Vasilije sighed. “And what do you want?”
“Out.”
My hands squeezed tighter. It was what Luka and I both wanted.
“Protect us until Addison graduates, and then we’re gone. Forever.”
Vasilije appeared to consider the statement carefully, evaluating the downside to this offer. Was there one? I held my breath. He looked reluctant to give his perfect brother anything he wanted, but this was a win-win. Luka wouldn’t challenge Vasilije for the position he was desperate for, and Luka and I could flee.
Luka’s voice was soft and yet firm. “I don’t want this life for Addison. She’s already paid too much, and I can’t live without her.”
My heart thudded along, twisting at hearing him say it out loud. Did he know I felt the same?
“You’re my brother.” Vasilije’s statement was tinged with disappointment.
“And I’ll always be.”
Vasilije’s gaze scanned over the two bodies, staring at them with finality. As if the decision he’d make right now about our future could never be undone. I was going to suffocate from the tension. The waiting was agony.
“After she graduates,” Vasilije agreed.
A weight lifted from my chest, just enough so I could find new air. It contained a trace of hope and freedom.
“But,” Vasilije added, “I’ll need your help until then.” He gestured toward the floor. “Starting with them.”
π
Goran Markovic was eating a late breakfast when we appeared unannounced at his house. He listened with cold indifference as Luka recounted the story of the basement. It was perfectly crafted fiction we’d gone over with Vasilije a half dozen times before arriving here.
I said nothing during it, but my shell-shocked look, which wasn’t an act, helped sell Luka’s performance.
You’d think Goran would be upset about his brother’s death, but no. It wasn’t family that was the most important to the Markovics—it was the family business.
“I’m going to need you,” Goran said to Luka. “Things are changing.”
“It’s all-out war with the Russians,” Luka said. “I don’t want any part of it.”
Goran scowled. “Put the family above your selfish wants.”
“You’re not going to want me, either. I hesitated, Vasilije didn’t. I don’t have the taste for it.” Luka took a deep breath. “He’s young, but he wants this.”
His uncle pushed his plate away and sat back, giving Luka a critical look. “And what about you?”
Luka’s hand curled around mine. “This war? They killed my father. They already used Addison once, I’m not going to let that happen again.” My heartrate skyrocketed as he closed in on asking for what we were desperate for. “I’ll go with her when she goes to school. Get her far away from here.”
“Wait just a minute—”
“I’ll still be able to handle your finances. I can do that from anywhere.”
Goran’s expression was callous and his voice rose with each word. “You’re going to run like a fucking coward? You’re choosing this girl over your own family?”
There wasn’t a shred of hesitation. “Yes.”
Real emotion finally appeared on his uncle’s face. He looked confused, and angry, and perhaps even a little hurt. How would he react to this?
There was a gun hidden in Luka’s jacket. Goran’s security guard hadn’t searched him, and even if he had, it was doubtful he’d have taken it. Luka was family. He was supposed to be loyal, and the gun would be viewed as protection. But if Goran wouldn’t let us go, would Luka have to use it? And could he?
I prayed we wouldn’t have to find out.
“I guess that’s the kind of man you are.” A sneer flitted across Goran’s face. “Quits when things get tough. You’re nothing like your father.”
Luka tightened his grip on my hand. Was it an attempt to stay quiet, or was he thrilled with Goran’s comment he wasn’t like Dimitrije?
“Fine,” Goran said, when Luka remained quiet. “Get the hell out of my sight.”
I’d never been happier to follow a Markovic order.
π
It was hot for May and I worried I was going to sweat before the ceremony started. The black cap and gown for graduation were thick and heavy, and layered on top of the white eyelet dress Luka had picked out for me. Since I was graduating with a science degree, the hood draped over my neck was gold, casting a sallow glow onto my face.
I ran my fingers down the length of my honor cords. Two cords, instead of the three I’d wanted. The perfect summa cum laude had fallen just out of my reach.
When I finished getting ready, I descended the stairs, my gown swishing, and went to the office where I knew Luka was waiting.
I’d spent most of my life working toward this moment, expecting my family to be ready to celebrate with me. Instead, it’d be with this man who had changed my life both for the better and the worse. But I loved him, and he loved me, and I had to believe that was enough.