey on foot, but I did it. Gone is the sheltered woman, replaced by one on the run for her life. I’m sickened that Luka was betrayed by one of his own men, though I take pleasure in knowing he’ll make them pay for it. Just as I know he’ll find me. It may not be right away, but he will.
Seeing a less than desirable hotel on the outskirts of the city, I decide to lay low there, fully aware fancier locations will be first on Robert’s list to search for me. Not to mention, I didn’t exactly take the time to grab any cash, not that I really have any, so I can’t even afford this place. I thought about hunkering down nearby instead, except being out in the open isn’t safe.
A hand grips my shoulder as a male voice, somehow still strong despite whispering, says, "Little ballerina." I attempt to scream only to have a hand clamped over my mouth. "Maya, it's me." Still in the grasp of fear that I’ve been discovered, it takes a minute for me to recognize him.
Smith releases me and I quickly turn and smack his arm, not that it has any impact. "You scared me," I inform him, placing a hand to my racing heart. "I’m thankful it’s you, but what are you doing here?"
"I tracked you from the second you left. There was quite a mess left behind."
"Niro and James are working for Roberto. I’m not sure who else is with them."
He nods, telling me, “I know.” Tilting his head, he asks, "How’d you escape?" When I explain, hi
s response annoys me for some reason. “Smart."
"I thought so, too. Now will you take me to Luka or not?"
"I’ve already spoken with him. He's hunting down a few of Roberto's men. Probably smashing some of their heads to find you."
"But I’m found,” I remind him. “Call and let him know I’m okay."
Indicating for me to go with him, he says, "We'll meet him."
Knowing I'm not only safe thanks to Smith, but also heading toward Luka allows me to relax and take a deep breath for the first time since discovering Niro and James’ plan.
Chapter 11
Luka
My fist slamming into Niro’s nose and the sound of his nose breaking resonates around the room. Blood pours from it as he shouts at the pain. His wrists are tied behind his back, his legs to that of the solid wood chair he’s sitting in. We tracked him and James to a hotel, catching them before either made contact with their true boss. I killed the latter right then, knowing James couldn’t provide the answers I need. Niro, on the other hand…
Getting in his face, I yell, "Where the fuck is she?"
Zeke and Enzo watch from the side, waiting for the information we need. The men initially searching for Roberto are now doing so for Maya, though it wasn’t hard to figure out he’s behind all this.
Laughing, Niro declares, "He's going to kill you."
His tone conveying how pissed he is, Zeke asks, "Can I just shoot him, boss?" I remind him not until we find her, then pause to look at my phone when a notification comes through.
I don’t recognize the number, but I do the code that follows, which is accompanied by a text that merely reads, “Knock, knock.”
Asking Enzo to open the door, he checks the peephole and informs me, “There’s a large and scary looking fucker with a little woman.” I can’t contain the urgency in my voice when I demand he let them in. I almost fall to my knees in relief at the sight of Maya. Spreading my arms wide, she runs into them and I wrap them around her tightly, scared I’ll lose her again.
"I'm so glad to see you," she admits.
Tugging her head back, I kiss her, then need to know, "Are you hurt? How did you escape?" Without giving her time to reply, I glance at Smith.
He casually gets himself a scotch and downs it. "She escaped on her own,” he states with a shrug. “All I did was follow her."
“I’m fine, Luka,” she assures me, regaining my attention. "I overheard them and took off."
When she peeks over my shoulder and see's Niro, I order Zeke to take him to the other room.
"On it, boss," he responds, then aims a smile at Maya. "I'm glad your safe."
"Thanks, Zeke," she tells him, returning it.
Smith, apparently done observing, feel the need to interject with, "Mission is still on."
"You rescue my woman, then bring her to a hit?"
With a smirk, he asks, "Would you rather I drop her off at daycare?"
"I am not a child!" Maya reminds us, adding, "and I'll wait for the murdering to be done, but then we’re getting pasta."
Chuckling, I give her a squeeze and tell her we will. “Let’s get this done. Maya and I have plans.”
After dispersing everyone to other rooms based upon what part they’re playing in everything going on, Enzo, Smith, and I strategize.
"He's holed up in that room with some whores. It’ll be an easy in and out because of that and the fact he only has a few men," Smith shares.
Enzo, wanting to make sure he knows our arrangement, says, "He’s my kill."
Smith merely nods, stating, "I get paid either way." We check our weapons, then follow Smith to Roberto’s location. For the head of a family, his lack of security is shocking. Those guarding him are easily dispatched while Enzo kicks in the door.
"What the fuck?" Roberto yells from the bed. Thank goodness all in it are covered. None of us need scarred for life by seeing proof of what they’ve been doing. Instead of answering him, Enzo strides forward, gun raised and points it at him. Roberto’s eyes widen momentarily before he wants to know, “What the hell is going on?”
"Do you want those to be your last words?" Enzo asks, to which Roberto tells him to fuck off. Without hesitation, Enzo pulls the trigger, his bullet hitting his uncle between the eyes. He didn’t suffer enough in my opinion, but I promised Enzo he could do it. "Now what?"
We make our exit, wanting to be gone before the cops arrive. "Gather those loyal to your father, re-take control, and work with us."
He sighs, agrees with a nod, then jokingly tacks on, "Won't this be a fun?"
"Yes, because it’s the start of something new."
Just like life with Maya. Hopefully, this will be the last hiccup prior to starting ours together. I’m exhausted after fighting two wars back to back and look forward to relaxing with my woman.
Chapter 12
Maya
I’ve been staring at the clock almost obsessively since Luka left, unable to relax until he returns. Letting him go was hard, add in that it was to take part in a murder and I’m understandably worried something could go wrong.
The silence is broken when Zeke declares, “Maya, I’m sorry.” His voice and face are sad, defeated even. I’ve already tried to tell him I don’t blame him, but he’s struggling.
“Zeke, he fooled everyone. Nobody knew he was betraying Luka this whole time.”
“I sure didn’t and we worked together for years. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Greed causes people to do things they normally wouldn’t.”
“Well, this will never happen again. I will be very thorough in checking out anybody that comes near us now.” Needing him to know I don’t view him any differently, I let him know I trust him.
“What’ll happen to Niro?”
“A slow and painful death awaits him," Zeke responds, not bothering to sugar-coat the truth, which I appreciate it. Right then, the door opens and Luka, Smith, and Enzo calmly walk inside, as if they’d just stepped out for brunch. As Luka’s arms wrap around me, the feeling of home envelopes me, his mere presence righting my world.
“We’re fine,” he says before placing a kiss on top of my head. My eyes follow Smith as he glances out the window, more than likely ensuring danger didn’t follow them.
Striding toward him, he raises his hand to stop me, stating, “I don’t do hugs.” I laugh, then check on Enzo. Our earlier meeting was very brief, though I know he and Luka are now allies, so I want to make a point to inquire about him.
“You okay? I know he deserved it, but he was still your uncle.”
He shrugs, appearing as if it didn’t bother him, yet how could it not? “It’s done. Time to move on.” Hopefully he’s right and the worse is over, allowing us all to get on with our lives.
When I ask Luka what’s next, he says, “We clean up, then start our actual vacation.”
For the first time in years, I’m truly free, no longer trapped and forced to live by someone else’s edicts. I’m just a woman in love, excited to see what the future holds. Perhaps one day my passion for dancing will return. Anything is possible with Luka by my side.
Epilogue One
Maya- Five years later…
"It's ridiculous how much my brother spends," Harlow observes as she strolls around the dance theater. It’s in a part of Saint Petersburg that’s in the midst of revitalization. Luka renovated it entirely, but stayed true to the bones of its structure. Though there is an attached building that’s more modern and houses the studio and classroom I use for teaching.
"It's the sweetest gift anyone has ever given me," I tell her sincerely.
She sighs, knowing Luka can do no wrong in my eyes, but tries again nonetheless. Indicating the arrangements of white roses and calla lilies, she asks, "Doesn't he know the meaning of overkill?" I simply reply he doesn’t where I’m concerned as he hasn’t stopped treating me like his queen since we met. Half a decade and three kids later we are still madly in love.
We’ve traveled the world, vi
siting countries I never thought I’d get to explore, and he helped me rediscover my passion for dancing. I’ve also met the crime kings along with their families, becoming closest with Harlow, of course, as well as Smith and Enzo’s wives.
"Are you ready for the big event?" Harlow wants to know, referring to tonight’s production. Whenever we have a show, the tickets always sell out quickly, gaining us quite a loyal audience. Giving everything one last glance, I feel confident in answering that we are.
"Then let’s grab food before you get crazy busy and forget to eat," Harlow suggests, hollering for the kids. I speak with security, then we pile in the SUV and drive to the house where Zeke awaits us, opening the door and assisting the children.
Per their usual routine, they pepper him with questions, fascinated to hear about his adventures, as they call them. He’s great with him and has eagerly embraced his role as that of honorary uncle. Once they settle down, I inquire as to our men’s whereabouts, causing Zeke to chuckle as he informs us they’re in the office arguing.
"About what?" Harlow wants to know.
"The party for the girls." Our daughter and Griffin and Harlow’s have birthdays close together, so we’re planning a massive joint celebration while they’re here.
"They’re three and five," I utter in disbelief. “What could they possible fight about?”
Making his escape, he says he’ll watch over the kids, chuckling as he adds, "Go see for yourself.”
Raised voices greet us as we stand in the office doorway, observing them as they go back and forth about the correct shade of pink and which cake flavor is better. Unable to contain ourselves, Harlow and I laugh, gaining their attention.
Luka rises and pulls me into his arms, then gives me a welcoming kiss before saying, "We didn't hear you." With a smirk, I ask if the rest of the discussion can wait until after we eat since we need to return to the theater.
