Page 79 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

“Hey, there you are.” Her tone carries a playful lilt. She was always the opposite of Niko’s serious personality. Perhaps it’s because she was the baby of the family. Or maybe it’s because she’s always been pampered and protected.

"Little sister doesn't knock?" I quip.

"Since when does family need to knock?" She jumps into my arms. “Don’t tell me you’re a grump now too, Uncle Donovan.”

I laugh and give her a hug. “Never. Does Niko know you’re here?”

She steps away. “It’s a surprise.” She turns to Liam. “Will you arrest me if I hug you too?”

“Maybe.”

She laughs. “I’ll risk it.” She gives Liam a hug, which he reciprocates.

Then she turns to us. “I’m really peeved at my brother. I hear he got married and is going to be a father. He never said a word.”

“Donovan’s hitched too,” Lou says, earning him a glare. My marriage isn’t like Niko’s. At least it’s not supposed to be. My heart says what I feel for Lucy is as strong as what he feels for Elena.

Aria stares at me with wide eyes. “And you never said a word.”

I shrug. “We’ve been preoccupied.” It’s a lousy excuse, and I wonder why Niko hasn’t told her about his marriage and impending fatherhood. Then again, he’s in the middle of a war with Giovanni Fiori, and Aria is supposed to be in Europe for her safety. Niko has to know she’d want to come home if he told her about Elena.

"Where is Niko?" she asks.

"Handling business," Liam answers

"Anything I should know about?" Despite Niko’s attempt to keep her out of the loop, Aria is no stranger to the life we lead.

“No. And I suspect Niko isn’t going to be too happy about your surprise visit.”

She rolls her eyes like a teenager despite the fact that she’s twenty-four. Or is it twenty-five? "Isn't that always the case?" There's a hint of rebellion in her tone.

Lou clears his throat. “I’m heading out. Got to check in with the uptown club.”

I nod, letting him know he’s free to go.

“Well, I’m going up to my room. Then I’m going to hunt down my new sisters.” Aria grabs her suitcase and heads to the staircase.

Liam and I exchange glances.

"Something tells me we're in for quite a ride," Liam murmurs once she's out of earshot.

"More like a storm.”

26

LUCIA

I’d felt numb as I left Donovan and headed up the stairs in the penthouse. It seemed like I should have felt relief that my mother is gone or horror that I killed her. Perhaps the two offset each other and that's why I felt nothing.

After taking a shower, I’m now making my way to Elena’s room where Maria told me she was resting. But as I approach her door, nerves skitter along my skin. What will she think of me now that I killed our mother? A part of me considers taking Donovan up on the offer for him to take credit for it, but I quickly dismiss it. I can't demand to have control of my life and then not take responsibility for what I do.

I take a breath and knock on the door, opening it when she calls for me to come in. She sits in the window seat with a book and smiles when she sees me.

She stands and comes to give me a hug. "How was your honeymoon?"

The memory of Donovan touching me, making me feel whole and wanted, comes back, and I smile because it's a sweet memory.

She smirks. "I knew you and Donovan would get along."