Текст книги "Lev"

Автор книги: Belle Aurora

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 23 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Mina

The sound of one-sided chatter aired as soon as the front door opened. I listened in from the kitchen as I went about my business, making toast and pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

“Lev, all I’m saying is that she probably feels awkward here,” stated the familiar melodic voice.

I stilled mid-pour and my stomach boiled with liquid hot lava rage.

She was stooping to an all-time low. If Anika had an issue with me, she should have the balls to tell me to my face, not go behind my back and try to remove me from the picture.

Lev sighed. “This is none of your business, Ani.” He sounded tired.

“Okay,” she muttered in defeat. “Don’t say I told you so when she leaves though.”

Lev walked into the kitchen, and as soon as his eyes landed on me, the lines on his forehead softened. That was enough for me. My jealousy over his morning outing left me in a rush.

“Morning, sweetie,” I said through a smile as I made my way over to him. I wrapped an arm around his middle and gave him a squeeze. He returned my embrace, leaning down to kiss my hair.

“Good morning, Mina.”

We separated, and Anika stepped into the kitchen wearing an easy but false smile. “Morning, Mina.” She looked me up and down. “You look…comfortable.”

I glanced down at myself.

Confusion went through me. What offended her? My black tank, or my overly long grey sweats? Perhaps it was the fact I wasn’t wearing a bra under said tank.

When I looked back up at her and found her glaring at the small indents my nipples were making in the material, I almost smiled. I wanted to tell her it was okay, because Lev had already seen them in real life. But I didn’t. Instead, I shrugged. “Sure, I guess so.” I smiled, teeth gleaming. “So, how was breakfast?”

Anika frowned. “How did you know we were at breakfast? We didn’t know we’d be out for breakfast.”

I bit into my toast, fighting the urge to throw my juice in her face. I chewed slowly then shrugged. “Vik told me.”

Anika straightened, her face paling slightly. “When did you see Vik?”

Lev poured himself a glass of orange juice. His brow furrowed. “Yes, when did you see Viktor?”

Oh my.

Is that jealousy I smell, Lev Leokov?

It certainly seemed so. I decided to experiment with that. I lowered my lashes. “This morning. We did coffee.” I smiled secretly, biting the inside of my lip. “It was…nice.”

“Does Nas know?” Anika glowered.

Yes, I wanted to yell. Because I would never do that to my friend, you turd!

Rather, I nodded slowly. “Sure does.” I turned to Lev, nibbling on my toast. “On another note…Lev, how would I ask a guy out?”

He swallowed at the wrong time, choking on his orange juice. Coughing, his face turned red and he spluttered in disbelief, “You want to date?”

My head tilted in thought. “I do. I really do. But how would I get his attention?”

My intention was to make Lev jealous, but what he said next had Anika shrinking into herself.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Mina, if the man hasn’t noticed you yet, he’s not worthy of you.”

Light rose up, warming me from the inside. My blush was very real. I swallowed hard. “H-how would I let him know that I liked him? That I wanted to go on a date with him?”

He leaned back against the fridge, looking mildly disappointed. He spoke evenly. “I suppose telling him would be the most straightforward way.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his speech turning into a growl as he spoke through gritted teeth. “Ask him out to dinner.” He straightened and walked out of the kitchen, uttering, “He won’t refuse you, Mina. He wouldn’t be so stupid.”

Oh, my Lord.

He was jealous.

Hallelujah!

My eyes on the open doorway, I heard Anika’s saccharine sympathy. “Mina…Vik won’t date you, honey.”

I laid a glare on her before raising my brow. “Who said anything about Vik?”

I followed Lev upstairs, allowing Anika to find the door on her own as she’d done many times before, and found myself standing outside the en suite in our bedroom. I raised my hand, knocking lightly. “Lev?”

“A moment,” he growled back.

I fought my smile, but my smile won. He opened the door and I jumped back from the force of it. It looked like he had just thrown water on his face, dew droplets still lingered at his jaw, and I wanted to lick them away.

“What is it, Mina? I need to get ready for my run,” he muttered unenthusiastically.

I stepped forward, reaching out with my hand. Lev took the offered hand, his shoulders slumping in relief, and he grasped at it like a lifeline.

I did that to him.

I did that for him.

Not Anika.

Me.

Smiling, I ran my thumb over his, looked up into his cool whiskey eyes, and asked, “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight, Lev?”

For a moment, he looked confused. “We eat dinner together every night.”

I nodded. “I know. I was hoping we could go out to eat. Together, just the two of us. Somewhere nice.” I kept going, because he didn’t seem to understand, just kept staring down at me, his brow low. “I’ll wear something pretty. You’ll wear something dapper.” My smile turned into a soft laugh and I shook my head in dismay. “You’re not making this easy on me, sweetie. Can’t you see I’m asking you out on a date?”

His brows rose. He didn’t speak a while, but then he confirmed, “You’re asking me, not Viktor.”

I blinked innocently. “Why would I ask Vik out? I’m not attracted to Vik.”

“You’re attracted to me,” he uttered, almost to himself, as if he needed the reassurance.

I didn’t bother with a response. I already told him he was the most handsome man I knew. I didn’t tell him he was sexy as hell and that I’d masturbated to the memory of his naked body as he stepped into the shower, but I was sure I would, eventually.

“Yes,” he responded quietly. “I would be honored to have dinner with you, Mina.”

I took our entwined hands apart and held his open palm at my cheek. My smile grew wider as I asked deliberately, “Lev,” I lowered my lashes. “Are you going to kiss me tonight?”

He ran his thumb over my lips. His eyes on the prize, he asked hoarsely, “Do you want me to?”

I landed a light peck to the pad of his thumb and he pressed it gently into my kiss as I whispered huskily, “Yes. Very much.”

“Me too,” he admitted. “And yes, I think I will.”

It was too much. I wanted to squeal from excitement, but had the sudden feeling that I would be sick, so I played it cool. Taking his hand from my cheek, I pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the center of his palm. “Can’t wait. What time?”

For the first time since I’d met him, Lev looked lost for words. “Um…”

“Six?” I prompted.

“Yes. Six.”

“Great.” I beamed and moved to leave the bedroom, stopping at the open door and turning. “Lev?”

He lifted his head to focus on me.

I leaned against the doorframe and admitted, “I’ve been imagining what you’d look like in a pair of jeans.” I straightened and winked. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll wear a pair tonight.” I looked down at his long legs. “For me.”

No hesitation. “Okay.”

My smile wide, I blew him a kiss from the door, rushed down the stairs, and ran all the way to Nastasia’s.

What was the process before one went on a date?

I didn’t have a flipping clue, but I knew Nas would.

Nas dressed me in a black dress with a pencil skirt that went to my knees and a high neck that showed none of my non-existent cleavage. Although I was close to my goal weight, I wasn’t quite there yet, but my knees were no longer knobby and I had flesh where flesh should have been. My breasts had yet to catch up with the rest of my body. My butt, however, was doing well.

Knowing how I walked in heels, Nas hooked me up with a pair of black leather strappy sandals, and I wore my white blazer over the top. My hair was left wavy but tamed, flowing down my back. Nas lent me a white clutch to put my phone and lip-gloss in, and I was ready to go.

I waited until five fifty-five before I walked back down to the house. Using the key Lev had given me, I unlocked the front door and stepped inside just as Lev was making his way down the stairs.

My breath left me in a whoosh. I was lucky that I held onto the door handle, or else I would’ve found myself sprawled on the floor in a dead faint.

Lev had found his jeans.

Oh, did he ever.

Jesus Christ, they fit him like a glove. His hair styled nicely, as always, he hadn’t shaved, leaving a nice five o’clock shadow playing at his jaw. The grey sweater he wore, pushed up to the elbows, was formfitting and stylish, and those black jeans…

Oh, God. He looked incredible.

My heart beat faster and my tongue began to swell.

It was hot in here. I fought the urge to fan my face.

I smiled shyly. “Hi.”

His eyes smiled back. “Hello.” The second to last step down, his eyes roamed my body. “You look stunning, Mina.”

“And you…” It was sweltering in here. “In jeans.” My eyes widened as I smiled and breathed, “Wow.”

His cheeks took on a pink tinge. He cleared his throat and asked, “I’m not underdressed, am I?”

Sweet cupcakes, if he changed out of those jeans, I would cry throughout dinner, spilling tears into my meal, and eating them up because I was hungry and not very picky.

I stepped forward and rushed out, “No, not at all. You look…” Sexy as fudge. “…very handsome, Lev.” I went on, “Don’t change.” I was slightly embarrassed when I said, “I like you in jeans.”

He met me at the door, holding his hand out. I took it, entwining our fingers. He looked down at me. “Ready?”

Lev led me out of the house and down the front steps. I let out a restless sigh. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Dinner was a quiet affair. Lev brought us to a little Russian place down an alley in the city.

I was touched. It seemed like he’d made an effort, wanting me to experience some part of him, however small it was.

We held hands until after we seated. Lev asked questions about me, and I answered each of his questions with enthusiasm, only asking him the most basic of questions. I didn’t want to spook him. I’d learned that both his mother and father were Russian immigrants, that Lev liked to play sports but not watch them, that he preferred blackberry jam to all others, that he had cousins in New York who he adored, that he liked to read rather than watch TV, and that he had a double degree in business and mathematics, which he completed at the ripe old age of twenty-one.

We ordered a few different dishes and shared them. Lev insisted we get the stroganoff, which was light and creamy, and the beef was cooked till beautifully tender. Next we ordered the blini, which were thin crepes filled with an array of fillings, from smoked salmon and cream cheese, to sour cream and caviar. Lastly, we got the pelmeni, and they were delicious dumplings filled with minced lamb, garlic, and herbs.

We cleared all the dishes, even though we ordered for six people. And, damn Lev, but even the way he ate was sexy!

Lev reached for the last pelmeni, but must have spotted the forlorn look on my face. He shook his head, his lip might have twitched (or maybe I imagined it), and he placed the last dumpling on my plate.

I ate it with nothing more than a smile, and Lev continued to watch me, a soft look on his face. Once our dishes were cleared, he reached out across the small table, and with a shy smile, I placed my hands in his.

He held them in silence, stroking his thumbs over mine.

Oh, boy. I was ready for that kiss.

He checked his watch. “Shall we head off? We start work in forty-five minutes.”

I stood quickly. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

Ready for you to kiss the shit out of me!

Lev took care of the check, cocooned my hand in his own, and then walked us to the car. “Our date…it was nice.”

“Yeah,” I murmured in agreement. “We should do it again.”

He let go of my hand, helping me into the car.

Hmmm.

No kiss.

He drove in silence, my fingers playing with his across the center console. Before long, we were at the club and stepping out of the car.

This was it. I could feel it.

I waited for him to open my door, stepping out gracefully. I smiled up at him and his eyes returned the sentiment. He placed his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. “Come on. We have work to do.”

I understood that. I wouldn’t dream of being unprofessional, not when I had been handed this opportunity when I literally had nothing. And yet, as we walked on into the club, disappointment filled me, and one thought circled my mind.

Where’s my damned kiss, Leokov?

Chapter Twenty-Five

Mina

Service was slow this evening. Although we only had four of the smaller tables empty, we were all feeling the tension. Were the customers we’d lost to Aphrodite’s Kiss lost to us forever?

The thought scared the crap out of me, being that it meant I would be out of a job. I couldn’t afford to be out of a job. I had a very delicate subject to bring up with Lev. That subject being me moving out.

I had secretly been going to Nastasia’s in the mornings and house hunting. There were a few good options, but I didn’t have enough saved in just over six weeks to warrant me blowing all my dough at once. I needed at least another two or three weeks to get into a comfortable position. I didn’t want to mooch off Lev. He had done nothing but support me since he found me, and I was beginning to think I was becoming a nuisance.

Damned Anika and her comments from this morning!

They were playing on me.

When Lev and I walked into the bar and separated to head off in our designated areas, Nas stopped me before I headed behind the bar. “What did you do to my brother?” It was an accusation if I ever heard one.

My brow creased. “What do you mean?”

She turned, throwing her arms out in his direction. Then she leaned toward me and whisper-hissed, “He’s wearing jeans!” She shook her head, eyes wide. “What the fuck?”

Oh, that. I rolled my eyes. “I asked him to wear them. I’d never seen him in jeans. He looks great in them, don’t you think? Much more approachable.” I turned to look over at him at the very same moment he turned to look at me. I smiled and lifted a hand in a timid wave. “That ass, though. Grrr.”

Lev winked at me.

He freaking winked at me.

And my stomach flipped.

“Ewww,” Nas muttered, then her voice gentled. “I can’t believe he’s wearing jeans. I don’t know what you’re doing with him, but keep doing it. He’s loosened up a whole lot since you got here, kukla.”

I was too sad to register that she had paid me a major compliment. Instead, I pouted. “He said he would kiss me tonight.” I turned to look at her. “He hasn’t kissed me yet. I want it so bad it hurts.”

Nas’s eyes widened. “I’m going to pretend we’re not talking about my brother here for a second and tell you that if you want something, you’re going to have to fight for it.” She leaned against the bar. “Those are the rules.”

My mouth parted in shock as I glared at her. “There are rules? Why didn’t I know this?”

She shrugged. “You were homeless. I don’t think homeless people are down on the rules.”

I clicked my tongue and bit my thumbnail. “Damn being homeless to heck.”

Nas nudged me with a chuckle. I liked when we joked around like this. It was soothing. It felt so normal to have a friend to kid around with, and yet, it was so foreign to me.

I joined Birdie behind the bar and, with a quick hug in greeting, we started to work. It wasn’t long into my shift before Brick told me that Sasha wanted to see me in his office.

Sasha made me nervous. He always looked as if he had an ulterior motive. Perhaps it was hidden to the general eye, but I’d known many people like that on the streets and could spot them a mile away.

I knocked before stepping inside. “You wanted to see me?”

He stood by the side of his desk, going over some paperwork. He was dressed in a black tailored suit and white shirt. Sasha was tall, and I was sure that whatever he was hiding under his suit was close to the perfection I had seen on Lev. His dark brown hair cut into a faux-hawk, his frosty brown eyes looked up at me. “Shut the door behind you.”

He would be so handsome if only he smiled.

I couldn’t help it. Sarcasm was the language I spoke with Sasha. “Yes, sir. Cap’n, sir.” I closed the door and sat on the guest chair.

Sasha moved around the table and sat behind the desk, looking at me in the eye. “It’s been six weeks.”

I nodded. “Yes, it has.”

He tilted his head slightly and waited. When he realized I wasn’t going to add anything, he lifted his hands. “Don’t you think it was time you moved on?”

My heart shrank three sizes. My throat seized in panic. I couldn’t speak for a long while. Finally, I found my voice, shaky as it was. “I wasn’t aware my position here was temporary.”

“It’s not,” he said in complete calm. “But between you and me, it always was.” His eyes bore into me. “You knew that.” He searched my face, and whatever he found there, he wasn’t happy with it. He sighed, irritated. “You didn’t know that.”

I shook my head.

Sasha leaned back in his chair and I squeaked under his weight. “Lev likes pretty girls.” My eyes snapped up. “Extra points if they’re damaged.” His lip curled. “Like you.”

“I’m not damaged,” I whispered.

He smiled then, but it was harsh, cruel. “You’re a pretty girl, Mina. But Lev’s choices in women don’t lie. You might not be damaged, but you’re damaged goods.”

He was being unnecessarily insensitive. This was all I knew of Sasha. Nasty looks and cruel taunts. It was tearing me down emotionally. And that stunk, because I was finally in a good place with myself. “Why are you being so mean to me?”

At hearing my question, his brow furrowed in confusion. “You misunderstand me, Mina. I’m not being mean. I’m being honest. Sometimes the truth hurts.”

My self-esteem had taken a major hit. I was about ready to burst into tears at the humiliation. “So, I’m fired then?”

“No,” he uttered sincerely. “No. Not fired. But you’re going to leave us. Quit. You’re going to go far away and leave my brother alone.”

No. I wouldn’t. “No. I won’t.”

Sasha exhaled, long and slow. “I know you guys have some little flirtation happening. It’s cute. But you’re something he doesn’t need right now.”

“Who are you to say that? Maybe you should ask him what he needs.”

He scowled at me. “Listen to me. Irina will tear you apart, girl. She doesn’t want Lev, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have him. Her objective in life is to make him miserable. As long as you’re in the picture, he’ll never get Lidiya back. It’s her way or no way.”

“I don’t believe you,” I told him, even though part of me did.

He shook his head at me. “I didn’t want to insult you. You seem like the type of woman who would be insulted by an offer, but here.” He handed me a check. “A hundred grand. Two years of wages. You’ll be able to set yourself up from scratch, find a new job, and an apartment far, far away.”

He knew it was coming. How could he not? I took the check between my fingers and tore it straight down the middle.

Fuming, I stood and walked toward the door, pausing as I opened it. “How does it feel, Sasha? How does it feel that the homeless chick, the woman who has nothing, wouldn’t take your money?” I looked him up and down, shaking my head in revulsion. “Your brother is ten times the man you’ll ever be, and if you want me gone, you’ll have to take me away in a body bag.”

He grinned, amused at my sudden stand. “Calm yourself, viper. That won’t be necessary.”

I lifted my nose. “Is that all, Mr. Leokov?”

He waved me off. “That will be all.”

It was hard to concentrate after Sasha’s intervention on my relationship with his brother. Why was it any of his business anyway? What happened between Lev and me should stay between the two of us. It was none of his concern.

As the night came to an end, Birdie and I finished loading up the dirty glasses onto trays and took them into the back area to load up the industrial dishwasher. We wiped down the countertops and tables and lifted the non-slip mats for the cleaners, who would come in after we had left. We chatted amongst ourselves and waited for the others to be done so we could leave as a group.

Anika had disappeared halfway through service and I didn’t see her again. My guess was that she’d taken ill.

Birdie and I chatted away. I laughed at something she’d said when I heard, “Mina?”

Lev stood behind me. I smiled back at him. “Just a second, sweetie.”

Birdie continued her story and I listened intently.

“Mina?”

I turned around and bunched my nose. “Hold on, Lev. The story’s almost done.”

Birdie took me to the crescendo of her tale and we both burst into laughter. Then suddenly I squeaked as I was being lifted off the ground and my ass hit the bar counter.

I was quickly coming to realize that if Lev wanted your attention, he’d fight for it. I blinked, face-to-face with Lev, his hands on either side of my thighs. “Hi.”

He winced. “Hello.”

It was then that I noticed he was in pain and my heart panged. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head but spoke through gritted teeth. “Headache. I’d like to leave now.”

“Okay.” I lifted my hands and touched his neck lightly while running the other over his forehead. He was a little warm. “But first, can I try something?” I ran my hands through his hair, gently using my thumbs to circle along his temples. He groaned out loud. When I thought he could stand more pressure, I pressed harder. His eyes closed and his lips parted as I massaged his temples.

Without warning, he stepped closer, a frown at his brow, fitting himself into the space between my knees, snaking his arms around my waist and resting his forehead in the center of my chest, moaning as I went about my ministrations.

He greedily snatched my attention, and I loved every moment of it. I loved that he took what he needed from me.

I placed soft kisses at the crown of his head and held onto him, my legs wrapping around his waist. After five minutes of massage, I released his temples and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, trying not to think about his crotch being so close to mine.

We stayed in that embrace for a long while after, just relishing in the warm glow we had created in each other.

After a minute, Lev lifted his head, his arms still holding me. His eyes sleepy and his hair messy, I couldn’t wait anymore. There would be no other moment as perfect as now. “Better?”

He grunted while nodding.

I smiled, cupping his cheeks. “Good.” Then I drew his face toward me, meeting him halfway and pressing my lips to his in a soft but deep kiss.

The arms around me tightened and pulled me closer. Our places of desire met full force.

I moaned, sliding my arms around his neck and pressing myself up against him, needing more of him. My head was swimming. This was the kiss I was hoping for and so much more. It was Lev in his purest form.

His hand came up and he gripped my chin between his thumb and forefinger, lifting my face to take more of my lips. His tongue, warm and sweet, dipped into my mouth and met mine in a delicious greeting.

That was when the wolf whistle sounded, followed by a rowdy bunch of hoots and chuckles.

We parted, looking around us, finding almost everyone looking over at us from all around the room, laughing at our private show. Including Anika. And she looked ready to burst into tears.

My cheeks flamed and, burying my face into Lev’s collar, I groaned in discomfiture. Lev’s chest shook in what I did not believe to be silent laughter as he ran his large hands soothingly down my back. After all, Lev didn’t laugh.

Hell, he barely smiled.

“Can we go home yet?” I muffled into his shirt.

Strong hands at my waist lifted me down to the ground, and I wrapped an arm around Lev’s waist, still embarrassed. We made our way to the car, saying goodbye to the people around us, when someone stepped out of the shadows.

Lev pushed me behind him in a harsh way and it frightened me. “Laredo,” he growled.

Sasha rushed forward, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a pistol. My eyes widened. Sasha barked, “You got some nerve, old man.”

Vik came rushing over, ever the peacekeeper, throwing his arm in front of Sasha. “Put that away. You’re going to kill someone.”

Nas came closer to stand beside me. She lifted her nose at the man who stood in front of Lev’s car. “Uncle Laredo.”

The older man smiled at her. “You haven’t called me that in a long time, Nastasia.” He looked saddened. “I’ve missed you.” He looked around to Sasha and Lev. “All of you.”

I peeked around Lev to the man named Laredo, and from the way he looked at me, he was as curious about me as I was about him. When his eyes met mine, I pulled back to hide behind Lev’s broad back before hissing to Nas, “Laredo is your uncle?”

“By marriage,” she explained. “Laredo married my father’s sister, my Aunt Alina. She died young.” She grinned, but it was harsh. “Then he had an affair with my mother.”

I peeked around Lev, gasped, and spoke to the man himself. “You did? That’s not cool!”

He shrugged weakly. “We were both lonely.” He looked to Nas. “And if you’ll remember, I was the one who ended it and brought the matter to your father.” He shook his head. “I never meant to hurt anyone. Talya was there for me in the saddest time of my life. We both took advantage of the attention, and we both regretted it sorely. Your mother especially.”

I stepped out from behind Lev and stood by his side. “She was an awful woman.”

Laredo looked up at Lev and nodded compassionately. “Yes. She was deeply troubled.”

Sasha had lowered the gun, but still held it in his hand. “Oh, boo-fucking-hoo. It’s your regular family reunion.” He sneered. “What do you want?”

He lifted his hand and pointed to me. “To see her.”

Shit. He knew. I reached up and held onto Lev’s hand. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Lev, thinking the same thing I was, gripped my hand tight. “It wasn’t her idea. You’re stealing our customers. We needed to know what we were up against. If you have an issue, take it up with me.”

Laredo laughed then. “I see. That’s what you were doing at Aphrodite’s.” He took a step closer, but Lev pulled me away from him. Laredo shook his head but smiled. “I’m sorry. This is rather surreal.” He spoke directly to me. “You look like someone I used to know.”

“I don’t know you.”

He sighed gloomily. “No, I suppose you don’t.” He looked at me then, really looked at me, and whispered, “It’s like looking into the face of a ghost.” I wasn’t prepared for when his eyes took on a faraway look as he uttered a hushed, “Clara.”

My lungs seized.

My mother.

He knew my mother.

Nas was as shocked as I was. “Mina, wasn’t that your mother’s name?”

I nodded, looking into Laredo’s astonished but hopeful face. “Yes. Clara was my mother.”

Laredo stepped forward under the streetlight, and I had the opportunity to look at him. He was average height. Not very attractive, but his smile was lovely. He had average brown eyes with plain brown hair cut into a business do. He wore a nice suit, and had a gold tooth in the bottom right side of his smile.

He looked me in the eye and said genuinely, “I loved your mother very much. She was my world. We were going to get married a few years after my Alina passed away, but…” He shook his head.

Lev asked the question I had wanted to ask since my mother was mentioned. “Are you saying you’re Mina’s father?

Sasha muttered an annoyed, “Figures.”

Laredo chuckled, but shook his head. “No.” He looked me in the eye and he looked sad. “But I wanted to be. I would have given anything to be your father.”

My throat was dry. I was parched. I licked my lips and stuttered, “D-do you know who my father is?”

He smiled, and it looked like something a naughty schoolboy would pull off. “No more.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “No more. Not until you agree to have dinner with me.”

Lev growled, pulling me to his side.

Laredo’s brow rose as he handed me the card. I reached out and took it eagerly. He stated through a smirk, “You chose the right brother, Mina. Lev’s a good boy. Sasha…” He shrugged. “I don’t know Sasha. I thought I did, but…” He looked over at the angry brother. “No, I don’t. Not anymore.”

He walked to stand in front of Nastasia and smiled down at her with fatherly grace. “I’ve missed my bella boo. May I have a hug?”

She looked like she would’ve given her right arm to throw herself into his embrace, but being the badass she was, she lowered her face and shook her head.

“No?” He sounded disappointed, but smiled through it. “Perhaps next time then.”

Laredo took my free hand and kissed the back of it before making his way to the street. Halfway there, he turned, snapping his fingers. “Wait, I forgot.” We all waited to hear what he had to say, unknowing that it would change my life forever. He grinned happily. “There’s someone you need to meet. I hope you change your mind and come see us.”

I was confused. “See who?”

His smile softened. “Your brother, of course.”

Satisfied with my stunned silence, he turned around and went on his merry way, unaware that my world had just imploded around me, sucking me into a vortex of white noise.