I chew my lip. “But he won’t know about us, and?—”
“And it’s all up to you.” Axel reaches for Ruby’s hand, clasping it. “My future wife, the love of my life, knows everything about me. No more secrets. So, you’re in control of your life now, Alena. You decide if Loch’s the love of yours.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
ALENA
“Please sayyou’re coming to their wedding,” Vale pleads, as if she were begging in front of me.
“I’m shopping for a dress now.”
I talk on my phone, flipping through a rack of summer fashion on clearance, with early fall crisping the mountain air.
“I’ll hold your hand the entire flight,” she says. “Whatever support you need to be around him.”
I grin. “I’m fine. I’m around him all the time at work. Besides…” I eye a dusty-pink lace boho maxi dress. “Shouldn’t you be holding my dad’s hand now?”
“He’s put a ring on it, yes, but I won’t marry him until you and Loch are back together. I can’t be happy if you’re miserable.”
“No pressure,” I mutter, selecting a backless blue silk dress now.
“None whatsoever,” she fibs. “Besides, Axel and Ruby are in a rush. I think Ruby really wants to get pregnant, while I have a giant new house to paint black. So, take your time. A.K.A., three months, max.”
I laugh. “Okay, unicorn, slow your trot. It took me amonth to stop crying, another not to shoot Loch, and another to process that you killed a sex trafficker with a golf club, who tried to attack me, before my dadshothim. Oh, and don’t forget the whole Bratva thing,” I whisper. “But now? I’m finally feeling myself. I’m focused on work. Hiking a bunch. The leaves are changing. It’s PSL season, and I’ve earned a little vacay in Mykonos.”
The only thing I worry about is Sasha. What if she escapes from her husband’s clutches and tries to find me? But my boss said he told the entire station. And they know I’ll put a bullet in their dick if they don’t take care of her until I can.
It’s only one week, and I’ll be back.
Vale sighs, “I think it’s sweet how Ruby invited you. Like you’re not just Axel’s goddaughter; you might be her sister-in-law one day.”
I sag, pulling the curtain closed to the changing room.
I want to tell Vale about Axel. But I need to do the right thing. If I ever tell anyone, it’ll be Loch first. If I can speak to him without getting all teary.
“Ruby’s a sweetheart, yes. So is Wren, I’ve heard. And Zar. And Delphine.” I sigh. “God, I can’t keep up with all the spouses and who’s who.”
Vale chirps, “That’s why this wedding trip is perfect. You can relax. Get to know everyone. No more secrets, and maybe,just maybe, get your OnlyFans freak on with LuvPounder and DirtTGirl again. I’ve been online, girl. Your fans are blowing up comments, missing you two.”
I shake my head, missing so many things.
“Okay, let me try these dresses on and send you pics.” I change the subject. “Be honest.”
“Okay, honestly, you and that cake are hot, so I need bikini pics.”
“Why?” I smile at my reflection. Finally, loving it. “I heard the beaches are nude in Greece.”
“Hell, yes!” She crows. “That’s my kinky stepdaughter!”
“Ew, Vale!”
She laughs, ending our call.
With a bagfull of dresses on my arm, I dart into our local bookstore for some beach reads.
This popular mountain town is famous for its live music, breweries, and vintage stores. It’s always crawling with tourists and local college students.
Two are giggling, one aisle over.
