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“Kate.” Luka wraps a hand around my neck and his thumb caresses my pulse point. “Antonio is dead,” he answers. I sigh with relief.
“Then what is going on?” My eyes dart from Luka to Nik, worry rattling me when Nik’s usual grin is flattened into a frown. He opens his mouth to speak.
“Salvatore Buscetta was officially named the underboss, taking Antonio’s position in the Cosa Nostra.”
Luka’s arms come around my middle. “We knew this would happen,” he says. “Why the need for a meeting?” Luka’s tone is clipped, and annoyed, like he can’t rush Nik out fast enough.
Nik exhales out a long breath. “He wants to meet.”
Luka’s hands tighten on my waist. “He what?” Luka grinds his teeth.
“Not right now. They are still doing damage control surrounding Antonio’s death—they know it was us by the way—but he’ll want to meet soon.” Nik hesitates, wanting to say more.
“And?” Luka asks. “What is your opinion on this?”
“I think we should hear him out, if and when he calls,” Nik answers, wincing.
More words are said, and they argue back-and-forth, but when we all leave the office and sit down for dinner, the Cosa Nostra is miles away. Ilena eats with us and tells me stories about Nik and Luka as young boys, and laughter fans around the table. My face is heated from all the food and wine—plus it’s refreshing to laugh.
I help Ilena clean up, even as she tries to swat me away. Nik says his goodbyes and leaves to head back to his warehouse bachelor pad, as it should be called. Ilena made such a feast that we’ll be eating leftovers through the weekend. She is washing some dishes while I dry them when my mouth falls open.
Outside the penthouse windows, as the sun finishes setting over the city, snowflakes dance down from above. I throw my towel on the counter and run over to the window. It’s beautiful. The skyscrapers stand tall while their glass glistens with snow. The usual bustling city sounds pause to appreciate the enchanting view. I love when it snows, but with the view from the penthouse, after a warm meal and good company, it’s a perfect little bubble.
I pull away from the windows turning to see Luka staring at me. “It’s snowing.” I gesture over my shoulder with my thumb.
“Is that what that white stuff is?” Luka teases and I narrow my eyes at him, his hand combing through his hair.
The sleeves of his button-down are rolled to his elbows, displaying those delicious forearms. A flash of something catches my attention. A manilla envelope rustles behind him and my eyes dart back up to his. He takes several steps toward me while I scan the room for Ilena. The kitchen is dark, and the dishes are finished.How long have I been standing here?
“Evicting me already?” I tease back. His hand comes to his chin, and he stares off at the couch, pretending to contemplate the idea.
“Nyet. I’m not done with you.” His eyes scan down my body, stroking it and flaming the fire. A thrill runs through me.No. It’s need.A tautness pulls at my midsection, excitement thrumming through me. “Stop looking at me that way,” he says, and I grin.
Absolutely not. I don’t think I’ll ever stop admiring him. He fills me, makes me a better person, and consumes me from the inside out.
“Why?” I waggle my eyebrows, trying to ease the tension. He laughs and then stalks toward me, holding out the envelope.
“This is for you.”
The laughter fades from his face and he fidgets with his rolled sleeves after I take the envelope. I slide my finger across the seal, pulling out a thick piece of paper.
Dear Ms. Castile,
Congratulations! It is with great honor and privilege that we are happy to inform you that your admission to Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine has been approved. We are excited for you to join our growing …
Wetness pools in my eyes.
Oh my god.
A splash lands on the trembling page and a sob lodges itself in my throat. I unglue my eyes from the words ‘Congratulations’ and ‘College of Veterinary Medicine’ to gape at Luka. His hands are tilted in his pocket and a marveling expression is directed at me.
“Luka.” I’m speechless. This is the goal I’ve had in honor of my father since his passing, and Luka has again filled my jar. It’s overflowing. “How did you?”
He grasps my chin. “You’ve been accepted for whenever you want to go. You can enroll in the spring or two years from now, tuition has already been paid for. Chase your dreams, Kate.”
I jump into his arms, tears wetting my lashes. “Thank you! This means the world to me Luka.” I pull away, holding his eyes, hoping I can convey all that I want to without nerves. “You mean the world to me.”
He cups my face. “I love you, Kate. Only you. There will never be another.”
