STAYING AWAY FROM NICO
The moment is real: I’m officially a college graduate. I shake the dean’s hand with one hand as I hold my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in the other.
Scanning the crowd, I look for someone I shouldn’t. Is he here?
Entering a special conference room reserved for my family, I’m immediately surrounded by an outpouring of flowers. Two massive bouquets rest in vases on the table along the wall to my left.
Drawn to the flowers, I lean in and breathe deeply, letting my nose sink into the array of colorful roses.
“Bet I know who sent those,” my brother teases.
I quickly grab the card tucked inside the flowers. A smile lifts the corners of my mouth as I read the message.
Congrats, Princess.
I wish you much success.
Yours truly, Nico
I notice a second card buried in the flowers. I open it and read.
Congratulations, Serenity,
I couldn’t find you until you showed up in New York.
Don’t worry, I’m not planning to strike now. Just want you to know I can get to you. You took everything from me. You will pay.
EV
A heavy hand lands on my shoulder. “Everything all right?”
Forcing a smile onto my face, I shove the cards into my purse and turn to him. “Yes, I can’t believe school is over.”
Dad, Mom, and Krew pull me into a family hug. I breathe them in. I’ll protect my family no matter the cost.
Later that night, I text Nico.
Me: Thank you for the flowers.
Nico: You’re welcome.
I toss the phone aside and peer at the Glock on my nightstand.
My fingers slip through my wavy locks. I asked my dad to increase my security detail now that I’m out of college. He didn’t hesitate to put more soldiers in place.
Nico: Why were you sad when you left the private room?
My heart skips a beat. He was there in the shadows.
Me: Unfinished business.
Nico: Is it that asshole?
Me: No. Something else. Goodnight.
Nico: Serenity, I’m always here. Goodnight.
Dropping my phone on the bed, I survey the bedroom in one of our safe houses, nestled in White Plains, NY. I’d be staying here until the paperwork for my new home in Jersey was complete.
