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“That sounds very...ominous.”
“Basically, the two of them set up an arranged marriage where Niko was to marry me on my twenty-first birthday. I didn't see Niko again for quite a while. He even kept a woman on the side.” Emilia scowls at the last part.
“Oh, God. That would kill me,” I groan. I can tell that it hurts her to admit it. I know I would have died of jealousy had that been what happened between Antonio and me.
“I’m mostly annoyed now. Don't get me wrong, it hurt. But it didn't hurt as bad as it would have if Niko and I had started a real relationship. He got rid of her when he saw I was old enough to develop feelings for him and want him,” she says, softening. “He apologizes all the time for it now. I still throw it up occasionally, I can’t lie. I only do it to be a pain in his ass, though. It keeps our relationship interesting,” she jokes.
“Has he told you he loves you yet?” I ask, smiling. Her happiness is contagious. I'm glad that we were introduced. I can see us becoming close friends. She's easy to talk to and understands what I'm going through.
“Every single day,” she admits, nodding. “If it helps, I don't doubt it for a minute that Antonio loves you. He will eventually get around to giving you the words.”
Helen leans over, grinning as she speaks up. “Melina, no one could stop themselves from loving you. You don't see it, but I always have. You're special.”
All the girls around the table look at me as they smile and nod. I wait for the embarrassment to come and consume me, but it doesn't. I feel safe and welcomed. It's weird to think how often I've used the word safe since marrying Antonio. Heck, it was before that. He made me feel safe the first night we were together.
“Ignore me,” I laugh. “We’re not supposed to be having a therapy session. We aresupposedto be partying here.”
Everyone goes back to chatting, but I grab Emilia’s hand before she can return to the conversation with the others. “Please don't say anything about me being pregnant. I need time to tell Antonio first.”
“Your secret is safe with me. The men in this life have a brotherhood, but I'm learning that the women have a sisterhood that is just as strong. I’m so glad to have you in my family, Melina.”
I have to swallow the lump in my throat. “I feel the same way about you.”
“Our children will grow up the same age, too. They will be just as close.”
I lean in, surprised, keeping my voice calm. “You're pregnant?”
"Yep!" she says happily as I pull her into a hug.
Just as we pull apart, a rapid popping noise rings through the air. I jump, perplexed as to why someone would shoot off fireworks. I can see the confusion mirrored on Emilia's face.
“What was that?” Helen asks.
“I’m not sure but it was loud. It carried over the music,” Zoe adds.
It happens again. This time one of the windowpanes shatters. We all duck close to the table. I let out a scream before I can stop myself and I think one or two others do the same thing.
"Gunfire!" Zane yells out. "Levi, get the women."
Everything happens in a split second. Levi and Helen's guards jump into action. One of Helen’s guards help me and Emilia, while Levi and the other helps Zoe, Helen, and Angelina.
"Levi and Gordon, take the women to the panic room while we face off with the attackers. I'll call in reinforcements," Zane yells.
One of the taller guards faces off with Zane. “I'm staying with Helena. That’s my job.”
“Fine,” Zane gives in, too worried about keeping us alive to argue. “Levi, go with him and get them to the panic room. Lock them inside and one of you stay in the room to guard it. The women need to be out of the line of fire until the cavalry arrives.”
Levi takes charge, ushering us away as more shots ring out. I keep looking over my shoulder as we quickly walk hunched down as low as we can get. The men lead us away from the windows.
Zane looks at Gordon. "Two are down outside. Mack and Stone need help. You secure the entrances with...” He looks at Helen's other guard.
“Lane,” the guy responds to the silent question, stepping up.
“Gordon, you and Lane cover the entrances and find whatever you can to reinforce them. I'll provide gunfire to shield the others as much as I can. I’ll put a call through to Antonio.”
That's all I can hear as we get closer to the back room. It’s an office with a giant shelf in it that is full of cleaning supplies.At least, that’s what I thought.Instead, Levi pushes a button that must be hidden on the shelf. It makes the entire thing slide back. When that’s done, it reveals a shiny steel door. You couldn’t even see it when the shelf was in place.
If I survive this mess, I will tell my husband what a genius he is…
