Page 8 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
His hand wraps around my wrist. "Knew you… liked me." His eyelids are at half-mast, as is his smirk.
I lean in close, close enough to feel his ragged breaths against my skin, close enough that our noses nearly brush. The proximity is an annoying electric charge.
"In your dreams, Toady.” I straighten because I have this terrifying urge to kiss him. “You think this is because I like you?"
The amusement in his eyes holds steady. Damn him.
"Listen to me, Donovan Ricci. I only helped you because you're important to Niko, and he… he's important to Elena. That and I hate the idea of my father winning. That's the only reason.”
His smile falters but doesn't disappear entirely. Instead, it morphs into something softer. I watch as his eyelids flutter, once, twice, and then close.
"Stay with me, Lucy," he whispers. “This toady needs you…” His words trail off, and the smile he attempts to hold slips away.
"Stop being charming," I mutter.
“I’m growing on you.”
“In a bad way. Now rest, you big oaf.”
His lips twitch up again and then he succumbs to sleep.
I move away and past the men standing at the door.
“He should be fine until the doctor gets here.” I exit the room and run into Liam.
“Doc’s on his way up. I’m going to let Niko know. How is he?” Liam asks.
“He’s sleeping peacefully.”
Liam arches a brow, and I remember that sometimes, peaceful sleep means death.
“He’s fine for the moment.”
Liam nods and goes upstairs.
I make my way to the living area where Niko has a nicely stocked bar. I’m dying for something strong, but I opt for wine. It’s always best to keep some of your wits about you when around a bunch of Mafia soldiers.
I sit on the couch staring out into the dark Manhattan night, praying that Niko and Elena aren’t planning a life together. That she’ll take the papers Liam made for her and start a new life. I make a mental list of what I need to do to try and secure my freedom as well.
I hear movement out in the hall. Curious, I go to the entrance to the living area to see what’s happening. Everyone, including Elena, is gathered in Niko’s office. No one seems to notice I’m not there. I don’t want to be included, and yet, I want to know what’s going on.
I ease my way closer so I can hear but not be seen.
“Donovan?” Niko asks as he guides Elena with him to his desk. She stands with him looking happy and regal, and all my hopes for her die knowing that she chose to stay with him.
“He’ll live,” Liam says. “Unless Lucia kills him.”
There’s a snicker in the group. Even Elena smiles. What the hell? What did that mean?
“Orders are to lay low, recover, and regroup.” Niko lists out who is staying and who is coming to the compound. “We want Giovanni thinking he’s won.”
Smart. My father will gloat and get lazy.
“And then we show him he hasn’t,” Lou says.
“That’s right.”
Niko pauses, holding Elena's gaze. She stands by his side, nodding and smiling at him.