“Sure.”
He hands it to me, and after I’ve lit it, I take a deep drag and glance up at the clear blue sky.
We smoke in silence, and when the guard’s done, he gives me a chin lift and returns to his post.
The only thing I can hope for now is a quick death. A bullet to the head.
At least I got to love Aurora.
I’ve lived long enough to see Tiana grow into a beautiful woman.
“Misha?”
When I glance over my shoulder, it’s to see Aurora come down the steps.
“How’s Abbie?” I ask as I flick the cigarette into a bush.
“She’s okay. Still a little shocked.” Her eyes search my face. “Where are Alek and Armani?”
I nod toward the castle. “Their suites.”
Her eyes scan over my face again. “How are you?”
I’m not doing too well,moy malen'kiy olen'.
“I’m okay,” I lie. Closing the distance between us, I wrap her in my arms. “I’m okay.”
“You don’t sound okay,” she whispers as her hand moves up and down my back in a comforting touch.
“I’m just coming down from the high of the attack. Don’t worry about me.”
You’re a strong woman. You’ll be fine without me.
She pulls back, and framing my jaw with her palms, she says, “Thank you for protecting us.”
I nod, and leaning down, I press a tender kiss to her mouth. When I pull back, I murmur, “I love you, Aurora.”
The corner of her mouth curves up. “I love you too.”
Be happy and live a full life for the both of us.
Taking her hand, I tug her back into the castle.
“Do you want to get something to eat?” she asks.
I shake my head as I head toward the staircase. “No. I want to be alone with you.”
A smile graces her lips, and she leans into me as we climb the stairs. I take her to my suite, not wanting Abbie to interrupt us.
After I shut the door behind us, I lead Aurora to my bedroom.
When I take hold of her silk blouse and tug it over her head, she chuckles, “Okay then, food can wait.”
“I’m only hungry for you,” I say, the heavy load on my shoulders straining my voice.
Aurora places her hands on my jaw, then gives me a worried look. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Just coming down from the high of action. I need you.”