“Do you think he’ll let me draw?”
Luerna’s brows knit. “I don’t see why not.”
“Mama said she had hobbies before Papa. But she doesn’t do anything but run away.”
“Mama’s different. I’m sure he will let you do plenty. He seems nice.” Luerna said the same lines to every one of her sisters. She was relieved this was the last time she would have to lie.
Kira turned to her and gripped Luerna’s hand. “Thank you for finding me someone. For always being there. For taking care of me. I know Mama put so much weight on you when you were too young to understand. But I’m so grateful for you.”
Luerna patted her hand. “Don’t get sentimental,” Luerna fought. The guilt that she could be leading Kira down the same kind of life as herself brought tears and clogged her throat. But what could she do? Shove Kira out of this car and tell her to run? There was nowhere she could go that their father wouldn’t find her. There was no warning she could give that would lessen any of the devastating blows that would come.
So Luerna only smiled. “Let’s have fun tonight!”
They got to the hotel early to unpack and dress. Kira didn’t know about this hotel and stood in the foyer, impressed by the stunning and expensive decorations. Luerna went to the front desk.
“Mrs Chesky.”
Luerna didn’t need anyone to know the Morozovs were in town. It was hard enough to get this organized. She had secret security dressed as civilians and one guard dressed in a nice suit, acting more like her date than her protector. But it was a necessary precaution. There was an endless train of enemies coming for her family.
The woman set the key cards on the counter. “Your room is ready, ma’am.”
Luerna handed her a white envelope with money, and then she hesitated, battling with herself and telling herself to stay quiet. “Is Mr. Harold here today?”
Kira tugged on her arm. “Hey, isn’t that Levka?”
Luerna spun fast, steadying herself on the counter. He held the elevator door for customers with a greeting smile, and Luerna forgot to breathe. She hadn’t thought she would feel anything upon seeing him, but this wasn’t nothing. This was a black hole in her chest, swallowing her up from the inside.
Levka buttoned his dark blue jacket as he approached. He didn’t avoid her but he didn’t keep eye contact either, waving to someone or leaning to whisper into a bellhop’s ear. His sharp dress shoes clipped on the marble floor in time with Luerna’s heartbeat, and she sucked in a sharp breath as he came to a stop in front of them. Time had filled him out, his muscles had grown, and his jawline thicker. His blond hair was slicked to the side, and a five o’clock shadow filled his chin. Luerna swallowed harshly, holding onto Kira’s arm.
He’s definitely a man now,she affirmed.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to Hotel Pobeg.” Levka greeted, formal and composed as if he was a complete stranger.
Luerna struggled to speak. But thankfully, Kira broke in. “It’s good to see you, Levka.”
Levka’s facade shifted, and he bowed his head. It had been a long time since anyone called him that. A genuine smile finally spread on his face. “You too. I heard you are getting married. Congratulations.”
Kira slipped her arm into Luerna’s. “Yes. My sister brought me here for a special night.”
Levka flipped his eyes to hers, but Luerna remained silent. Two years in the aftermath of Yakov’s destruction had made him numb, and seeing her again did nothing. He thought his love for Luerna was indestructible, but it turned out it wasn’t. He just needed to be utterly broken for that line to snap. He was thankful for it. He realized how much of a fool he was, crushing over a woman like her.
Now, what was her purpose for being here? To shove it further in his face? Like father, like daughter.
“Well,” Levka went on. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He bowed silently, turning and dropping the fake facade.
“Levka!”
He fisted his hands at his side. But with training, since he was a kid, he controlled it and released all the tension in his body, turning to her with a fake smile. “My name is Harold, Mrs.Chesky. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Luerna gripped his wrist. “Wait, please.”
He looked down at it, and she instantly released him.
“Did you get my letter?”
“I’m afraid not. Was there a request?”
“I,” Luerna struggled to answer. The letter had been silly, personal, and nothing she ever wanted to repeat. “I’m sorry for what my father did.”
