Page 71 of Pay the Piper

“Well, it was a lot…” I blink, recalling several of his stories. “Um…Nikki?”

“Yes, Abby?”

“Do you think he’ll be mad?”

Nikki belts out a laugh. “I think he will be absolutely fucking furious…”

“Oh—”

“But not at you. Never at you. Trust me, that man has it bad for you. You want to know how I know we are going to be successful in our mission to eradicate Conor’s outfit?”

I shake my head.

“Because the world has yet to see the likes of Misha Mavrin’s vengeance should someone hurt his woman.”

Chapter 27

Getting to spend time with Mila was a breath of fresh air, but it only confirmed that she’s not the one I struggle to breathe without anymore. In my excitement to see my friend in New York, I didn’t even think about how Abby’s absence would affect me. Next time, I’ll just bring her along. There’s no need to be without her for this long ever again. If I had it my way, I would carry her in my pocket.

I thought it was the distance that made it so difficult, but even her being with Ellie yesterday hurt. Thatcher and Mila deserve an award for surviving their long-distance relationship. And I understand now why Mila sent me with Thatcher in the first place. I know it kills her to be apart from him, so she sent the very best she could in his place. I’m as good as an extension of her anyway. I don’t have that luxury when it comes to Abby, though, because there’s nobody I would trust to protect her.

She obviously doesn’t share in my need to be connected at the hip, considering she didn’t get back from Ellie’s until after midnight. If you don’t stop pouting, your face is going to be stuck in a permanent frown. I roll my eyes as Mila’s words play through my head. I know I need to stop grumbling. I’m genuinely happy Abby and Ellie have hit it off so well. It’s more than Ellie helping guide her through the transition into a “mob wife.” My girl seemed so lost when we met. Ellie Santori is as pure as they come, and I couldn’t wish for Abby to find a better friend.

I’m just going to have to learn how to share her. I’ll have to share her with our kids too, and considering how many I plan on putting in her—

“I didn’t think you’d be up so early.” Abby’s soft voice carries through the living room like music to my ears. “I mean, I knew you woke up early, but I didn’t realize it was before the sun came out.”

“I’m surprised you’re awake. You didn’t get in until a few hours ago.”

I wince when she immediately stiffens up. It’s been my job for years to read people, and Abby has been acting odd since I got back from New York. I don’t know what’s been troubling her yet, but I know commenting on her comings and goings will only make things worse. I give her my softest smile and extend a hand, welcoming her to join me on the sofa.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” To my relief, she accepts my gesture and bridges the gap between us, taking a seat beside me, but it’s not close enough.

“Nothing to apologize for, darling. It would seem that I don’t sleep well without you.” I drape a blanket around her shoulders and pull her closer, delighting in how she melts into my side.

“Same,” she whispers, nuzzling against me. “I woke up, and you weren’t in bed. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn’t, so I just thought I would get up, make some coffee, and watch the sunrise.”

Her affection feels genuine for the first time in days, and my doubts fade as I tighten our embrace. When she smiles up at me as I kiss the top of her head, I start to think maybe I’ve made it all up.

“That’s why I’m up too.” I smile, then motion toward the pot of freshly brewed coffee. “And coffee is ready.”

“Eeek!”

Her squeal startles me briefly before I see the sheer joy on her face. I’ve noticed that she always drains the pot I make her in the mornings, but I didn’t realize coffee was this exciting. Laughing, I leave Abby on the couch and make quick work of pouring us both a mug.

Living without Mila is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and for the most part, I’ve been successful in learning how to manage without her. I do miss our sunrises together, though, and I can’t deny how nice it would be to have someone to watch them with again.

“Would you like to join me on the veranda? I always preferred the view outside. It’s something—”

“About the fresh morning air.” She finishes my sentence and stands with her blanket still wrapped snugly around her. “Yes, let’s cuddle up out there instead.”

We sit in silence for a while, enjoying our morning caffeine and bundling up in the blanket. The beginning of fall is still hot as the devil here in Thunder Bay, but the mornings have a nip to them. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. Despite the fact that I’ve lived here, I relish the bite that comes along with those last moments of night. Maybe Abby feels the same. Coming from Canada, she must be struggling with the warmer weather as well.

“I used to watch the sun rise with my parents,” she whispers as the very first light of dawn spreads across the horizon.

A single tear falls from her eye, and I gently wipe it away, then kiss her cheek. “Mila and I would watch the sun rise every morning. We’ve probably counted over ten thousand.”

“Oh. That’s nice.” Her voice is curt as she stiffens up, shifting away from me and letting go of my hand.