Page 112 of Heritage of Fire

“And who says that’s what I want, Nik? Huh?” She steps up to me, pushing a finger into my chest. “Because you’re wrong. I want to be hereforyou. I want to travelwithyou. Iloveyou.”

My heart stammers at her words, and I snatch her wrist yanking her to me. Her wet clothes slap into mine. Looking down into her eyes, I drag my thumb across her mouth—pulling on her lower lip, grazing her chin. Her breath hitches, and more tears well in her eyes as I tell her. Tell her what I need her to know.

I hold her gaze. “I don’t want to be with you for the sake of duty, or for an alliance. I want you foryou. I want to make a life with you. A family. We go beyond duty now, Luna. You’re mine—mylife. I’m madly in love with you.”

Her eyes flutter closed at my words, then open again. The deep breath she takes tickles the underside of my wrist. I barely register the roar of vehicles revving to life or the movement happening around me.

“I’m not your mom, Nik. I don’t want to leave. I choose this. I chooseyou.”

I’ve heard enough. My mouth slams back against hers, and I pull her close, tangling my fist in her hair.

I’m never letting go. Ever.

It’s my mission to get Luna home as fast as possible. I screwed up. I know it, and she knows it.

“I have to wrap things up with Luka and the brothers. Can you wait for me in the car?”

Luna’s head bobs up and down, and I pull her in to kiss her forehead. When she steps away, I can’t help but notice her red-rimmed eyes and equally reddened, kissed lips. I’d be lying if I said seeing her rush from the car to me wasn’t comforting. It’s a consolation to have her choose me instead of leaving on her own.

Frank opens the door for her, and she climbs into the back seat. I stare at the raindrops scattered like jewels along the sleek black surface of the car. Light from the park’s lamp posts reflects in each drop, making them glisten as they slide down the door.

Wrap it up. Get her home,I repeat to myself.

“Sir, I-I’m sorry, but she jumped in the front seat at the airport. She demanded I bring her to you, and I didn’t want her to?—”

“Frank?”

“Yes, sir?” he asks, wringing both hands together.

I sigh. “I’m going to go home with my wife, and you’re going to take the night off.”

His eyes widen, with fear on his face, and I know he’s assuming the worst. “But, Nikolai, please?—”

“Frank. Thank you for bringing her to me. Take the night off after we get home.”

I leave him open-mouthed as I turn to go talk with Luka. We go over the minor details, like where Igor should take Hope and the other EV man for interrogations, and then Luka ducks out to go home to Kate.

I turn to go home as well.

Luna and I ride silently in the back of the SUV while Frank drives us to the warehouse. Our hands meet in the middle of the seat, and I grip her fingers the whole way home.

Pulling up to the warehouse, I exhale deeply and strip my tactical gear off before we even hit the steps.

“I’m starving,” I say as we enter the apartment.

Luna drops her small duffel and spins to face me. “Me too.”

Her eyes trail down my front and I raise my eyebrows, confused. Tilting my head, I add, “I’m going to call in for some pizza and breadsticks. Are you good with that? They should still be open.”

She holds my eyes and nods as she peels her soaked shirt from her body.

My heart jumps.

“I’m cold,” she says while reaching around her back and letting her bra fall to the ground.

I take a step forward, and she takes one back. I smirk. “That’s probably because you’re missing some clothes,wife.”

She takes another step away from me, still holding my gaze. She is acting uncharacteristically bold, and,hell, I love it.

---