Page 118 of Darkest Sin

“Well, when we get home, I’m going to give you all of that.”

I snuggle into his side, feeling bittersweet. Happy to have my husband alive but upset about my family. It’s going to be struggle from here on out. There is no other way about it.

Nico

The pain in my back and chest still scream at me as I enter the restaurant. It’s been only a week since I was shot by themotherfucker Mikhail and I’m still pissed. The doctors told me I was lucky. My spine was missed. Guess I’m lucky Mikhail is a shitty shot.

I’m going to get back at him and I know just the way to do it.

I slide into the booth across from Denis.

“You wanted to talk?” he asks, sneering at me. “Because you killed my ally. I’m not happy with you for that.”

“I’m here to offer you a new ally. And a chance to get back at Mikhail.”

“You? You want to work together?”

“Why not? Mikhail shot me in the back. I have no love for him. And you’re in need of an ally.”

Denis considers it for a moment before he smiles. “What do you want? If we’re going to be allies, I’m sure you want something.”

“I’m thinking one of those Petrov sisters. The oldest one not married.”

“Sasha? You want Sasha?”

I remember the fiery brave way she spoke at the church. “Yes. I want her. Marry her to me and we can be allies.”

Denis considers it for only a moment before he extends his hand. “You have yourself a deal.”

Natalya

I slip my pointe shoes back on and take a deep breath. This is it.I’m finally returning to the stage after taking my break.

A month has passed since the forced attempt to marry me to Cillian. A month since I’ve seen my sisters. Denis has moved them to a new location so I can’t find them but I don’t give up. I’ll have them back in my life one day. I’ll make sure they’re safe.

Nico is still out there, having survived Mikhail’s attack. He hasn’t made any moves against us but Mikhail and I keep waiting. For Liam to make a move too.

In the meantime, I decided to return to dance. It was time. I couldn’t keep worrying about my family all day long. I figured I would channel my pain into my art.

Jake, my dance partner, knocks on my dressing room door. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

It feels amazing to step onto the stage again with my fellow dancers. It feels even more amazing to watch the curtain rise and see the large crowd of people. An even bigger audience is here tonight to celebrate my return.

My eyes land on Mikhail in the audience, watching me with his intensity. I know later tonight he’ll tie me up and have his way with me. I shiver at the thought. He’s healed from his gunshot wounds though he’s still not moving as fast as he once was. The doctor reassured him his full mobility will return in time.

We have forever together for him to heal.

I look to Mikhail’s side to see the empty seats I reserved for my family. I know they wouldn’t be able to make it tonight – not with Denis controlling them. But I still wanted to have a space to honor them. There’s five seats in total. Three for my sisters. One for my mother.

And one for my father, who I still hold close in my memory.

I look at Mikhail again and use his strength to steady me. We have a lot of uphill battles to climb but as long as we’re together, we’ll make it through. I have to believe it.

I will get my sisters back. I will see my mom again. And I will have my husband at my side for it all.

The music begins and I take my first step.

The End