"Zion is my son and my responsibility," Nikita says.
"Except he's not." While I want Nikita's help, I'm not going to bleed him dry for expenses regarding Zion. "You're already doing too much. Letting us stay with you, marrying me to keep me from the mafia's clutches. I can't ever repay you for all you've done."
Nikita takes a step closer, invading my personal space. His breath tickles my cheek as he caresses my jaw. "Malish, you are all I desire. Your happiness and safety."
"And that's enough?" I ask. It doesn't seem like it would be, considering all that he's doing for me.
"For me, it is," Nikita says. "We will speak with Zion together. And I will handle his tuition and enrollment in Manhattan Academy. That's the same school that Bay attends. They have a preschool and elementary school on the same campus."
My stomach is in knots, and I tug my bottom lip between my teeth. I can't even fathom what Zion's education will cost, but it won't be cheap. And I will be forever indebted to Nikita. Although, aren't I already?
* * *
After breakfast, Nikita and I take Zion outside into the garden for a stroll and a chat. We both want to discuss the new situation, our marriage, and the confines of the mansion doesn't seem large enough.
I'd prefer to take him on a walk to the park, but Nikita has insisted that until news of our nuptials reaches the mafia, I am still in danger, and so is Zion.
How much longer will I be forced to look over my shoulder? Who is to say that Otello will leave us alone after they discover Nikita and I are wed?
"Can we go to the park?" Zion asks as we head outside. The sun is still high, the rays beating down, making the air warmer. It's bright, and I squint as we head under the shade of one of the cherry blossoms.
"Maybe later," I say, avoiding the topic and any further discussion about leaving the premises. We can't stay locked up inside the house forever. Can't some of the guards escort us to the park and make sure that we're safe?
"I wanted to talk to you about something," I say.
"Is Aunt Katie all right?" Zion asks. His bright green eyes stare up at me. There's concern laced in his brow.
"Yes, she's fine," I say and pull him in for a hug. "She's with her boyfriend, and they're staying someplace safe."
"With Declan?"
"That's right," I say. "Just like Aunt Katie is staying with Declan to be safe, we're staying with Nikita." This is not how I wanted the news to go, returning full circle to the danger that led us here.
I glance at Nikita, not that I expect him to help fix this, but I want him involved. He is going to be a part of Zion's life.
"Your mother and I love each other very much," Nikita says and offers a friendly smile to Zion. "We both want to keep you safe and thought it best that you live here, go to school nearby, and for the two of us to get married."
Zion glances up at Nikita. "Are you my dad?"