“Go get in the fucking car, Lev. Before I change my mind.”
“Yes, boss. Got it, boss.”
By the time my trunk is loaded with enough weaponry to start a war, Charlotte pulls into the drive.
She doesn’t hesitate. She steps into my space and pulls me into a hug. “Drago, are you okay?” she asks, pulling back.
“Yeah. Just not slept.”
Her eyes narrow instantly. “Hmm. We can talk when you get back. I’m just taking Lily to work, right? Then staying in the house until she’s back?”
I nod. “Yes. Close protection. We should be home this evening. I will need Declan for another job.”
“Should?” Her brow lifts.
“Will. I just have to kill a guy. Leave the message. Then we’re home.”
“Hmm. That’s why you’re taking a small army?”
I chuckle, gripping her shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen to Declan, Charlotte.”
I feel her worry without her having to say a word. She loves him fiercely. Loves their babies just as hard. And I know Declan would crawl through fire to get back to them.
“Or you, Drago.”
“You’d survive without me,” I tell her.
But the fact that I do have people, outside of all of this, that do love me. That will build me back up.
She shakes her head. “It would break mine and Isabella’s hearts.”
“I’m not going anywhere. You know it takes a lot to put me down. And I’ll get some time in with Isabella next week. I miss her.”
That earns a smile from her. But inside, that pain in my chest returns. Because it just reminds me of the life I almost had hold of with Lily. That crazy idea that I could be a dad. That I’d actually make a good one.
“Now… Lily. It’s more than just Lev’s daughter, isn’t it?” she asks quietly, biting her lip.
If anyone sees straight through me, it’s her. “Yes. Look after her, please.”
That’s all I trust myself to say before I get in the car.
As I pull away, I glance at Lev. “Lily’s meeting her mom today.”
“Yeah,” he mutters. “My girl’s heart is too forgiving.”
My jaw tightens.
I don’t want her forgiveness because she thinks she owes it to me. I want to earn it. I want to be worthy of her good heart. AndI want to be the man who protects it, no matter what it costs me. I just hope the plans I put in place to do just that work.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Lily
There’s a dull thud as I kick my legs out to stretch. I frown, sitting up and peering over the edge of the bed, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
I flick on the light and slip out of bed, expecting to find a pillow or my phone.
Instead, my heart nearly hammers out of my throat.
