Page 74 of Legacy

Would Avra have received the same unapologetic combat education Vik put his other recruits through? Rumors circulated about Vik’s methods at his school, as he liked to call it. They were brutal, even by my standards. To pass into the second level of training, each soldier had to hunt and kill an enemy of the Vitalis family without weapons.

I couldn’t imagine what it was like for Avra and her sisters to be raised by one of the most notorious seconds in our world. The man loved the women. It was evident from how he went out of his way to watch over them. But affectionate, he wasn’t.

I could never thank him enough for teaching Avra toreact and protect herself with as much force as necessary. If Avra hadn’t killed Francesca, I would have found a way to put a bullet between her eyes by the end of the day.

What was Francesca’s aim in going after Avra? I’d made my stand on cheating abundantly clear. Showing up to the wedding was an idiot’s move, and now she was dead.

“Are you finished brooding? I’m fine. It’s time to let it go.”

“Letting it go is easier said than done.”

“Allow me to entice you then.” Avra stretched her arms over her head and exposed her lush breasts above the water.

I cupped them and asked, “Do you realize how much of a pain in the ass you are?”

“I’m sure you’re going to tell me.” She threaded her fingers behind my head and slid them to my nape as she looked up at me.

“You have security for a reason. Let them do their job.”

“Like you did with the man and the little girl?”

I couldn’t hide my annoyance. “Those are two different circumstances.”

“That’s true.” She turned, straddled my hips, and caged my shoulders with her arms. “One of your harpies stalked me in a gallery and then attacked me. I sent a message to all who may consider fucking with me in the future.”

Guilt bubbled up. It was my job to protect Avra, and I’d failed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? You weren’t there.”

“I’m sorry for the situation.” I shook my head, slowly rubbing her arms and being careful not to press too hard over her still-healing gunshot wound. “Francesca was my lover before your marriage proposal came to light,” I explained, feeling the need to clarify why this had occurred. “I slept with her intermittently for about two years. I made it clear from the beginning that nothing would come of it. I was direct about our relationship being casual. I never promised anything long-term or any commitment.”

“Her thinking otherwise isn’t your fault. And neither is the altercation.”

“You aren’t upset about her cornering you at the gallery?”

“No. I would be stupid if I were.”

I stared at her, unsure whether to be upset or in awe of her ability to handle a crazy, jealous ex-lover as if it were an everyday thing.

“I saw her at the wedding. No one invited her, just in case you wanted to know. And I made sure she stayed away from you. The last thing a bride wants is to face their husband’s ex.”

“If you could see your face right now.” She laughed, jostling the water with her movement. “You’re ten years older than me. I’m well aware you had a life before me. I expected you to have more than a few ex-lovers who hated me for marrying you. I locked it down while they couldn’t.”

Marrying me was locking it down. She’d come to me with a proposition, and I accepted.

“Are you annoyed that I said I locked it down? Cali saysthat is the correct terminology for when a woman gets a ring out of a man who never planned to marry.”

This woman was making fun of me. I narrowed my eyes, holding back my need to grab her throat. The marks from the fight were there. I wouldn’t think about that now. This wasn’t the time for that.

“You think this is funny?”

“Very. You want jealousy, and I’m not giving it to you.”

Her attention went to my clenched fist on the rim of the tub, and a crease formed between her brows. She reached over, taking my wrist.

“Open your hand,” she ordered.

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