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He’s eating a Danish with a cup of coffee. “Back to New York."
I nod. “Thank you.”
“I’m Mikey.” He gives me a lopsided smile. I get the impression he’s new to Niko’s family. He can’t be older than me, but he has an enthusiasm, a friendliness that hasn’t yet been squashed by hate or violence.
“Elena.”
“I know.”
“It’s good to meet you. I… ah… I’m going for a walk.” I wonder if he’ll let me. Niko promised me freedom when the danger left, but that didn’t mean I was free within the confines of his protection.
“Sure thing. It’s nice out this morning.”
I weave through the gardens, the dew-kissed petals of Niko’s mother’s roses looking like they’re from a garden magazine. My fingers brush against the velvet texture of a bloom, careful to avoid the thorns. Beauty and danger mixed together, much like life with Niko.
I continue on the path, the gravel crunching underfoot. An ache has settled in my chest. I yearn for something more than the confines of Mafia life. For being more than a means to an endin a war. But leaving all this? Leaving Niko? For the first time, I feel connected to something. Like there’s a tether linking me to him. Is it just the babies or something more? And if I break that tether, then what?
You’ll be completely alone. Is that what freedom means to you? Being alone?
Lucia’s words echo in my mind as they had all night long. Alone. I don’t want to be alone, either.
I wrap my arms around myself, trying to comfort my babies, myself, from the world's cold truths. Niko's world is steeped in shadows, but within those shadows, he's offered me slivers of light. His tenderness, a contrast to his reputation, nurtures parts of me that have never been cared for before.
I pause on the path, looking out over the bay as the water glistens under the morning sun. Niko might be the Don of a ruthless empire, but he's also the man who listened to my dreams, who promised a life beyond comfort, to include caring and respect. Would that be enough for me? Could I stay in this cage and find fulfillment in Niko’s kindness and support?
I glance around the garden, imagining two children running and laughing, being chased by Niko. I see them indulging in their passions and interests, supported by their father. And I know without a doubt that while they could be a target, no one else would be able to offer the protection and love that Niko and I could give them together.
My chest fills with emotion, a yearning for the image to be real. Like that, the choice is made. For better or worse, I choose this life with Niko. He’s given me what I’ve wanted. Caring. Support. Respect. Family in the true sense of the word. And the freedom to make a choice.
I hurry back to the house, finding Mikey back in the kitchen chatting with the cook. “Can you take me to Niko?”
He arches a brow.
“I need to see him. Can you drive me to the city?”
“Does he know you’re coming? He didn’t say anything about bringing you?—”
“I want to surprise him.”
He grins. “I thought there was something going on between you two. Some guys think it’s just Niko getting his rocks off, but I knew it had to be more.”
“Can you take me?”
“Yeah, sure. I just need?—”
“As soon as possible. I just need to get a few things.” I didn’t have any clothes at Niko’s in Manhattan, so I’d need to pack ones he’d arranged for me to have here.
“Twenty minutes?”
I nodded. “Thank you, Mikey.” My heart races with urgency to be near Niko, the excitement building. It is a similar feeling I had when I got my passport. It represented freedom. But now, I understand that it represented life. That’s what I found with Niko. Life.
I rush up to my room. Rosa is already there with breakfast.
“Can you pack me a bag, Rosa? I’m going to the city.”
“What? Now?” Lucia asks from where she’s having coffee at the table.
I nod. “Yes. I need to see Niko.”
