AllFreeNovel
Share Us
This was never supposed to be my burden to bear, Matvei. It was supposed to be yours.
I slouch against the couch, the anger seeping out as I stare at the painted flower. My obsession with collecting beauty taunts me. Just when I think I’ve found the one perfect thing, the universe conspires to make that beauty into something different.
But Eden is not a possession. She’s human like the rest of us, and people change. I’ve ruined her innocence—I’ve ruined her, and in the process, us.
Mercy is right.You learned quick.
Maybe I was wrong to chase after happiness. Maybe it’s a warning to stay on the destructive path where I belong. My gaze rests on the journal with the missing pages. I pick it up, hold it tightly until my nails turn white, and play back the suspicious look Alexander gave Gunsyn.
A look of shock and surprise like they had been caught. I’m suddenly reminded of Rurik’s offhand comments when we first found the journals and my own response.
I wonder why Gennady ripped out the pages.
Or if he’s the one who did it.
Sighing, I take the journal and lock it away.
Whatever answers are hiding in its missing pages will have to wait.
16
EDEN
A tear streamsdown my face as I stare at Anton’s coffin, surrounded by white fragrant lilies at the front of the church. He was treasured, and his passing will be remembered by neither anonymous burial nor a quick disposal of his body.
The old priest gives the eulogy in an ancient church tucked away on a side street in Manhattan. The attendees are few. People like Zhanna will not come to a funeral for a guard, no matter his loyalty and devotion.
But Anton meant the world tomeand everyone here in attendance.
The pain is raw and leaves a wound that will be hard to heal. My heart aches with the hole of his absence, our friendship stolen by my father’s insane vendetta. I choke back a sob, forcing myself to breathe and focus on what will happen next. For Anton, for the Bratva, and for myself.
Nikolai holds my hand firmly as the priest leads us in prayer.
I wipe away my tears and stand to leave, feeling a sense of purpose. It’s time to put an end to this senseless feud. And to do that, I need to convince Nikolai to let me meet with Zakhar.
Nikolai pauses to speak to a few of his men outside the church while Gunsyn and Alexander pause on the sidewalk to chat with some guards. I keep my distance, not wanting to be near those two. Balling my fists, I close my eyes and examine my feelings. It’s not fear that makes me avoid them.
No, the tightening in my chest is anger, hate, and a desire for suffering.
I am angry at those men for not caring about their actions, and I hate myself for not treating them the way I should. Why isn’t my father going after them instead?
And for that, I find myself wishing that all of them might suffer for their indifference.
Alexander’s distinctive laugh catches my attention. “Genovesi is definitely a spy.”
That bastard. My feet take me over to him before I can think it through. “Don’t you dare spread any more lies. Not here. Not now.”
His mouth tightens. “I intend no disrespect.” He glances at the small group surrounding him, guards I’ve never met before and only know in passing. “We should be more sensitive when women are near. Lest their bodies dictate their thoughts.”
“Don’t forget that my child will dictate your fates one day.” I soften my tone. “And don’t forget your allegiance to your pakhan or his hatred for traitors.”
Alexander eyes me cruelly—his snake-like eyes dare me to speak, as if he is eager to put me in my place. But he doesn’t utter a word, and soon I realize why when Nikolai places his hand on my shoulder.
“Anton would not want petty squabbling at his funeral. He had a high esteem for Eden Zakharovna,” his voice is firm. “And the funeral director needs the pallbearers.”
Alexander nods to Nikolai but ignores me as the men disperse. A part of me wishes Iwasmarried to Nikolai.
If nothing else, so that I might share his power.
