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“In here,” I called, suddenly anxious about Cora’s presence.
Nas went to walk into the living room and fell short a step, looking directly at her ex-best friend. Cora stood and swallowed hard. “Hey.”
Nas looked the woman up and down before entering the room and speaking slowly. “Hey, yourself.”
Cora’s bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes filled with tears. When she dipped her chin, her tears falling to the ground, Nas moved, and what she did surprised me. She placed her arms around Cora just as a sob escaped her. Nas held her tightly, whispering, “I’m sorry.”
Cora clutched to her like a lifeline and let out a broken, “No, I’m sorry. The things I said to you…”
Nas shook her head, squeezing gently. “Forgotten.”
The two women embraced for a little while, and when they separated, Nas sat next to Cora, taking her hand and holding it in hers. Something told me that no matter how strong Corinna Alkaev thought she was, she had reached her breaking point.
Nas looked at me. “So, what are we talking about?”
Lev responded, “Corinna wants to see Lidiya.” He paused a moment before he said, “And I am considering it.”
The look of relief on Cora’s face was evident, but she masked it with excitement. “Really? Because I don’t even care if we stay here the whole time. I could have a picnic with her in the front yard and stay out of your hair. I promise not to get in your way or anything.”
Lev looked down at Nastasia’s hand, which still held Cora’s. “You were once like family, Corinna.”
Her lips trembled again and she uttered quietly, “I know I fucked up. And I’m so sorry.”
Lev stood. “I see no reason why you can’t see Lidi every now and again.” He looked at the little woman and told her, “She doesn’t have her mother anymore. I’d like for her to have access to someone who knew Irina when she was a child. Someone who can show her the good side of Irina.”
Cora’s face sad, she responded quietly, “I can do that. I can be that person.”
Lev nodded. “I know you can.” He checked his watch and muttered, “Mirella took her to the park. They’ll be home soon enough. You’re welcome to wait.”
He didn’t say another word, just turned and walked away.
My heart warmed, and that warmth spread throughout my entire body.
God, I loved Lev. He was a good man.
I stood too, looking down at a stunned Cora. “I’m guessing it’s been a while.” I turned to Nas and smiled. “I’ll give you guys time to catch up.”
My feet took the stairs two at a time—no small feat for a short girl—until I made my way into our bedroom, opening the door to find Lev in a state of undress. He looked up at me then threw down his boxers, leaving him in the nude.
My voice soft, I told him, “You’re a good man, Lev Leokov.” Then I started to undress.
His eyes landed on my bare stomach and he watched as I undid my bra. His voice came out husky. “I need to shower, mouse.”
“No,” I told him, hooking my thumbs into my panties and lowering them. They fell to my ankles. “You need to get me dirty.” I stepped out of my panties and moved toward him. When I reached him, I looked up into his face, the picture of innocence. “And then we’ll get clean together. Okay?”
His hands came up to rest on my hips and he squeezed lightly, his eyes hooded with lust. “Who am I to argue with my betrothed?”
I grinned as his lips descended. “Suck ass.”
We spent a long time in the shower.
And when we were finished, I was far from clean.
I was deliciously mussed.
Chapter Forty-Six
Mina
I watched in quiet amazement as the extended Leokov family met, hugging and kissing and chatting as laughter burst out of people left, right, and center. Normally, in situations like this, I would have felt out of place, yet somehow this amazing group of people included me like it was no big deal.
I didn’t care what they thought.
It was a big deal, for me.
We had made the half-hour drive to attend the small wedding that Lev explained would be held at his cousin’s club, The White Rabbit. I’d never heard of the place, but when we got there, I immediately understood the appeal.
I got it. I did.
It was freaking hot.
Who wouldn’t be taken by an Alice in Wonderland themed club? From the giant bronzed Cheshire cat, to the whimsical, artistic paint on the walls, my chest panged with regret from not bringing the good camera Sasha had bought for Bleeding Hearts. It didn’t matter; I whipped out my phone and snapped away happily at almost everything in sight.
Lev told me I’d need to dress up for the night, and when he sent me to buy an appropriate evening gown with Nas, the two of us came back arguing. I still couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something I’d only wear once or twice.
