36. Liam

Two months ago, I was completely off the rails. Drinking. Reckless behavior. Wallowing in darkness and self-pity.

Today, I’m a new man. She agreed to marry me. I put a ring on it several weeks ago. And I get to look at living the rest of my life with this amazing woman.

I lay next to said woman as the morning sun begins its ascent into the sky. Every day, I wake to this. For a long time, I thought I was dreaming when I woke in the morning. It couldn’t be real that she was with me. Only when I felt her warmth against me did I know for sure she was truly here.

Her belly looks too big to me. Like any moment, she’ll pop, but she insists she still has a few months to go. I stare at her in amazement. How could loving her produce another life? It’s a fucking miracle.

I softly rub my hand over her belly and feel a light kick. “Good morning, Sophia.” I place a kiss on the spot she kicked.

“Someday, you two need to learn to sleep in,” Kate says, sleep still heavy in her voice.

“There’s so much life to live.” I move up and pull Kate into my arms. “What’s on your agenda?”

“Wedding plans.”

I kiss her cheek. “How about this weekend, we drive out to see the status of the house?”

“Sounds good. Are you working today?”

“Yes. Got money to launder and?—”

“I get it.”

I laugh. I realize if I ever mess up, she’ll likely call the Feds on me. Good thing I’ve got an agent on my payroll and shitting bricks worried that I’ll be the one to send him to jail or his grave.

My phone rings, and I’m annoyed by the intrusion. I check the ID and see that it’s Niko.

“Why’s he calling so early?” Whatever it is, it can’t be good. “Niko?—”

“Is Aria with you?”

“What? Ah… no. Why would she be with us?”

“Because she likes Kate. Does she know where Aria could be?”

“Hold on.” I press my phone to my chest. “Do you know where Aria might be?”

Kate comes fully awake, worry growing in her expression. “No. Is she missing?”

I bring the phone to my ear. “She doesn’t know. What’s going on?”

“What about Luca Conte? Have you heard from him? Seen him?”

“He’s in Italy as far as I know. I got the feeling that he abandoned any ideas of being with Aria.”

“Fuck!”

“What’s going on?” Niko’s anger isn’t anything new, but it’s been awhile since I’ve heard it this intense.

“Aria is gone. I wouldn’t put it past her to run away.”

I take a moment to think carefully about my next words. “She’s a grown woman. I don’t think it’s running?—”

“She’s my responsibility.”

“She’s also her own responsibility.”

“You’re not helping, Liam.”

I consider giving him the same verbal medicine he gave me that had me realizing I was stupid give up Kate. But I’m not sure what to say to make him see reason.

“What can I do?” I ask instead.

“Help me hunt down and kill Luca Conte.”

Loved Kate and Liam? Great News! The entire Shadows of Redemption series is now available for your reading pleasure.

Angel of Mercy (Luca and Aria)

Soldier of Death (Niko and Elena)

Queen of Misfortune (Donovan and Lucy)