Page 108 of Heritage of Fire

Frank meets me when I open the door.

“Good morning, Mrs. Balakin”

“Good morning, Frank.” I beam at him. He’s been extra vigilant since my capture, and I’ve been having to practically force him to take his smoke breaks.

I bounce out the door and follow him to the car. The weather is divine today. The summer sun beams down through the trees, and several giant fluffy clouds fill the sky. It would be the perfect day to explore more of the woods around here or take a walk down the winding driveway while listening to some true crime podcasts. I’m hoping Nik will want to explore with me—if he has time.

In the the back seat of the car, I take out my phone and check to see if I have any messages from Nik or, I hope, my sister. Still nothing since she was dropped off by EV.

She’s probably lying low or staying with a friend, but I can’t help but worry. I hope one day she can be as happy as I am right now, despite the circumstances of our being raised within the Cosa Nostra.

Frank drives unhurried to the library, and by the time I duck inside, I’m ready to lose hours to this place. One of my goals is to research more about traveling, but I also want to make a list of some local adventures I could have. I don’t want Nik to feel pressured having to choose between traveling with me and the Bratva.

I also want to check out the romance section. I never read romance, but since falling for Nik, the urge to try out the genre has been growing.

The next several hours fly by, and before I know it, I’ve missed dinner. A dark shadow falls over the library windows blotting out the vivid blue sky that was so captivating earlier.

There’s a storm rolling in.

I gather my items, practically dumping my new books into my tote, and scramble toward the exit, desperate to make it to Frank before the downpour starts. As soon as I plow through the front doors, the air, heavy with humidity, slams into my face. Charcoal-gray clouds fill the sky. The wind has picked up, and the air feels charged with electricity. Several people are dashing to their cars, just like me.

Beyond the town’s courthouse, a jagged streak of light suddenly illuminates the dark sky. The first fat raindrop hits the ground at my feet, with each subsequent one picking up speed.

Frank runs toward me with an umbrella in his hand. By the time he reaches me, raindrops are dripping from his mustache. “Mrs. Balakin, are you ready?”

“Yes. I’m so sorry, I lost track of time.” I huff out, annoyed with myself.

We run to the car, and a distant growl of thunder sounds while some debris from the sidewalks blows up underneath the car. Rain whips into my face, and soaked strands of my hair slap my cheeks. I push it back with my hand before sliding into my seat. Frank runs around to the driver’s side, gets in, and starts the car.

“I didn’t know the weather could change so quickly,” I say over the crackling of thunder and the plopping of raindrops.

“Yes. Mr. Balakin had mentioned the weather yesterday.”

I furrow my brows at his mention of Nik talking about the weather, but who knows, maybe it’s an everyday conversation for them.

We take off from the library, and I contemplate picking up a pizza or two from the place Nik and I like to frequent. I’m about to text him when I realize we’re heading in the opposite direction of the warehouse.

“Frank? Where are we going?”

“Mr. Balakin has instructed me to deliver you to the airport.”

My mouth falls open.

What?

Is Nik going to meet me there and surprise me with a small getaway? My heart leaps at the possibility, and I smile as the rain falls in sheets outside the car. As we get closer and closer to the airport, my pulse starts racing faster, and I can’t help but drum my fingertips on the door handle.

I snag several peeks at my phone, no messages from Nik come through. This is probably why he’s been quiet all day—this surprise. Finally, the small airport comes into view, and I scoot closer to the door, hunting for signs of Nik. When Frank pulls up to the departure lane, he turns around and hands me an envelope.

“You have a small bag packed in the trunk. Let me grab that for you.” He throws open his door at the same time I rip open the envelope.

Luna,

These past couple of months have been some of the best I’ve ever lived and it’s all thanks to you. But I don’t want to subject you to this life. Not when there’s so much for you to see and do in thisworld. I want you to live, Luna. Travel. Explore. Don’t let this life ruin you. I love you too much to keep you here.

Love,

Nik

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