20. Nik

CHAPTER 20

Nik

Not only are we not leaving, apparently we’re going to approach Eva’s table. My hand stays around Brie’s waist, fingertips registering the tension in her muscles through beaded silk. And as we walk, I catalog every exit, every potential weapon, every sight line.

Because Eva Novak might be here for a night out, like us. Or she might be here with a purpose.

Eva herself doesn’t even look surprised to see us. She lifts her glass to us in a mock toast, and I note that she’s taken extra care with her grooming tonight, in a dress cut to suggest everything while revealing nothing. All promise, no delivery.

There’s something in that, when it comes to Eva.

The beautiful brunette beside her notices Eva’s shifting attention and melts away without a word. I’ve seen Eva play that trick many times—dismiss someone without speaking, command a room with nothing but a lifted eyebrow.

“Well.” Eva’s voice carries that cultured amusement that used to make me stand straighter, proud to have earned her approval. Now it just sets my teeth on edge. “What a pleasure to see you’re still alive, Mrs. Colombo.”

The crystal champagne flute in her hand catches the light, and I think about how I could turn it into a weapon…to use against Eva.

“No thanks to you,” I snap at her.

Eva’s laugh is musical. “Oh, Dominika. Leading the Colombos to you out there in the desert wasn’t personal—it was business.” She takes a deliberate sip of champagne, her perfect red lipstick leaving no mark on the glass. Another lesson: never leave traces. Her gaze slides to Brie like a blade. “And if you want to be a player, my dear, you’d better learn quickly that personal feelings have no place in business decisions.”

I feel Brie straighten beside me. “If that’s really the case,” Brie says smoothly, “I have a proposal for you. I’ll sign the original contract if you do me a favor.”

Eva’s perfectly sculpted eyebrow arches, and I recognize that slight tightening around her eyes that means she’s genuinely interested. “I hear that Larry Caruso will be the next Colombo Don. Or have I heard wrong?”

“Whether he is or isn’t, he’s not right now. I’m the one entrusted with the power to sign that contract.”

“You’ve been full of talk about signing—with some tweaks, of course. If we could adjust the price. If Dominika can help you find your husband’s killer.” Her smile turns predatory. “How’s that going, by the way?”

“It’s coming along.” Brie’s voice gives nothing away. She can match Eva play for play. Hell, even I’m wondering where this is going.

Eva considers her for a moment, and then asks, “What is this favor you need?”

“I’d like to speak to Big Joe Buccino, face to face. Can you get me access to a federal prison?”

Ah. That’s where this is going. Well, I don’t like it.

But I’m not going to contradict the Brie in front of Eva fucking Novak.

As for Eva, she swirls her champagne thoughtfully, the lights dancing through the crystal. Every movement is calculated, every expression precisely chosen.

“If you do this,” Brie adds, “I’ll owe you.”

“What use would that be?” Eva muses. “What could I ever want from you?”

“Brie’s going to be the next Boss of the Colombos.” The words come out of me fierce, protective, probably unwise. “You’d better start getting used to the idea.”

Eva’s laugh fills our corner of the club, genuine amusement coloring the sound. She always did appreciate boldness, even when it was directed against her. “Well in that case…I’ll see what I can do.”

Brie gives a nod and then moves away. I start to follow, but Eva catches my fingers. Her grip is gentle but immovable.

“Stay a moment, darling.” Her voice drops lower, intimate, and I can tell I’m about to get verbally shanked. “You never did tell me, what would your father think of you so easily abandoning the Consortium?”

I saw the knife coming, but it still hurts to hear her say it.

I see my father in my mind—proud, stern, believing so completely in the Consortium’s mission that he raised me with bedtime stories of their exploits. Eva knows exactly where to strike, and I hate that about her. But I channel Brie’s quiet strength in my response. “I hope he’d be happy I’m following my heart.”

Eva rolls her eyes, and for a moment I see genuine frustration peek through her perfect facade. It startles me—I’ve seen her maintain composure through much more difficult things. Maybe it’s the champagne. Or maybe my defection genuinely bothers her—though I can’t imagine why it would.

“Even now,” she says, leaning closer, “if you’re willing to give up this silly obsession and tell me what’s really going on with the Colombos, I’ll forgive you. Take you back into the fold. I’ll mentor you personally, take you with me when I leave this wretched country, make you into a legend. Just. Like. Me.”

Brie has paused, missing me by her side, but she’s just watching. Watching with interest from a few feet away, unable to hear the conversation surely. But maybe she doesn’t need to hear the words to know what’s going on.

“But why? ” I demand from Eva, incredulous. “What’s so amazing about me that makes you so damn forgiving?”

She smiles, an ugly little smile. “Maybe I just like you, Dominika. Did you ever think of that?”

I stare hard at her, but I see only hardness in her eyes. Hardness and greed. “I don’t think that’s it at all,” I say. “I think you just don’t like having to share.” I tug my wrist sharply from her grasp. “You thought you owned me,” I continue, the truth dawning on me with surety, “but you didn’t. You don’t want me , Eva. You just don’t want anyone else playing with your toys.”

“You’re being foolish now,” she says, but she’s sitting up straight, her face cold. “Don’t you know what I can offer you?”

“I know what you can’t,” I retort. “And that’s love. I hope you find someone else you care about more than yourself one day, Eva. I don’t know if that’s possible—but I hope you will.” Then I lean closer, making sure she sees the truth in my eyes. “But nothing on earth will keep me away from Brie, and certainly nothing you have to offer.”

“And if she throws you aside?”

I laugh, genuinely laugh, at that. And then I leave her table, although I have to fight the urge to look back, knowing she’s watching me go.

I have no reason to look back. Brie is right there in front of me, golden and fierce, and she’s my future. I know with my whole self that I’ve made the right choice.

“Everything alright?” she asks.

“Oh, yes.” I smile into her lovely face as the jazz band strikes up a slower number, the saxophone wrapping around us like smoke. I won’t burden her with Eva’s nonsense—she has enough weight on her shoulders. Instead, I pull her close.

“No recriminations about me making a deal with Eva?” she asks, the tiniest smirk tugging her luscious lips to one side.

“Who am I to argue with the Boss?” I murmur against her hair. “Now forget Eva and dance with me.” She smiles against my shoulder. Her body fits against mine perfectly as we sway into the crowd, and I know we were made for each other.

Whatever Eva has planned, whatever storm is coming, I know where I belong. My father always said loyalty was everything—he just never specified loyalty to what. To whom.

I’ve found my answer in Brie Colombo, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if it does feel like Eva Novak has some last trap planned for me.