“What is it?”
“I wasn’t the only one freaking out when you got shot. That bastard Kirill looked like he was about to lose his shit when he thought he couldn’t save you.”
“He puts on a good show. I’ll give him that.”
My brother’s temple wrinkles. “That’s all you’re gonna give me?”
“What do you mean?”
Lucky drags a hand through his hair in frustration. “He looked like he knew you, Stella. And all too well, I might add. How is that possible if you two only met once?”
“I don’t know,” I lie. “Maybe I left an impression on him. I have been known to do that from time to time.”
“Cut the shit. You and I both know that’s not it. He knows you, Stella. Like, really fucking knows you. Tell me how?”
“You’re seeing things.”
“No, I’m fucking not. And you, dear sister, are lying out of your ass.”
“Again, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Kill was probably worried I’d die and start a war because of it. That’s all.” Lucky doesn’t look convinced. Not even a little.
“You just called him Kill. If you don’t know him, then why call him that?”
“You know what? I’m tired,” I say, feigning exhaustion. “Mind if we talk in the morning?”
Lucky glances at my bandaged shoulder and nods. “Sure. I’m just a few rooms away. Call me, and I’ll be here. Unless you want me to stay?”
“No. Frankie needs you now more than ever. I bet she’s all over the place right now.”
“Aren’t we all?” he grumbles, placing a kiss on my temple.
It’s the oddest thing.
“What was that for?”
“I’m just happy you’re alive. Can’t a brother be happy for his sister?”
“Frankie’s a bad influence on you,” I smirk. “She’s made you grow a heart.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” He laughs, adoration swimming in his hazel eyes.
“You really love her, don’t you?”
“More than anything,” he admits, sadness now starting to bleed into him. “I hope these assholes don’t break her heart.”
“They won’t.”
“How can you be so sure? They’reBratvafor crying out loud. Not exactly the poster children for a mentally stable home.”
“They probably think the same about us. And we’re not that bad.” I smile at him sweetly. “Just give the Petrovs a chance. Something tells me that they will move mountains to make Frankie feel at home here.”
“That’s what I’m worried about,” he mumbles under his breath, the remark hanging in the air long after he’s gone.
The drugs theBratva’sdoctor has me on knocked me out cold. The next time I wake up, it’s night again. Well, damn. There goes another day. How many hours have I been out this time?
I try to move my shoulder and wince when the ache still burns there.
“Don’t.” I hear a familiar voice call out from the dark corner of the room.
