Page 56 of Born into Blood

Max laughs. “Way too remote. I’m a city boy at heart.”

We all know the real reason is that it’s too far away. We all have a responsibility to this family, and part of that is being there when one of them needs you, and living an hour away isn’t going to cut it.

Niki gives his brother a thumbs up to let him know he heard him, not bothering to look up from his screen while he does it. Max and Damien both grab controllers while I pull my phone out and send a text to Lara. I’m already missing her, not giving the slightest fuck that I’m what would be called pussy whipped. I have no problem with it. In fact, I kind of like it. With a grin playing at my lips, I send her a quick message.

When can I see you again?

Chapter 9

Lara

Ihave to wait until Friday night before I can see Luka again. My mom’s been growing suspicious, especially after she saw that I’d freed my windows of the foil she’d put on and the vase of flowers that have been sitting on my nightstand. I’d given her the line about my co-worker not wanting them, but I could tell she didn’t quite believe me.

Until I learn the truth, I can’t risk confronting her, so little white lies are an unavoidable necessity for the time being. Luka told me his cousin is close to finding information about my dad, and a big part of me is scared to death at what he might unearth, but I still want to know. It might turn out to be a Pandora’s box situation, but just like her, my curiosity won’t let me keep the damn lid shut. I’ve got to take a peek inside, even if it does have the potential to wreak havoc on my life.

Tonight’s poker game is dwindling down, only continuing because Bloody Mary insists on throwing more chips into the pot, but we can all sense it’s a lost cause. Moscow Mule is clearly going to be the winner tonight, but Bloody Mary apparently hasn’t picked up on that vibe yet, so the game keeps going. I have a feeling he’s going to regret hanging on so long when he sees his bank account tomorrow, or what’s left of it.

Gabby stands silently beside me, already preparing the next martini in case it comes to that, while Dario stands in front of the exit—relaxed, wide stance with his hands resting behind his back, looking every bit like a soldier at ease, but his eyes give him away. They’re always looking around, always taking in every single detail and not missing one damn thing.

When Bloody Mary finally loses, he’s the only one who looks surprised by it. The rest of us are just happy it’s over. I hear Gabby’s soft sigh of relief before we both go to stand by Dario, smiles firmly in place as we say goodbye to the men and thank them for the tips they pass us on their way out.

“Nice work, ladies,” Dario tells us, giving us both a nod before stepping out and leaving us to straighten things up.

I’m just about done with drying the glasses when I hear Gabby whisper a quick, “Holy shit. Who’s that guy?”

I look over, my own breath catching in my throat at the sight of Luka leaning against the doorframe. His green eyes stay on mine, and with a sexy smile, he walks towards me until he’s only inches from my body and making everything else disappear.

“You look beautiful tonight, kisa.”

I know that can’t possibly be true and that he must be sick to death of seeing me in black skirts and long-sleeved shirts, but he never acts like it, and he’s never once asked me why I insist on keeping my arms covered. I appreciate it so damn much. He doesn’t ever push me to talk about things I don’t want to talk about, but I know I need to tell him about my scars soon. I can’t keep my arms covered forever. He’s eventually going to see them. The thought of seeing disgust or pity in his eyes is the only thing stopping me.

He cups my face and leans down to kiss me. It’s not a deep kiss. He keeps it PG since Gabby is here, and when he pulls back, I look over and can’t help but laugh at the wide-eyed look she’s giving me.

“Gabby, this is Luka,” I tell her.

“I’m her boyfriend,” Luka quickly says, holding out his hand to her, and I swear my heart grows a few sizes at hearing the word boyfriend fall so easily from his lips.

“Hi, I’m Gabby.” She shakes his hand, getting a grip on herself far faster than I would’ve been able to do and smiles up at him. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Luka says. “I can tell by your surprised face that Lara’s been keeping me a secret.” He turns back to me and rests his hand at the nape of my neck, gently caressing my skin and sending a delicious shiver down my spine. “Should I be offended, kisa?”

“No.” I feel myself blush and look between the two of them. There’s a mischievous glint in Luka’s eyes, and Gabby is giving me a Girl, I want all the details later kind of look. I sigh at the two of them. “Stop ganging up on me. I was going to say something at some point.”

The truth is I’m so used to keeping my private life private that it never even occurred to me to tell Gabby about him. As if Luka can read my mind, he leans down and kisses my head. When Gabby turns back around to finish the last of the dishes, Luka whispers, “Don’t worry, baby, once you have my ring on your finger, you won’t need to explain anything. Everyone will already know you’re mine without you having to say a word.”

He smiles at the surprised look I must be giving him and takes the wet rag from my hand so he can wipe down the bar and put the last of the glasses away.

“I like this guy,” Gabby says, shooting me a big smile while she watches Luka finish our chores.

“Yeah, he’s a keeper,” I say, making Luka laugh.

He gives me a wink. “Good to know.”

After making sure all the liquor bottles are back where they should be, I grab the messenger bag I’d brought before Luka pulls me against him and we say our goodbyes to Gabby. She smiles and then gives me a quick thumbs up and mouths the word Wow when Luka turns his back on her to lead me out of the room. I bite back a laugh and give her a wave.

With his arm wrapped securely around me, I follow him down the stairs. Marco sees us coming and quickly steps aside, giving Luka a deferential nod. It’s weird seeing the way people respond to Luka. We haven’t had a chance to go out much, but I saw the way Lou nearly pissed himself when he realized who he was talking to, and Marco might be civil to me, but he doesn’t act like I’m above him in any way. As far as the pecking order of the club goes, I’ve learned I’m just slightly above the main-room waitresses. I’m definitely not ranking above security, but the man I’m pressed against most certainly is.

“Come on, kisa,” Luka says over the loud, fast beat of the music. “I’m parked out front.”

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