Page 111 of Nikola

My heart dropped, and I bit my cheek as I stared at the man who was my entire life. My oxygen. My nirvana.

Before I could say anything, Papa kissed my cheek. “It might be for the best.”

Sasha kissed my cheek next and I blinked, having missed him moving my way. “Princess, itisfor the best. This witch doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

Kostya took my hand and nodded to the men. “Sure, I’ll take her.”

Alexei and Papa escorted us out of the room, my heart dragging behind me on the ground. Once outside the room, Papa kissed my cheek again just as vibration crept up my legs.

The two men shared a look, then with grim expressions, they disappeared behind the closed doors.

I turned to Kostya. “What was that?”

He looked toward the shut door, conflicted, before replying, “Your great-grandmother’s torture has begun.”

“I guess it’s a good thing I have a therapy session today,” I signed, the color draining from my face.

“She deserves it.” There was no arguing that one. “I didn’t know you were seeing a therapist.”

I shrugged both shoulders. “It was Papa’s idea.”

“That surprises me even more. I’d expect that from my aunt Isabella, definitely, but Dante?—”

“It’s ironic, you know.”

“What is?”

“Nikola told me months ago that women who mess with him end up needing therapy. I guess his prediction came true.”

“It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone, especially if it’s a good therapist.” Kostya rolled his eyes. “Nikola definitely needs one.”

The throbbing ache that had become my constant since he got shot flared. It’d only been weeks, but it seemed like a lifetime. I made a point to push myself forward and act as if the world kept spinning as normal and nothing was amiss.

Yet everything was.

I yearned for Nikola like my lungs yearned for oxygen.

“How are his legs?” I dared to ask. “Any news on recovery?”

Kostya and Marietta were the only ones I felt comfortable asking that question. Damien would be the other one, but he was already back in Siberia. He preferred Russia to New Orleans and the States, and his classes started, so it was the perfect excuse to go back to what he considered his home.

“He’s started physical therapy, but that’s not the oddest thing.”

“What do you mean?” I questioned, not following his line of thinking.

“Strangely he’s been less crazy and more like his father. Reasonable, albeit more stubborn.” He pinned me with a knowing stare. “Aside from just now, is he still ignoring you?”

“Yes.”

“Seems dumb considering the wedding that’s bound to happen.”

I sighed, rubbing my forehead tiredly before I replied, “If it happens.”

Kostya chuckled. Not much got him rattled. “It’ll happen. Everyone knows it.”

“Well, everyone seems to be missing the point.”

Kostya’s light blond eyebrows pulled together. “What point?”