Page 95 of My Best Friend Is Broken

“Always.”

“I was worried about you coming to stay. Not because of you specifically, but because it meant the outside world intruding on the safe space Nicky and I have built. But now I’m really glad you’re here. You make me feel normal in a way I haven’t felt in years.”

Molly’s eyes go suspiciously shiny. “That might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. And same. I was dreading being stuck in hiding, but spending time with you has been lovely. You make me feel less alone in this weird life we’re living.”

We’re saved from getting too emotional by another text from Nicky.On my way home. Need anything?

Just you,I send back, then immediately feel embarrassed by how soppy that sounds.

“Smooth,” Molly teases, reading over my shoulder yet again. “You two are going to give me cavities with all that sweetness.”

“Says the man who has ‘Duckling’ as his contact name for Dario.”

“Touché.”

By the time Nicky arrives home, we’re back on the sofa, this time with Molly quizzing me on Italian vocabulary while I try not to butcher the pronunciation too badly. The sound of keys in the lock makes my heart do that stupid fluttery thing it always does, and I look up to see Nicky in the doorway, his face softening with relief when he sees us safe and happy.

“Ciao, amore mio,” I greet him, trying out one of the phrases Molly taught me.

Nicky’s eyebrows rise, pleasure and surprise mixing on his face. “Your pronunciation is getting better.”

“Molly’s been teaching me. I can now ask where the bathroom is and insult someone’s mother, so I’m basically fluent.”

“Exactly the essentials,” Nicky agrees, crossing to press a kiss to my forehead before settling into the armchair. “You two have had a good day?”

“The best,” Molly confirms. “Liam’s excellent company. We’ve been cooking, working out, practicing Italian. Generally having a lovely time.”

“I’m glad.” Nicky’s relief is palpable, and I realize how much he’d been worrying about leaving us alone. “Everything’s been quiet? No problems?”

“Not even a suspicious glance from the neighbors,” I assure him. “We’re perfectly safe.”

And at this moment, I believe it completely. Sitting in our living room with Molly chattering away and Nicky looking at me with such love and pride, it feels impossible that anything bad could happen. We’re secure here, protected by locks and cameras and the simple fact that the Russians have no reason to know about this place.

The danger feels abstract, theoretical, like something that’s happening to other people in other places, not something that could touch us in our safe haven.

It’s a beautiful feeling, that sense of security.

It lasts exactly twelve more hours.

Chapter thirty-one

Liam

Nicky left an hour ago, apologizing profusely for another emergency that couldn’t wait. He didn’t say, but I got the impression it was the Russians.

I’d respected his secrets, kissed him goodbye and told him not to worry, that Molly and I would be fine, that we’d probably just watch movies and eat too much junk food.

Now Molly is standing by the living room window, peering through the blinds with a thoughtful expression.

“Everything alright?” I ask from the sofa, where I’ve been scrolling through my phone.

“Yeah,” Molly says, but he’s still looking out the window. “I’m just wondering if we should bring our bodyguards some coffee and snacks. Must be boring as hell sitting in a car all day.”

I nearly drop my phone. “We aren’t supposed to draw attention to them, and we aren’t supposed to go outside!” The words come out higher-pitched than intended, bordering on a squeak.

Jesus Christ, when did I become such a stickler for rules? Prison, probably. Five years of following instructions without question, of understanding that breaking rules,even small ones, could have serious consequences. Rules set by the guards. Rules set by men bigger and meaner than me. Rules were my life. No wonder I’ve become a stickler for them.

Molly turns from the window with an amused smile. “You’re right. I wasn’t really going to do it. Just feels bad, you know? They’re out there protecting us, and we’re in here in the warm with unlimited snacks.”