Page 102 of Heritage of Fire

We both stand there, desire taut between us. Her eyes soften as she reaches for me, her hands coming up behind my neck,and she kneads my muscles. Then, she kisses me, slow and steady. Goosebumps break out over her arms, and I lift her to the counter. Instantly, her legs wrap around my hips. Pressing against me, she moans, urging me on.

“Luna …” I reach for her, wanting to play her body to a perfect tune. “May I?”

Her voice is breathy as she sighs out, “Take me to the bedroom, Nik.”

Chapter 38

Luna

I’d call it joy. Pure, unfettered joy. Well,mostly.

I hook my arm securely through Nik’s as we walk down the city sidewalk. This morning, he surprised me with a trip to the bookstore I’ve always wanted to go to, and I used my exorbitant gift card to add to the ever-growing book collection he started for me.

We’re on the way to meet Luka and Kate for dinner, and the happiness I’m feeling is overwhelming.

It’s been two days since the training room, and the tides have turned. Now Nik touches me without hesitation, and we joke and laugh more than I ever thought possible. I’ve fallen for him, truly and deeply. But I don’t know if he’ll ever be able to fully fall for me.

The warm summer breeze tickles the back of my thighs as my light blue dress rustles behind me. Moving me to his other side, Nik pulls me close as we cross the street.

As I fiddle with my bag’s strap, my ring gets snagged on the braided handle. I glance down to the heirloom on my finger. While I still hate the design, the weight of the rock doesn’t bring me panic like it did before. Now, it feels—well, sentimental.

We swing into the restaurant. It’s a cute alley cafe with lots of outdoor seating, perfect for New York’s warm late summer weather. Luka and Kate wave us over to a four person table under the hanging string lights. We order drinks, and Kate asks about our trip to the bookstore.

Growing up, friendships and double dates were never a thing. It feels good to get out and do something normal, away from mafia business. Nik, who’s been more attentive and charming than ever, shuffles some of his garlic parmesan fries onto my plate. And as I sit here with the three of them, I realize just how different my life has become in such a short amount of time—in a good way.

But as we move through dinner, my restlessness grows. I try to hold on to the joy I was feeling earlier, but it slowly slips away as I start second-guessing everything.

I want to enjoy myself, to be present. However, the uncertainty surrounding my relationship with Nik—is he only making do with the cards he’s been dealt?—plus the compounded worry over my missing sister, suddenly has my emotions riding a roller coaster.

By the time dessert is served, I’m overwhelmed and nauseous. I fidget with the hem of my dress while I watch people walk by on the sidewalk, leg anxiously tapping along to the music. Many couples are holding hands, and others have their arms wrapped around each other, getting as close as possible. Some walk side by side, untouching, but with looks of contentment on their faces.

Nik leans over and steals a bite of my triple-chocolate brownie. “Are you okay, Moonbeam?”

“Yeah,” I say, but his mouth twitches, and I don’t think he buys it.

From across the table, Kate offers me a thumbs up. Hope rages beneath my worry. Does she see something different with Nik?

“I have another stop I’d like to make if you’re up for it?” Nik says, once dinner is over and our goodbyes have been said.

“Sure,” I reply, stifling the tears that want to fall.

“It’s just a quick walk.” He winks, rubbing in that Nikolai charm, and I force a smile. Intrigue holds me together.

Several blocks later, I’m standing in front of a high-end jewelry store, floored I’m even about to enter. Large pristine windows with frosted glass line the entire front. The shop’s name, Luxe Jewels, is etched into the frost, allowing for a peek at the intricate displays inside.

Nik pulls on my hand, but I stay frozen in the spot, sweat breaking out on my temples and the back of my neck.

“What are we doing?” I glance at the ring currently on my finger. Is he?—?

He tilts his head toward the door. “Come on.”

After ungluing my feet from the sidewalk, I follow him inside, and I’m instantly blown away.

Elegant glass display cases holding meticulously arranged jewelry collections and jaw-dropping diamonds line each side of the room, and light from numerous crystal chandeliers make each piece gleam.

Nik leads me to a private consultation area with plush velvet seating and large mirrors propped on tables. An older man dressed in a suit and bowtie emerges from the back, hands extended wide to greet us.

“Nikolai, so good of you to come.” He gives Nik a hug and motions for us to sit.

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