Page 26 of Heritage of Fire

I find the damned thing halfway down. I yank it out and shove two scoops of powder into my shaker.

I didn’t assign Lev or Frank to this warehouse—that was Luka. I shouldn’t be annoyed, but I am. One day into this marriage and she’s already seeking out another male’s company.

That’s probably not fair to her. He’s her guard. Butheshould know better. I growl, placing my cup under the fridge’s water dispenser, and nearly overfill it.

I glance at my ring. It was supposed to come off last night, but I was exhausted and told myself I would take it off in the morning. When morning came?—

I sigh, twisting it halfway off my finger before sliding it back snugly against my knuckle.

She isn’t wearing hers. Although, who can blame her, that thing is awful.

I shake my head. My thoughts are chaotic, and I can’t focus. This isn’t me. I have too much riding on my job to let a stupid ring steal my time.

I take several gulps of my vanilla shake.

What books does Luna read?

Shit. No.I don’t care.

I down the rest of my drink and consider it lunch before dumping the shaker in the sink, along with any more thoughts of Luna.

“Salvatore Buscetta is coming to the office this afternoon,” Luka says, looking up from a glass of vodka.

The thought makes me bristle.

“We need the information he has about EV,” Luka continues. “I also want to show him the photoswe found when you infiltrated Antonio’s bunker. The ones documenting Senator Hope and Antonio’s meeting.”

I snort. “So we’re running everything by the Cosa Nostra now?”

And that was the wrong thing to ask.

Luka stands, slamming his glass onto the mahogany desk. Liquor sloshes over the sides and spills on some paperwork. “You will not question this. Need I remind you, it wasyouridea to meet with Salvatore Buscetta—talking about a better future for the Bratva. And this unknown party is powerful enough to make waves against both our organizations.”

How could I ever forget it was my idea to meet with the man? Now I’m saddled with his daughter.

“Understood. Meeting with Daddy Dearest coming up.”

Bolting up from my chair, I make for the bar, where I place two ice cubes in a tumbler and pour a healthy glass of vodka.

“How was last night? Why are you in a foul mood?” Luka asks, his voice softening, and I get the impression that he genuinely wants to know. Wants to ease the burden.

“She doesn’t say much. Lev was taking her to the grocery store today. I gave her a card?—”

I pause. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing with Luna, and fumbling through my words with Luka is clearly demonstrating that.

“But what’s she supposed to do, Luka? I live above a weapons warehouse and spend all my time working for your sorry ass.” He glares at me, and I raise my glass to him. “Respectfully, of course.”

“It’s an adjustment. I’m sure you both will find your own paths and make this cohabitation work.”

That’shis answer? I throw my head back and laugh.

“Cohabitation. Is that how you got Kate to agree to marry you—all your clinical talk.”

A small smile breaks over his frown, and he shakes his head. As he moves to pour himself another glass of vodka, he checks his phone, and the smile he gave me turns into a full grin. It’s Kate—he only has that expression for her. Despite me being a Bratva man first and foremost, I wonder if anyone could ever have an expression reserved only for me?

Luka and I end up sitting in much-needed silence. Content to scroll through our phones and drink until Natallia pokes her head in to let us know Luna’s father is here.

When he enters the office, accompanied by four guards this time, his gaze lands on me, appraising. I meet his stare with disdain.

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