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Is this what life would be with her?
Even the mundane of hygiene is more enjoyable with her around.
“I’ll leave you to it.” She pops up on her toes to kiss my cheek and turns to head out the door. “Oh, and Chef Juan and Chef York made it to the final round, be ready.” She marches away from me and I bite my lip. Yep. Cold shower it is, again.
Chapter55
Kate
Aweek goes by, and it’s one of the best I’ve had in a long time. We had our first dusting of snow and with Luka home for most of the week, we were able to camp out watching cooking shows and ordering food, much to Ilena’s dismay.
Luka ordered every type of pickle from Jacob’s Pickles for me to try, even though he isn’t a big fan. We lounged around the fire pit on the terrace, wrapped in blankets, pickles and coffee in hand.
“Have you ever wanted to leave the city?” I asked a few nights ago, as Luka held me. Both our faces were tilted up searching for the few stars that we could see.
“No, not really. Our family has always kept many properties in the city between the Bratva and businesses, it never seemed feasible. Occasionally I envy Nik and his ability to escape the city.”
I snorted out a laugh. “He lives above a bunch of weapons, I don’t see much escape.” Luka reached up and gave a light tug on my bun, pulling my head back until I met his eyes. He smiled and kissed my nose.
“Your mouth will get you in trouble one of these days.” A chill worked its way up my back and shook my shoulders, and not from the cold. He kissed me until we were both a panting mess.
Today Luka felt good enough to go do some needed inspections at a few warehouses and Ivan was available to take me to my mom’s. She had called earlier in the week saying she found a treatment center and thought it would be best if she toured it. I met her at her house, which was a good excuse to poke around for any items in the house that may be tempting her. I’d found a few but not nearly as many as before. We piled in her car, and I drove us to the center, another forty-five minutes from Lake Mead, which also meant she’d be further from me in the city.
The place was gorgeous. Surrounded by lush greenery, serene lakes, and some rolling hills in the distance. The team we met greeted us with warmth and concern, setting the tone for a perfect visit. The therapists we met with were nonjudgmental and supportive of my mom’s decision. We toured some of the therapies, met with additional counselors, and got to peek at the living quarters that were without distractions or triggers. We filled out the paperwork for her to apply for treatment, and I left there more hopeful about her healing. I’m excited that she is finally embarking on this journey to an alcohol-free future.
We stopped for lunch before going home, enjoying conversation that we haven’t had in a long time. Ivan was there waiting to take me back to the city. “I’m proud of you Mom, I’ll be ready to take you as soon as we get the call,” I told her, giving her a hug and sliding into the back of the SUV.
Now, sitting in the car, watching the city come into view, peace hums deep. Despite all the changes in my life this fall, I couldn’t help but sense the calm. Anxiety waned every day and I’ve found a new purpose with Luka. The job I have allows me autonomy and I’m enjoying the tasks. A flicker of disappointment threatens to cloud my mood when I think of failing my father, but I think if there was anyone who would understand, it’d be him.
“It’s okay for our goals and ambitions to change in life, peanut.”
His words run through my head, and I smile. Ivan catches me in the rearview mirror.
“Good visit Ms. Castile?”
“Definitely.”
* * *
When I stepoff the elevator to the penthouse, I hear Ilena shrieking and Nik’s boisterous laughter ringing from the kitchen. I hang my coat up and kick off my boots, fuzzy socks clashing with the marble floor.
“Nikolai.” Luka’s voice booms and I move to get closer, bouncing around the corner.
Nik beams at me while sticking his hand in a pot on the stove. Ilena turns and gasps, slapping his hand away. Multiple cupboards are open, and Ilena is caked in flour, but she is grinning. Food is scattered across the island, dishes steaming with warmth, and Luka is pouring some wine into stemless glasses.
I watch him, moving around naturally among the food, setting glasses at the table. The cold man I knew, was not gone, but warmer now.My man.The thought takes root there in my mind and I foster it, watering it with what could be, what I want it to be. I’m ogling him as he talks with Nik, and I don’t care. I’m unapologetically hyper-aware of Luka’s every movement, every touch, and caress plus I—
“Kate.” Nik’s teasing voice breaks through my thoughts. “You coming?” I turn to see Luka and Nik headed down the hallway toward Luka’s office.Does Luka want me in there?I stand there oscillating between what to do. Ilena comes over and pushes me from behind. I scowl back at her, but pad my way down the hall, hand drifting along the muted walls until I reach the office.
“Yes, Boss?” I ask, a grin on my face. Luka’s head snaps up from his desk, nostrils flaring at the same time Nik snickers.
“The door,malyshka.”
Turning on my heels I shut the door while I bite back a ‘yes sir.’ I find a spot by Nik and shrug my shoulders when he looks at me.
“Nik has some news and since it involves Antonio, I figured you should hear.” Luka stands from his desk, holding his hand out to me.This is weird.
“He didn’t climb out from his grave and now is an immortal who walks the earth,” I say. Luka pulls me into him. “Or, we didn’t accidentally get the wrong—”
