Page 52

She lifted her head at the sound of my approach, dark eyes meeting mine.

Mother had blue eyes—like me and Sasha. They shone when she smiled or when our father complimented her.

Elif’s eyes were a deep brown, almost black.

And yet, something about them commanded respect.

I draped the blanket over her shoulders.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the crashing waves.

It was only then that I noticed her tear-streaked cheeks.

And for the first time since mother left, I felt something tighten in my chest.

I grimace and take a step back, ready to turn away, to leave. I didn’t want a new mother, I didn’t want to form a bond with this woman, I didn’t want to feel the same thing I felt when my mother died.

“I don’t want to take her place or even impose on your lives,” she murmurs, stopping me in my tracks. And suddenly, I understand the reason for her tears—Sasha. I never would have thought that idiot’s words could wound her like this. I sigh and drop onto the swing beside her, making it sway slightly.

“He’s just an idiot, you shouldn’t pay attention to what he says,” I tell her, my eyes fixed on the horizon where the dark sea and sky blend together. I hear her sniffle, her head lowered, and my brows knit together when I see her scratching the inside of her wrist, leaving marks. Before I even realize it, my hand shoots out, grabbing hers to stop her.

She lifts her face, fresh tears trailing down her cheeks. “I just… I just wanted to help him. I didn’t think it would hurt him,” she whispers, her lips trembling, making me press mine together tightly.

I swear I’m going to break that idiot’s neck in the morning.

I watch her for a few seconds longer before tugging on my sleeve and wiping her cheeks dry.

“When our parents… left, we were like headless chickens, not knowing what to do or where to go. Grigori was overwhelmed by his new role, trying to assert himself, crushed by guilt and unable to take care of us. I was already far from sociable, barely leaving my room except to find food, which I ate alone. Sasha was furious, strugglingwith the sudden solitude in the absence of our mother, whom he had spent most of his time with. And Roman… he hasn’t spoken a word since they died.”

I lean back, letting the swing rock us gently, watching her legs cross on the seat beside me.

My sudden openness surprises even me. Maybe I feel comfortable because we’re close in age, or maybe because since she arrived, she’s done nothing but try to help us.

“But ever since you’ve been here, Grigori is doing better. Seeing you take care of us seems to ease him, and the way he acts around you… he looks more alive. When he talks to you, he has this way of looking at you that makes me uncomfortable, even makes me grimace,” I add with a smirk.

She chuckles softly, sniffling as she does, and I can’t help but smile. She’s… surprisingly easy to be around.

“When you locked my bedroom door that night, I honestly wanted to throw you in the pool. But over time, I realized what you were trying to do. You were trying to bring us back together, to rebuild our family. But honestly, you didn’t have to do it while I was only wearing a damn towel,” I grumble, making her snicker.

“As for Sasha, even though he’s an idiot, he’s a good guy deep down. He’s just scared. What he feels toward you terrifies him. I know, because I feel it too. We’re afraid to get attached again. And like our mother, you…”

I trail off, feeling my damn eyes burn.Blayt’.

Suddenly, cold hands slide against my cheeks, turning my face toward hers. Her dark eyes hold that same determination I’ve seen countless times before—when she argues with Grigori to impose her ideas or when she forces Sasha to do something he resists.

“Listen to me, Niko…” she says, using my nickname for the first time, and it doesn’t bother me. “I will never leave. Not as long as you need me. And even after that, I’ll still be here—I’m like a damn leech. I’m not going to die, not before I see my grandchildren andyour grandchildren. Not before we’re back here, on this very swing, watching them try to drown each other. I promise.”

Her eyes don’t leave mine, and before I can think, my body moves on its own. My arms wrap around her waist, my face pressing into her stomach as I hold onto her tightly. I feel the tears spill over, hear the quiet sobs breaking free—the ones that have been stuck in my throat since they left us.

And Elif holds me, her hand rubbing my back, her lips pressing against the back of my neck.

“Fear isn’t a bad thing, Niko, as long as you don’t let it control you. Trust yourself. Never doubt what you feel. I will always be behind you, supporting you, even if it means drugging Grigori with sleeping pills for the next few days.”

I laugh, knowing full well she’s capable of doing exactly that. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Thanks, Elif. Call me if you need anything.”

“Don’t worry about me, Niko. The only thing I need right now is for you to take your feet off that damn desk.”