Page 33 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
Elena frowns, and I tense. “Today, we’re heading out to the compound. Maria will be in shortly to pack for you.”
“Is there a reason? Did something happen?” I ask, worried that the security here has been breached. Has someone gotten through Donovan? Is he okay?
“It’s a surprise.” He winks at Elena. “Now, get ready. We leave in an hour. You too, of course, Luce.” He leaves the room.
Elena's eyes sparkle with a new kind of excitement. She’s practically giddy. “Do you think it’s for the wedding?”
“You know him better than I do.”
Maria walks in and scurries about to pack for Elena. I leave them, going to my own room to pack. I don’t really have anything for a wedding, but I have a summer dress that might work. I also bought a little black dress, more out of habit than necessity. The rest of my clothes are jeans, shorts, and a variety of tops.
An hour later, the convoy of black SUVs slices through the city like a presidential motorcade. Niko is pulling out all the stops to ensure our safety on the way out to Long Island.
"Feels like we're moving an army," Elena murmurs beside me, her fingers dancing nervously over the swell of her belly.
I’m relieved. After all, the last time Elena and I were on the road, we had an accident and were kidnapped. "Better too many soldiers than too few.”
The ride feels longer than the two-hour drive, but finally, we enter the gates of the fortified walled compound where Niko has a sizable mansion.
"Home, sweet fortress," Elena teases, her voice filled with relief as she undoes her seatbelt.
I exit the SUV, stepping out into the expanse of manicured lawns and stone pathways. My gaze lingers on the colorful blooms. It gives life to a stone gray home that feels like it came out of a Gothic novel. It’s a metaphor for Elena’s life, I decide. Niko, dark and foreboding like the house, and Elena, vibrant and radiant like the flowers.
Once inside, Niko takes Elena’s hand, carrying her bag in the other as he leads her up the staircase. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I strongly suspect it’s the type of words involved in foreplay based on the smiles and giggles. I swallow down the lump of longing in my throat. How I ache for the happiness Elena has found.
“Mrs. Conti, I can show you to your room,” the maid—Rosa, I think her name is—says.
“Thank you.”
I’m put in the room I stayed in with Elena when I first arrived in New York. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and yet it wasn’t that long at all.
“Would you like me to help you with your clothes?” Rosa asks.
“No, thank you. I’ve got it. You can check on Elena.”
Rosa’s lips purse. “I believe Don Leone has her taken care of.”
I roll my eyes. “I imagine he does. But I’m fine. Really.”
She nods and leaves the room. In the silent aloneness, I wish I’d asked her to stay. The feeling of emptiness seems to be growing and I don’t like it.
I put my clothes away and then sit in the window seat looking out over the gardens. Maybe I’ll take a walk and enjoy the warmth of the sun and take in the lovely setting. A walk could help clear my head.
I rise to leave when Donovan’s hulking body fills my doorway. He watches me, eyes dark, the corner of his mouth curved into his usual smug smirk.
"Need something?" The words come out sharper than I intend. They give away the hurt I still feel at his actions.
"I have to go out later tonight. I thought you might like to come.” His voice is casual. It’s not a demand.
“With you?” Why would he think I’d want to go somewhere with him?
He shrugs. “I figured you’d want to stretch your legs a bit.”
“Not with you.”
I turn back to the window seat. Maybe he’ll leave and after a few minutes, I can go for my walk without worrying about running into him.
“Are you mad about?—”