Page 98 of Heritage of Fire

Nik gets in next and turns out the light. Both of us lie facing the ceiling. Just when I think he’s settled, his hand grazes my pinkie. Two of his fingers hook around mine, and I feel his pulse thumping where we’re connected.

After a few moments, I reluctantly let go and curl over onto my side, staring at the new shadow the bookshelf makes in the room.

An arm wraps around my waist, and Nik yanks me against him, nestling our bodies together.

“Nik, I?—”

“Go to sleep, Luna.”

And in the safety of his arms, I do.

“Stop! No, I said no!” I yell, but the man’s hands don’t stop. They pop open the button of my jeans as I thrash beneath him. I scream, but a knife comes to my throat, dragging along my neck muscles and down to my chest.

“Please …” I quiver, looking up at the masked face. He reaches down to grip me, squeezing so hard I screech in pain.

When he grabs for my jeans, I push away and fall into water. Salt burns my lungs as I’m dragged down below the surface. I fight for a breath but can’t inhale air.

Hands wrench my ankles and tether me to the bottom of the sea. I jerk against their hold to try and free myself, and laughter rings all around me. I’m going to die. I tell myself not to take a breath, to fight, but I can’t. My lungs are burning, on fire with the need for air.

A yank to my hair and my head snaps back as a needle is jammed into my neck. I open my mouth taking in a gulp of water …

“Luna!Luna.”

I kick and scream while arms wrap around me. My legs are tangled in something. I scream again.

“Wake up, Luna, it’s only a nightmare.”

Nik’s voice brings me the rest of the way out of my dream, and I pant out an apology. Tears stream down my face as I grab for him. Tightening his arms around me, he plasters his chest to my back, cradling my body close to his. My eyes frantically scan the room, refamiliarizing myself with my surroundings and trying to shake off the lingering effects of the nightmare.

“Are you okay?” Nik asks, and I nod. I try to pull him even closer, squeezing his arms wrapped around me.

“I hate it,” I whisper. “Feeling so weak.”

“You’renotweak, Luna.”

“But I am. I couldn’t fight him. If you hadn’t arrived when you did—” I shudder at the inevitable had Mr. Rose not been interrupted.

I need to claimsomethingback.

“Will you teach me?” I turn, coming face to face with him. His eyes caress over me, lingering a bit longer on my exposed neck.“I can’t be weak, Nik. I need to learn something that’ll give me a chance next time.”

He grasps my hand, kissing the tip of my middle finger, and a fluttery sensation claws at my stomach.

“I’ll teach you anything you want, Luna.” His eyes bore into mine and the inner voice that usually tells my heart not to tumble is silent.

“When can we start?”

Chapter 37

Nik

This restaurant is the last place I want to be right now, especially after spending the past week home with Luna.

A discreet doorman in a tailored uniform greets me in front of sleek glass doors framed with polished brass accents. Meeting Luka, Salvatore, and Kieran for lunch is out of the norm, but we have business to discuss.

Neutral tones and rich mahogany with soft, muted lighting are some of the first things I notice when I step inside. The second thing is Salvatore Buscetta. He’s the first to arrive, and I find myself standing in the foyer, trying to temper my rage.

“Can I help you?” a hostess asks.

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