Page 143 of Deadly Knight

“Regardless.” He lightly slaps my shoulder, activating the old injury received when I hopped in front of a bullet for Serafina.

An act that was the beginning of the end.

Thirty percent. It’s speeding up.

“Since Ivan’s dead, you’ll need a new tattoo. Hooded executioner for killing a relative,” I comment, this time initiating the conversation.

“Soon. Katya is getting one next week. I can wait for my executioner until you and Ana get yours.” He eyes the spot on my arm I’ve left blank for it, for the day when Anastasia and I decide who’ll take the shot on our own papa.

“Don’t. Might be a while.” The topic she and I both avoid, though we shouldn’t for much longer.

“You got it,” he murmurs. “Well, I also came to say bye. We’re all packed up and ready to leave.”

For this, I glance away from the screen. “It’ll be weird not having you around.” Not that he was often, considering he was in Canada so much, but this feels strangely different—more permanent because the mansion won’t be his main stop anymore. “See you at the gym tomorrow?”

“You bet. If”—he scans the monitor—“you get away long enough to work-out.”

“Exercise gets me out of the house.” Sometimes, like now, it does more for me than my computers. Zeroes and ones don’t always help, but counting reps do.

He understands the meaning beneath my words. Ones unspoken to even myself. “Need to talk about it?”

“You have to know me better than that.”

He laughs. “I’d be a dick to not offer. If you change your mind, I promise no judgement over what went down between you two. Hell, I don’t even have to say a word.” With his offer hanging, he bobs his head and turns away. “See you tomorrow then.”

“Bye.”

I count his steps to the stairs, and then up them, stopping when the door shuts. Counting relaxes my brain, giving me the all-clear when I’m alone again.

For when the anger I came down here with reignites and even updating the servers aren’t helping.

For when my thoughts return to the woman upstairs.

The fucking bride-to-be.

The one I’m about to initiate a war over.

The one I’m ready to giveeverythingup for.

Serafina Mancini.