Page 101 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

His expression turns serious. “When Igor said you were dead, something inside me died. I hated myself for not telling you I loved you when we were like this earlier.”

I brush his hair from his temple. “I felt the same. I’m glad you said it. I’m afraid I might not have been brave enough.”

“You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met.”

I laugh. “I think you’re mistaking bravery for bravado.”

“Is there a difference?”

“I talked a big talk to keep others away.”

He rolls us until I’m on top and he’s holding me close. “You don’t have to keep me away. I won’t hurt you. And I won’t let anyone else hurt you.”

I think about where I was when I met him. I didn’t want this life of crime and violence. But I realize now that it’s not the life that was the problem. It was the lack of love and respect and choice. I look into Donovan’s eyes, and I can see everything I’ve ever wanted.

I smirk, hoping it mirrors the one he so often gives me. “My Toady.”

He laughs. “Forever, my queen. Forever.”

33

DONOVAN

Two days later, and I’m still the luckiest motherfucker alive. I confirm it every morning by waking next to Lucy. Turns out, her telling me she loved me wasn’t a dream. I’m obsessed with my wife and would be happy to spend life in bed showing her how much I love her. I wonder if a life is growing inside her, a life I made with her.

But time spent naked in my wife’s arms has to wait as I get back to work. Especially since Elena is home and Niko is preoccupied with making sure she and the babies are fine.

“You’re driving her nuts,” Lucy says when she shoos him out of the bedroom so Elena can rest.

He’s reluctant to leave but heads downstairs. “Donovan. Lucia. My office.”

She looks at me, and for a moment, I’m dazzled again. It’s crazy how easily she can distract me.

“Me?” she asks.

I shrug. “Come on. Let’s see what he wants. Then we can talk about getting our own place.”

She smiles and again… dazzle.

Once inside the office, Niko stands behind his desk. "No word from Liam.”

I lean against the edge of the desk. “You sound worried. It’s not like he doesn’t have a legit job.”

“He’s never MIA this long.”

“He said he wanted to hide Kate. Maybe he has to hide too for that to happen,” Lucy offers.

“Maybe. Or maybe his cousins don’t like what happened to Igor.”

I think about that but dismiss it. “His cousins were the ones who told him to look out for Igor.”

Niko lets out a humorless laugh. “A little too late. We were already in Igor’s clutches.”

Next to me, Lucy shudders. I tug her close, reminding her that we’re safe. "Liam's a survivor.”

"Yeah," he agrees, but the worry doesn't leave his eyes. I see a man whose concern is about his lifelong friend, not a soldier in his business.

“Is there a thing between Kate and Liam?” Lucy asks. “He seemed different around her.”