AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nick raises one eyebrow. The longer he stands there, the faster my heart races. “I’m going out tonight.”
“Oh. Okay.” I continue avoiding his gaze and untangling a knot in the yarn, not wanting him to see the disappointment in mine.
“Do you want to come?”
My hands still in the strings, and my head snaps up. “Where?”
“It’s a dinner. An engagement party, I guess.”
That takes a few seconds to sink in. I’m not sure which is more shocking—that Nick is going to an engagement party or that he invited me to come along.
“Um…” The invitation is unexpected, but that’s only part of why I’m hesitating. I want to go, and I’m unaccustomed to indulging those impulses, honestly.
Nick half smiles. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait.” I stand, tripping first over the yarn and then banging my shin on the bedframe. “It’s just…” I approach where Nick has paused. “What about Leo?”
“My mom wants to stay with him.”
I don’t miss his choice of phrasing.Wantisn’t can or could. “She does?”
He nods.
I inhale. “Okay. I’ll go. What time are we leaving?”
“Whenever you’re ready. Just come downstairs, okay?”
I’m assuming that means we’re already running late. “Okay.”
Nick smiles and disappears.
I head into the bathroom to wash my face. For the first time since we arrived, I open the makeup bag that arrived with the rest of our belongings.
My daily routine used to consist of a little concealer beneath the eyes and a quick slick of mascara. Since I’ve been here, it’s begun and ended with a heavy layer of moisturizer to combat the bitter cold. The lengthy routine of foundation and bronzer and blush and eye shadow and eyeliner is a rarity.
It gives me something else to focus on instead of uncertainty about the party we’re attending.
When I finish with my makeup, I head for the wooden wardrobe that takes up half of one wall. I have one option for a dress. It’s a black velvet one with a tassel sash, plunging neckline, and short sleeves, which I bought on sale for the office Christmas party at the Curtis Atrium two years ago. That was the last time I wore it, so I’m relieved it still fits. I don’t have any tights to go with it. I simply slip on a pair of black heels and head downstairs.
I can hear Leo’s voice as I descend the staircase. He’s chattering away, cheerful and excited. And I just enjoy the sound instead of worrying about the consequences of him loving living here so much.
The world Nick is involved in, the organization he leads, is not something I’m comfortable with. But it’s no longer as scary and overwhelming as it once was. The men who travel with me to and from Leo’s school every day are intimidating. But they also hold the door for me and smile at Leo. And every one of them is risking their life to protect my son. It’s hard not to appreciate that. To not sense the camaraderie Nick spoke about when he was discussing the reasons men choose to pledge lifelong allegiance to the Bratva.
When I reach the living room, I spot him immediately. Leo is bouncing on the couch opposite from Vera, who’s scrutinizing the black-and-white board resting between them.
Nick is leaning against the wall by the fireplace, studying the two of them. I watch him watch them, seeing some of the emotion he’s trying to hide. He looks wistful and happy, standing handsome and tall in his tuxedo. It’s all black, which is basically all he wears. But there’s something polished about his appearance tonight that reminds me of what waking up in an empty bed felt like.
After a few seconds, his gaze snaps to mine.
As long as I live, whether it’s years or decades, I’ll never forget the look on Nick’s face. I’ll never forget how the way he’s looking at me makes me feel. It sears into my mind, leaving a permanent mark.
I don’t think it has anything to do with the way I’m dressed. He’s seen a lot more of me than this dress teases at.
There’s lust and fascination and relief and interest and hope and protectiveness. Some I understand and some I’m not expecting to see.
And it makes me feel cherished. Appreciated.Seen.
“Wow. You look pretty, Mom.”
