As the police moved closer, prepared to take Zane into custody, I was able to issue a deep sigh. “One more thing, Zane. I’m going to ask the spirits to keep an eye out for you. Since Papovek’s family and everyone in his organization are completely aware of what you did, even prison won’t be safe for you. Just like that big Russian with the bad haircut. He mysteriously died right after being released from a Vermont jail. Poor boy.”
We were ready to walk out when Montgomery couldn’t help himself. He issued two brutal punches to Zane’s face. Ouch. That had to hurt, especially since I heard a horrific crack.
“That’s for daring to touch a beautiful woman with your fist.” Montgomery was gloating as he stood over the man. I was tickled the cops were amused.
When Montgomery finally finished, he took me by the arm, leading me out. “That went well,” he told me.
“He handled it like a man instead of the tantrum-throwing child I know him to be.”
“At least dealing with him offered some experience in dealing with children.” Montgomery winked.
His laugh was far too mischievous. “What does that mean?”
We were at the elevator before he answered, doing so by pushing me inside. “Take the next elevator, Gio. This moment is private.”
Gio snorted. “Whatever you say, boss.”
Every possessive action Montgomery took added to the continuous desire burning deep in my core. He knew exactly what I craved.
And what I needed.
With his hands planted on either side of my head, his head lowered and his lips dangerously close to mine, I allowed myself a deep, invigorating breath of his musky aftershave. As usual, I tingled all over.
“Because,” he continued, “the practice will be very good for when we have children, which I hope will occur very soon.”
Another tingle rushed through me, the swell of emotions more extreme than before. “Is that what you really want?”
“Baby, having a family with you is exactly what I need. Besides, I always keep my promises. You’re not going anywhere.”
With the crush of his lips against mine, I finally was washed free of the demons plaguing me for years.
Even the spirits were smiling. I could feel their approval.
I only hoped my brother was watching from his perch in heaven.
CHAPTER 30
Fleur
Danny.
He’d weighed heavily on my thoughts since returning to New Orleans.
I’d wanted to head to Stowe after leaving New York, but Montgomery had reminded me that his cleanup crews were still ensuring neither his nor my life were still in danger.
With both Pakhans dead, and Zane tucked behind bars with his world crumbling, in the few days since our return, the events had led to a feeding frenzy on the news.
Montgomery had been required to attend to business, which had left me alone to fend for myself in making arrangements for Danny’s funeral. While my brother might consider his home in New York, I knew his spirit would be happier resting in Stowe.
“Do you think I’m being selfish?” I asked as I stood in my little kitchen, studying the suncatchers in the window, the light of the early morning creating prisms of color.
I felt more a sense of loss than anything else. I’d decided to leave my little world and join Montgomery’s in New Orleans. I laughed to myself, thinking about the word he’d tossed out on numerous occasions. His world was nothing that I’d expected. In fact, his everyday activities, other than cleaning up the mess created by the Russians, were completely normal.
“Nothing about you is selfish. You have your memories in Vermont.” Montgomery’s tone was soothing, his presence everything I needed.
“But he doesn’t. Danny’s entire world was wrapped up in New York. He didn’t even get a chance to see my store.”
“I know, but as my grandmother would say, he is right there over your shoulder.” He inched closer, brushing hair over my shoulder for emphasis.
