With one more on the way, growing steadily within Cara. As I watch those before me, I can’t help but hope our baby absorbs the strength and warmth that exudes from Cara, which was pivotal in bringing all of us together like this.
Fork abandoned, I reach across and take Cara’s hand, weaving her fingers together and pulling her from her conversation. She turns her dark eyes on me, her brow creasing as she grips my hand back and runs her painted thumb along my knuckles.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
Words fail me. I can only lean across the gap and press a gentle, loving kiss to her lips in answer.
I am wonderful.
38
CARA
When the Russians throw a party, theyreallythrow a party. The hall is filled with people, from leaders to lower bodyguards all sharing a drink, conversation and memories. Family lines don’t exist here, not right now at least and it’s heartwarming to see after so many years of fighting.
“Cara, wait…” Kilian’s presence warms my back as we move through the crowd, his hands finding my hips and my heart skips a beat as his hands slide down over the curve of my ass.
“Again?” I murmur, my skin flushing hotly at the thought of those hands against my bare body.
“Don’t tempt me,” he growls in my ear but then the skirt of my dress is tugged lower and it hits me, my dress had ridden up.
Or rather I hadn’t pulled it down enough after Killian ravished me in the car on the way here. Not that I can blame him, the emerald ruffle dress I chose for tonightispretty sexy. Tight enough around my curves but with space and comfort around my growing belly. Killian pulled two orgasms from me in our journey here and as we walk, each caress of my thighs together teases at thewell fuckedache in my pussy.
I definitely can’t survive round three. Killian continues to be my shadow as I politely smile, nod, and greet a sea of faces that pass by me until I catch sight of who I’m looking for. Feliks. Despite Owen representing the Irish leadership tonight, I still wish to speak to the man.
I catch him a moment later with a drink in hand, lingering near the bar and it takes only a few steps to reach him. He recognizes us immediately, setting his drink down and pushing up from the bar to offer his hand out.
I take it with a smile.
“Feliks. Quite the party you’ve thrown here,” I smile. He shakes my hand warmly, reaching for Killian next.
“The louder we party, the longer we’ll be remembered,” Feliks replies as he shakes Killian’s hands. “I’m glad you both could make it.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I assure him and his shoulders relax a fraction. “I actually wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me?” Feliks leans a little closer to be heard over the music and Killian’s presence behind me increases like a warm cloak.
“For what you did the night of the attack. Helping how you did, I owe you my life. If you hadn’t been tracking that group at the right time…” Trailing off, a shudder sweeps up my spine and Killian’s hand suddenly warms my lower back.
“Oh! Don’t mention it,” Feliks waves off my thanks. “I’m just glad we were able to get there before anyone else was hurt.”
“Me too,” I smile and I catch his hand once more, squeezing it warmly between both of my own. “But I am grateful and I always will be. If you ever need anything, from me or my family, please don’t hesitate.”
“That’s very kind,” Feliks tilts his head down, an offer of respect. “I also… wish to offer my condolences. What happened to your father, I am very sorry for your loss.”
My heart skips a beat suddenly and my smile waves a fraction. Condolences… from the Russians. I have never expected such a thing.
“Thank you,” I reply and it takes a few seconds to keep the strength in my voice. “We have all lost loved ones to the decisions of those that came before.”
“Indeed,” Feliks agrees before he nods once more and takes his leave. I watch him go, his back melting into the crowd before I turn to Killian and cock a brow.
“You were quiet,” I point out.
Killian shrugs. “I have made my peace with Feliks.”
“Do you think he will honor everything he’s claimed?” I ask, turning back to the bar and leaning my elbows on the wood. Killian presses up behind me, his large hands sliding around my waist to rest on the growing baby bump. Ever since I started to show, he’s been unable to keep his hands off me but I have no complaints.
“I think he will,” Killian murmurs after a moment. “We’re connected now. All of us. Feliks is supplying my clubs with dancers and entertainers, and in turn, he’s selling Irish beer and our drugs in his brothels. We’re helping each other out business wise and the rest comes easy. Well, as easy as any business can.”