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I need to wake up.
Why is it so hard?Have I been drugged?
I need to talk to Maxwell. My heartrate kicks into overdrive as I continue to try and open my eyes. I don’t quite manage it, but I can hear the words easier.
“You’re still in there somewhere aren’t you, Niko.”
I want to scream I am, but nothing happens. I do feel a firm pressure on my shoulder. Is that DeLuca? Is he really here?
“Keep fighting.You need to. Besides avenging Max, you, my friend, need to return to your Emilia before you lose her to Victorio.”
What the fuck?Emilia is mine! She belongs to me!
“They’re growing closer and although I believe her heart belongs to you, our boy is definitely in love with your woman.”
The words fill me with anger. I try to reach out to grab him and tell him it’s not going to happen. I manage to move my arm slightly. That is enough to completely drain me, but I’m encouraged because I accomplished it.
“Good job, my brother. Come back to the land of the living.”
The land of the living?
I’m not dead.Am I?
I try to move again, but the exhaustion is there, and the darkness is getting stronger. I finally surrender, but I’m going to be back. No one is getting between me and Emilia.
No one.
CHAPTER39
Emilia
Two Days Later
I hate that I’m wearing black on today of all days. I should be in a beautiful gown, feeling like a princess with butterflies in my belly, as my father walks me down the aisle. It would be an aisle that would end with my incredibly handsome and healthy Niko waiting for me. I blink away the dream before the tears can begin.
I’ve had enough of those.
I’m staring into a mirror on Niko’s wall, taking in my reflection and not even recognizing myself. The bags under my eyes are accentuated by my dark hair, and together they make my face look gaunt. My eyes are so puffy that it hurts to see them. I’m surprised I can still see.
Then, there’s my dress. Tonight, is a private funeral for my father. I’m dreading it more than I could ever try to explain. I’ll make it through, because I am Maxwell Korslova’s daughter, and I refuse to disappoint him.
Between wearing a black dress that swallows me because I’ve lost weight, my skin tone pale as hell, and my hair in need of a cut…I look like hell.
Part of me is aware enough to notice all the differences, but the rest of me just doesn’t care at this point. It’s not like Niko will even know what I look like. I turn my attention back to the mirror and try to make sure my hair is pinned tightly on my head. As I adjust the pins a thought hits me. I stop moving as I stare for a minute.
This is a strange place for a mirror.
I walk over to Niko’s bed and then look back at the mirror. I realize the mirror faces his desk.
“Were you trying to see how breathtakingly handsome you are when you’re working at your desk, Niko? I know you have an ego, but that seems excessive, even for you.”
I try to smile, but it’s almost impossible. I’ve lost so much. Niko has too, and he doesn’t even know. He would grieve my father as hard as I am. I don’t even have to question that. I’m sure of it.
My hand shakes as I reach down to touch his face, caressing it softly. “God you really are beautiful, Niko. I miss you so much. I need you to wake up. Tonight would be so much easier if you were with me. I need you to help avenge my father,” I tell him softly. I pause as I take in a shuddering breath. “We’re getting married today. The least you could do is be awake for it. It’s bad enough Callan is in charge of getting everything ready. You’re supposed to be the man who slips the ring on my finger. You’re supposed to kiss me. I watch his face intently for the smallest sign that he hears me. I’d take the tiniest thing from just his eyes blinking. I just need something so I can hold onto the waning hope inside of me.
I get nothing.
“Damn it, Niko,” I growl getting impatient. “You need to wake up now. We have work to do.”
