Klara came over. “Hey, you look good in that.”
I pulled her close. “Oh my God.” Seeing her was such a relief. Knowing these people would be handled, and I could trust my friend would be safe, was comforting. Regardless of whatever I thought I saw from Niko, he would make sure nothing happened to her now, for me if for no other reason.
Daisy said, “Looking good. Do you know how to sew?” she asked as she took the patch from me.
“I do,” Mama Hen said. “I’ll get that on in no time.”
“Hey, can I have a minute with my Old Lady before y’all take over?” Hawk asked as he snaked his arm around my waist.
Shiv rolled her eyes. “Fiiiinnnee. Jackal, c’mon. Let’s go help with the champagne glasses.”
Everyone dispersed and Hawk pulled me close. “I’d really manhandle you, but I’m trying not to hurt you.”
“Well,” I said, patting his chest. “The doctor said I should be fine in just a week or so. And I have a request.”
“Anything.”
“Once I’m cleared, I want to go for a ride.”
His mouth met mine, and I slipped my tongue past his lips. He kissed me deeper and his chest rumbled. “We can ride all the time, Kitty Kat.”
“My littleKatushka,” Papa said so I turned, smiling hard.
I grabbed the leather and said, “What do you think,Papa?”
“Beautiful.” He gave me a gentle hug and whispered in my ear. “I always knew this life would suit your spirit better than ours.” He leaned back, grinning. “You’re too strong to be a mere trophy.”
“Thanks, Papa. But from what I remember, Mama was pretty strong herself.”
“She was,” Mama Hen said. “And she was one of a kind. She’d be so proud of you.”
My eyes welled up with tears again, but no more sobs. Just simple, joyous tears.
Looking around, then down at my cut, I knew I’d finally fulfilled my destiny.
Chapter 41
Katarina
It had been just over a week since I was released from the hospital. Papa, Klara, and Niko had gone back home just the day before. But I made Niko promise to bring Klara at least once a month. But, she’d already been away from the restaurant too many days.
Hawk and Mama Hen took me to my follow up and to have the stitches removed.
“This is healing nicely,” the doctor said. “You were lucky. Clean shot. No nerve damage, minimal tissue damage. How’s it feeling?”
“A tad sore, but not as bad as the time I had my nosebroken and repaired,” I replied.
Everyone looked at me, so I shrugged. “I’ve been training for years. I’ve had loads of injuries.”
The doctor nodded. “Well, your health lends to your healing process. Still, don’t lift anything over twenty pounds for another four weeks or so, and if you have any issues, we can always prescribe some PT.” He grabbed a packet he had laid on the counter when he entered. “But here’s some simple exercises for you to do for the next month. I want the ones I’ve circled done once a day, the others three times a week. You can shower as normal now. Any questions?”
“What’s that they say? Not my first rodeo?” I joked.
“Leave the southern slang to us, hon,” Mama Hen said.
“Thank you, doctor,” Hawk said as he took the packet. “We good to go?”
“Mmhmm. Just call the office if you have any issues or questions. Just head down that hall when you’re ready.”
