Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

AURORA

Two Months Later

" Y es, that's perfect, Lia," I tell my assistant once she shows me a piece of fabric that contrasts well with the rest of the design for the room. She nods before walking back out of the office.

I got called into work earlier today, and I'm in a hurry. There was some kind of mix-up with the dates for a huge contract and now the entire office is in a frenzy as we try to set up everything in time. The client is a big-shot director who's retiring and moving from L.A. to Chicago. She reached out to us a couple of weeks ago, and one of my employees put down her move date for two weeks in the future instead of two days. Now, we're all working to get her home ready in time.

"Shawn," I call for my project manager, who enters my office with his brown hair sticking up on his head, probably from him yanking on it so much. "How's it going with acquiring those furniture pieces she wanted?"

"I'm on a call with every store in the city to see if they have anything available, Mrs. Kent. I'll let you know when I have something," he tells me, picking up a call on his phone and walking off at a brisk pace.

My eyes trail over the flashcards on my desk that are filled with my original ideas for the house. I'm thinking as fast as I can, trying to figure out what can or can't be doable in less than forty-eight hours. Lia re-enters the office just as I'm running a hand through my hair.

"How far along are we?" I ask the blonde woman.

She shows me her tablet, which has a list of things on it that we've been able to successfully acquire and a list of things we haven't.

"I think we're making good time. We should be able to figure it all out by tomorrow. It's a good thing we already had the house painted two weeks ago. I'm really sorry, Mrs. Kent. I completely misheard the client," she says apologetically.

"No, it's fine. You've been doing such a good job these past couple of months. You just made a mistake," I tell her.

She really has been working hard taking up the reins of the company. I've only been coming in for work every two weeks for a check-in or to offer advice on designs. I'm still so incredibly proud of what I've been able to build, and I know without a doubt that my company will continue to flourish and grow.

But now I also have my position in the outfit to contend with as well.

"It won't happen again," she assures me.

There's definitely a promotion in the cards for her soon. I'm thinking vice president.

"Okay, just check in with Shawn and ask him to report back if he's still not able to find the pieces wee need. I have some contacts who might be able to help. I'll just call in some favors," I tell her. "Thanks for the hard work."

She smiles before walking out, and I practically fall back into my chair once she's gone, taking in a relieved breath. That could have been a disaster. I'm also pretty exhausted. I've been on my feet all day. When I check my phone, there are some texts from Nico asking how I am. I decide to call him so I can hear how his day has been going.

He picks up on the second ring. "Hey, baby."

"Hi. Sorry it took me so long to reply. It's been crazy over here."

"You got it all sorted out?"

"Yeah," I reply. "Now I just want to go home and take a nice long bath."

"Mm, I'd like a bath too," he says, his voice deep and seductive.

"You can join me," I tell him, my lips already pulling into a smile.

The past three months have been amazing. Sure, he's still that same man that showed up at my apartment, demanding I marry him. The man I tried so hard to hate. But he's also perfect, attentive, and caring. He's done everything right the past few months and I'm finding it hard to remember why I wanted to leave in the first place.

The end date for our deal is drawing closer. There are only a few weeks left, and right now, I'm not sure I can see myself leaving Nico.

"Unfortunately I can't, baby," Nico says, sounding disappointed.

My eyebrows rise. "What? Why not? And where are you?" I question, hearing the noise of a scuffle in the background.

There's the sound of a man groaning and a punch landing on someone's jaw.

"I'm just taking care of business, sweetheart. Nothing serious," he says, and I'd be inclined to believe him if it wasn't for the screeching of tires I hear at the end of the sentence.

"Nico..." I trail off, my heart skipping a beat at the sound of a gunshot.

He curses under his breath. "Aurora, I have to go."

"What? What's going on? Nicolas!"

"I'll be fine. I just need to take care of something, okay? I'll see you later, bye."

He hangs up before I can get another word in, but I do hear more gunshots right before he does. My hands shake as I try to call him again, but it goes straight to voicemail. I let out a soft breath.

I don't like this. I don't like this at all .

A part of me knows that this is a part of his job. He will always find himself involved in dangerous situations. But that doesn't mean I'm not scared out of my mind right now. He could get hurt.

I try to call Vlad, but he doesn't pick up either. Then I call Danny, who's waiting in the car for me downstairs. I tell him what happened, and ask if he knows anything, or if he can get in touch with anyone.

"I'm not sure, Mrs. Ramirez. I know they have a deal going down at the docks today, but it was supposed to be an easy trade," he tells me over the phone.

"The gunshots I heard didn't sound like an easy trade," I grit out. "Take me there."

Danny chuckles softly. "No can do, boss lady. The boss would have my head."

"I'm worried about him, Danny."

"The boss is the Don, Mrs. Ramirez. I'm sure he'll be well protected. And I assure you he can handle himself. The man's a fighter. I've seen him take down four big guys all on his own."

"That's not really comforting, Danny," I murmur, massaging my temple.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Do you want me to take you home? You can wait for him there."

"Yeah, okay. It's getting late anyway. I'll be down in a few minutes."

"All right."

He hangs up and I expel a shaky breath. Nico will be fine. I just have to believe it. Because believing otherwise is more terrifying than anything I've ever experienced.

I grab my things and tell my employees I'll see them tomorrow before heading downstairs. Danny and I make the drive home in silence. Once we're there, I head straight for our room, waiting for Nico to reach out to me. It takes two hours before he finally does, sending a text.

I'm okay, mi vida. But I'll be home late. Don't wait up.

My jaw clenches as I read the text. The least he could have done was call so I could hear his voice. But at least I know he's alive now. I take in my first easy breath in a while before climbing off the bed. I have a raging headache, and I need to take a shower to cool off.

I'm standing beneath the shower, my hand going over my face and my body. When my fingers lightly graze my nipple, I let out a soft moan. They've been oddly sensitive for a while now. Nico loves sucking on them or teasing them because it's a quick-fire way to get me horny. He also mentioned that my breasts seem bigger, but I'm not really sure.

I shake my head to clear it of thoughts like that. There's already enough on my mind. I turn the handle of the shower and step out, drying myself and putting on some underwear. I grab one of Nico's shirts and a pair of shorts to wear before stepping out of the bathroom. He asked me not to wait up for him, but I won't be able to sleep until he gets back. Plus, I'm hungry. I head downstairs to the kitchen. It's a little late, and the staff isn't around, which is fine. I was going to cook for myself anyway.

When I get to the kitchen though, I smile at the sight of Mona standing in front of the stove, preparing some soup.

"Hey," I greet her, prompting her to turn around.

She smiles at the sight of me. "Aurora, dear. What are you still doing up?"

I sigh. "Waiting for Nico to get back. What about you?"

"One of the capo's sons is sick. He's in one of the back houses. I thought I'd prepare some chicken broth so he can get better," she tells me. "It's done now, actually."

I watch as she calls for one of the maids to pack up the soup and take it to the sick boy.

"You're still taking care of everybody," I say softly, feeling a tug in my heart.

I wonder how this house would have been run if Mona wasn't there. She made sure all of the children were safe.

"Of course I am. And I'll continue doing so until I die," she states. "Are you hungry, sweetheart? I can cook you something. I can make anything you want."

My heart warms at the caring expression on her face. I was going to have a salad, but now I actually want something filling. After the day I've had, I think I deserve it.

"Actually, Mona, can you make me a burger?" I ask.

"Of course, dear. Come sit down," she says kindly, leading me toward one of the stools in the kitchen. "Are you all right?"

I blow out a breath before shaking my head.

"Not really. I'm worried about Nico."

"I'm sure he's fine, Aurora. If you ask me, Nicolas has nine lives. And I know he'd use every single one of them up if it meant he would get to come back home to you," she says softly, running a hand through my hair. "I'll make some cinnamon tea to soothe your nerves first before starting on that burger you requested."

I offer her a grateful smile as she walks away to do just what she said. I'm suddenly reminded of my own mother. Sometimes, I find myself wishing she was still here with me. She'd know what to do. My mother was kind and beautiful. Everyone who met her loved her. She had this ethereal grace about her that was soothing.

It's been so long since she passed away that I can barely remember her anymore. I was six and Lucia was three years old when she got sick. She had cancer. And the worst part is, now the last image I have of my mother, the one that refuses to leave my mind, is the one of her in her hospital bed, looking so frail and ill. I hate that it's how I remember her.

I hate that she was taken from us so soon. Her death broke my father. It had lasting effects on all of us and what our lives became.

"What are you thinking about, honey?" Mona asks as she hands me the cup of tea.

I take a small sip and it helps to warm me up. A sense of calm washes over me.

"My mom," I answer honestly.

Mona's brown eyes soften. "Your mother was a queen among women, Aurora. She was taken from us too soon. She loved the both of you so much."

"I know," I breathe. "I just wish she was still here."

"She's always with you, Aurora," Mona assures me. "Now, should I still prepare that burger? It seems a little late. And it's not your cheat day, if I'm correct."

I laugh at the fact that she remembers that. I try to regulate my diet most of the time, eating healthy to stay fit. But I've also assigned one day every month that I can eat anything I want. I usually want fast food then—burgers, fries, milkshakes. But sometimes on a hard day, I veer off course, needing a pick me up in the form of food.

"No, it's not. I'm just really craving a nice, juicy cheeseburger right now, Mona."

"All right, honey. Just give me twenty minutes."

I sit there and watch as she makes the burger. She and I talk about some of the kids currently living in the compound. I ask if there's anything they need or if the staff have made any requests. Nico makes sure everyone is well provided for, and Mona ensures everyone has what they need by running a tight ship. I check on them sometimes as well, just because I care. The compound houses a familial unit. We take care of the kids, people who have nowhere to go, and families in the outfit who are down on their luck. Some of the capos live here, as do some of the guards. It's like a small village.

Mona has my burger ready in no time. Once I'm done eating, I thank her with a hug, grateful to have her in our lives. I decide to head back to my room and try to sleep since it's clear Nico won't be home anytime soon.

I do manage to fall asleep soon after getting back into bed. When my eyes open again, it's to the sound of rustling in the room, right before I'm pulled backward into Nico's warm chest. He hugs me from behind, placing a soft kiss on my neck.

"What time is it?" I murmur sleepily.

"Four a.m. I didn't mean to wake you, baby," he says in a low voice.

I remember what happened earlier today despite my sleep-dazed state.

"Are you okay? No stab wounds or gunshot wounds?"

He chuckles roughly. "I'm perfectly fine. Just sorry I worried you," he says softly against my hair.

I exhale a soft breath. I'll have more to say tomorrow, but for now, I'm just glad he's here. "It's fine, just go to sleep, Nicky. You must be tired."

It's a testament to how exhausted he is that he doesn't argue any further. And after a couple of minutes of reassuring myself that he's really okay, I'm lulled back to sleep as well.