Page 21 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
“Why not a church?” Although now that she’s showing, I wonder if the Catholic church would marry her. Then again, Niko likely has an in with a priest.
Elena shudders. “My last church wedding didn’t go so well.”
I arch a brow. “Isn’t that when Niko kidnapped you?”
Her smile is sweet. “Yes, but there was shooting and blood. And I spent some time in the trunk of a car.”
“I guess I can see not wanting to tempt fate again, but surely, Niko would do better with protection. If you want a fancy wedding?—”
“I don’t want a fancy wedding. This isn’t about showing off. This is a love match. All that matters are Niko and me.”
I resist rolling my eyes at the wordslove match. Not that I don’t believe love is involved. I know Elena loves Niko.
“Has he told you that?” I ask.
“What?” She looks up from her list to me.
“That he loves you?”
Her brow furrows as if she’s wondering why I’m asking the question. “Yes. Of course. You don’t think he loves me?”
“I just want to be sure. I don’t want you to get hurt.” I’m not sure that Niko loves her in the same way she loves him. I’m not sure any man who makes his living running criminal syndicates and murdering people is capable of love. With that said, my sense from Niko is that he does care for Elena. I just hope it’s enough.
“I won’t get hurt.” Her expression softens. “I wish you could feel the way I do. I know you said you cared for Giuseppe?—”
“We were fond of each other, but it wasn’t love.” I rise from my chair and go to sit with her on the window seat.
“I’m glad you had that, but love…” Her face turns up, her expression serene. “It’s so wonderful.”
“Then we’ll make sure you have a beautiful small ceremony.” Right now, Elena is all I have in my life, and I want her to be happy and safe. Maybe I don’t like her choice to stay and worry that her love is misguided, but there isn’t anything I can do about it except support her. I reach across the space between us, covering her hand with mine. "Nothing is going to ruin your day. Not if I have anything to say about it."
A smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "I'm glad you're here with me, Luce. I don't know what I'd do without you."
“From what I’ve seen the last few days, I know you’d be fine without me. You’re a lot stronger than I’d given you credit for.”
She laughs. “I’m channeling my inner Luce. I remember how you’d always stand up to Mom and Dad. You were so brave.”
Memories flood, and I close my eyes to stop them.
“Will you ever tell me what happened?” Her words are soft, tentative, as she has to know that the past is painful.
I open my eyes. “Maybe someday. But not now. Not when we have a wedding to plan and babies to prepare for.” I hope my tone is cheerful and excited. I don’t want to have darkness seep into any part of Elena’s world any more than it already has.
She nods and then yawns.
"Go rest," I urge softly. "Dream of walking down the aisle to Niko without a care in the world."
“I’m so glad not to be throwing up all the time, but I could do without the fatigue.”
I stand up. “You’re growing two babies. I can imagine that’s tiring work.”
She rises and retreats to her bed. Once she’s lying down, I leave her and head to my room. There is a lot to do, not just for the wedding but for the babies as well. I don’t know what's on Elena’s list, but I pull out paper and a pen from the desk in my room and begin my own.
Once I have a few things jotted comes the urge to go buy them now. I put the list in my purse and head out of my room. The penthouse is quiet. Really quiet. Like no one is here. If that’s the case, I could just walk out.
A sudden, glorious feeling of autonomy fills me, imagining going out in the world on my own. As I near the door, Maria appears.
"Maria. I need to go out. Just for a little while."