Page 19 of Grave Secrets

“It’s not forever,” Viktor says. “When everything is settled, I will fund a private practice for you to own and operate.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I say.

“I don’t, but I’m going to,” he says. “I meant it when I said I wanted to keep you. If we are going to be married, I’m going to spoil you. That looks different for everyone, but for you, this is it. You want to help people, and I’m going to help you do that.”

“Damn, Viktor. When did you get so damn sweet?” Carlo asks, making me smile. “By the way, Ada, he never shuts the fuck up about you. And I mean that.”

“I feel honored,” I laugh.

“You should feel loved,” Viktor says, kissing me gently. “You should know, Alan is a psychopath, but he loves you.”

“He looks so innocent,” I say.

“He’s been murdering people who hurt you since your parents died,” he says. “Like the foster father who assaulted you.”

“I shouldn’t find that funny,” I laugh. “Why were you placed with me?” I ask Viktor.

“I think other people connected to your parents knew that you would be safe with him,” Alan says.

“They were right,” I say. “What happens from here?”

“I talked to the woman who owns your practice and explained the situation. She is calling everyone first thing in the morning to meet at an offsite location for you to talk to them,” Andre says.

“Alright,” I sigh.

“For now, let’s get some sleep,” Viktor says, laying me down so I can bury my face in his chest as he hugs me.

Chapter Ten

Ada

I am watching everyone file into the room, and I’m sad. I don’t want to have to do this. I just want to help people. Everyone is looking at me with concern painted on their faces. My throat is very obviously bruised. I have defined fingerprint bruising, and my eyes are red from broken blood vessels.

“Hey,” Maisy says, hugging me.

“Hey,” I sigh.

“Dad told me. Are you okay?” Archer asks, hugging me next.

“Uh,” I laugh nervously. “I’m better with Vik.”

“You know, there was one day last week that I came back to get Maisy’s jacket when you were in session with Viktor,” Archer says with a grin.

“No!” I gasp.

“Oh yeah. You are…”

“Shut the fuck up,” I laugh.

“We are happy for you, Ada. Really,” Archer says.

“Ada, what’s going on?” Trisha asks. “You look…”

“Like someone tried to kill me,” I say. “The short and dirty version is that my boyfriend tried to kill me. He is connected to some bad people, and me being here puts everyone at risk. In the short term, I am stepping back and handing you all off to Megan. Long term… I don’t know.”

“Long term, she will have a private practice,” Viktor says.

“Are you with Viktor?” Jane asks.