“They clearly did not understand what we stand for. The Greek God Ares, the God of War. And like our namesake, we willneversurrender.
“We knew about the plot against the Academy. A Venn Diagram of greed and lunacy. It was created by lesser bratva and cartels, syndicates and triads, mafias and jopok. Their interests aligned in only one way, to bring down the Ares Academy. We are the three-hundred-year-old bastion of stability in the madness of the crime world, where we train the elite that hold this disorderedly society together. If they could destroy this place, and kill the next generation, the power structure would stagger, crack open and give lesser crime families - unstable, uncontrollable - a chance to seep in and destroy centuries of hard-won control.
“Then, there is shock. Even with our safeguards and scrutiny, nearly twenty traitorous students made their way into your ranks over the years. In the battle last night when they were released, one chose to stand and fight with us instead. Liam O’Neill lost his life while saving another student.”
I look out over the crowd, Miss Morozova and Miss Aslanova are weeping, their arms around each other.
“I want to tell you about one of our own. Larry was our head gardener here for many years. You have all seen him on these grounds. His hands cared for the trees and plants that fed you. He made this windswept place beautiful for us all.”
My hands tightened on the podium, remembering his dear face, his tortured eyes.
“Larry knew that we could not reach the fourth helicopter, its destructive firepower was overwhelming. He knowingly gave his life to bring it down. He gave his life for you.”
Drawing in a deep breath, I hold it for a moment. I am not an emotional person.
“My third thought is of pride. Overwhelming pride for all of you. Ours is a harsh world. But every one of you put aside petty resentments and rivalries and fought for each other. Shoulder to shoulder. You did not falter. You did not run. You stood against the greed and senseless destruction of this plot and you prevailed.
“Your names will be forever celebrated within these walls as an example of courage and loyalty. I am proud of you all.”
My gaze sweeps their faces, strong and determined young people who are so much more than just their dark beginnings.
“You are dismissed.”
Epilogue One
In which sex and love can happen at the same time.
Agoraphobia - Autoheart
Mariya…
“Bozhe moy, oh my god,” I moan blissfully, “this is so perfect.”
After a week of helping clear the debris from the explosions and gunfire and securing the most sensitive weaponry at the Academy, we were released from service by Dean Christie. With the deluge of assistance from all the families committed to the Academy, it would somehow be rebuilt and ready for the next school year in September.
Fortunately, my brother and Kon’s parents graciously agreed that spending some time in the Turgenev family penthouse for a break in Paris was completely understandable.
“Penthouse” definitely made me expect something luxurious, but my expectations were not high enough. We have half of the top floor of a historic building that’s next to the Paris Aquarium and just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. The golden lights that outline the tower and sparkle across the water turn on just as we enter the penthouse, and I give a little, girlish squeal that will embarrass me later when I remember it but right now, Ineedthis magical moment.
Kon chuckles softly, wrapping his arms around me. “Do you want to go out on the balcony?”
“I’m not sure it could be more beautiful than this…” I look around. “Is this the entryway?” It’s a two-story, marble-floored masterpiece with a private elevator.
Leading me down two steps to the living room, Kon grins. “It gets better. My mom was inspired when she remodeled this place.” A series of wrought iron balcony doors run across the room and he opens the middle set. An infinity pool stretches out to the balcony's edge, a deep, shimmering blue the color of the Caribbean. There’s a jacuzzi next to it big enough to accommodate the entire Paris Saint-Germain Football Club.
Looking at the gorgeous and somewhat smug man leaning against the railing, I gloat silently that the only two people who will be enjoying it areus.“I don’t want to bother seeing the bedrooms,” I said happily, “we’re going to live in this pool.”
I pull off my dress as I cross the deck and slingshot my bra at him just before I leap into the pool, splashing him. The water drenches his t-shirt, molding the cotton against his perfect abs and I tread water for a moment, admiring his sculpted, muscular chest as he yanks off his shirt.
“Oh,Pchelka,”he grins hungrily, “you’re going to regret that.”
I’m barely conscious from coming so many times, lying on my back and watching the lights from the Eiffel Tower stab through the night sky as Kon is thrusting into me. He’s tied my hands to the pool railing with my bra. This is our third time, and we haven’t left the balcony for hours. Kon pulls out of me to fasten his full lips on my clitoris again.
“Detka, babe…” I wheeze, “you’re going to kill me.”
Reluctantly pulling his mouth off my pussy, he rests his chin there, smiling wickedly. “We’re in Paris, so it’s onlyla petite mort.”
I narrow my eyes. “I dare you to untie me.”
