Page 128 of Sinful Hearts

I scan the options before pointing at one with gummy worms.

“Fuck no,” he says around a grimace. “What’s option two?”

I point at one with toasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs.

“That’ll do.” He drops it onto his napkin.

I wait until he takes his bite before doing the same. I cringe at the shot of sugar that just entered my bloodstream.

After swallowing his bite, he wipes his mouth and says, “I need to do some things today. You have a few options to keep you busy.”

I pluck a marshmallow off my doughnut, toss it into my mouth, and raise a brow.

“You can volunteer with Genesis at the shelter, hang out with Gigi at Antonio’s, or sit in on one of Pippa’s dance classes.”

I tap my nails on the counter, remembering one of my conversations with the girls at Gigi’s brunch. “Genesis mentioned they’d lost their nurse at the shelter. Maybe I’ll help them out until they find a new one.”

“Finish up and get dressed, and then I’ll drop you off.” He smiles.

Yes, an actual smile from my husband.

I freeze mid-chew, dropping my doughnut, and almost make a joke.

But I stop myself.

I don’t want to mention it and risk him holding back his smile. He looks too handsome when he does it.

42

ThankGod Liliya took it easy on me today and decided to spend her day at Safe Hearts.

Genesis has volunteered at the women and children’s shelter for years. After she was kidnapped, Julian hired full-time security there. No more rotating volunteers. It’s twenty-four hours a day—even when Genesis isn’t there.

The women and children there deserve that protection.

Most women at the shelter have escaped domestic violence. I can’t help but think what would have happened if my mother had gone to Safe Hearts. She could’ve saved her life. Deep down though, I know my father would’ve found a way to hurt her, even there. Possibly putting other women’s lives at risk.

He always won, and no one dared to ever run from him.

My goal today is to find out who tried to shoot Liliya and me.

“A million will be wired to each of your offshore accounts,” Antonio informs us.

We’re back in the same room from last night—Antonio, Damien, Julian, and me. As soon as they came in this morning, they all asked about Aurora.

How she and the baby are doing.

Whether they’ll see her again.

I doubt Andre will allow her to return to New York.

I nod at Antonio’s words.

We all prefer to keep our money in offshore accounts. They’re untraceable and protected. The feds can’t get their grimy hands on our dirty money.

I have a fair share in stocks, bonds, and investments. Genesis’s father used to sell Julian insider trading, and he’d give us tips. We all made a fucking killing. Between that, my inheritance money, payouts from our illegal ventures, and the casino, I live comfortably and want for nothing. I also take a few contract killings when I’m feeling bored.

Antonio turns to me. “I’m coming with you to meet with Aleksy. Not only do I want to hear what he knows about you being chased by armed men only miles from his home but we also haven’t seen our share of his profits.” He slams his laptop shut. “That’s a fucking problem.”