We made polite small talk for the next five minutes before the back door opened, and Cora stiffened. Lev walked into the living area and took one look at our guest before he stilled. He looked down at me, a questioning expression on his face, and I smiled encouragingly. He blinked at me, and then recovered quickly, making his way into the room. “Corinna,” he uttered.
She smiled up at him, but it shook. “Hey, Lev.”
He was sweaty and red in the face, but he sat by me in his workout gear and asked calmly, “To what do I owe the pleasure? Have your parents sent you? Because I told them—”
She shook her head and spoke, cutting him off. “No, they haven’t sent me.” She nearly rolled her eyes. “Since when do I do their bidding anyway?” She quieted her voice. “I haven’t spoken to them since after Irina died, and don’t plan on speaking to them again until they can admit they screwed up.”
Lev seemed mildly stunned by what she had said. “Then why are you here?”
She took a deep, quivering breath before she laughed lightly and shrugged, placing her hands in her lap. She whispered a pained, “I miss my niece.”
From the way Lev went rigid beside me, I knew he did not like that statement. It was so open. He didn’t like not knowing exactly what a person meant. I needed to intervene.
“You want time with Lidi then?” I asked her gently.
“I just want to see her again. I don’t care how. You name the time and place. I just—” She looked to Lev, imploring, “I know you hated Irina, but she wasn’t always a hardass. And Lidiya is all I have left of my sister.” Lev’s jaw ticked. She sighed, dipping her chin. “I know you don’t trust me, and that’s fair, but I will do anything you want. I just want some time with Lidi.”
The front door opened, and Nas walked in. “Yo, shorty!”
“In here,” I called, suddenly anxious about Cora’s presence.
Nas went to walk into the living room and fell short a step, looking directly at her ex-best friend. Cora stood and swallowed hard. “Hey.”
Nas looked the woman up and down before entering the room and speaking slowly. “Hey, yourself.”
Cora’s bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes filled with tears. When she dipped her chin, her tears falling to the ground, Nas moved, and what she did surprised me. She placed her arms around Cora just as a sob escaped her. Nas held her tightly, whispering, “I’m sorry.”
Cora clutched to her like a lifeline and let out a broken, “No, I’m sorry. The things I said to you…”
Nas shook her head, squeezing gently. “Forgotten.”
The two women embraced for a little while, and when they separated, Nas sat next to Cora, taking her hand and holding it in hers. Something told me that no matter how strong Corinna Alkaev thought she was, she had reached her breaking point.
Nas looked at me. “So, what are we talking about?”
Lev responded, “Corinna wants to see Lidiya.” He paused a moment before he said, “And I am considering it.”
The look of relief on Cora’s face was evident, but she masked it with excitement. “Really? Because I don’t even care if we stay here the whole time. I could have a picnic with her in the front yard and stay out of your hair. I promise not to get in your way or anything.”
Lev looked down at Nastasia’s hand, which still held Cora’s. “You were once like family, Corinna.”
Her lips trembled again and she uttered quietly, “I know I fucked up. And I’m so sorry.”
Lev stood. “I see no reason why you can’t see Lidi every now and again.” He looked at the little woman and told her, “She doesn’t have her mother anymore. I’d like for her to have access to someone who knew Irina when she was a child. Someone who can show her the good side of Irina.”
Cora’s face sad, she responded quietly, “I can do that. I can be that person.”
Lev nodded. “I know you can.” He checked his watch and muttered, “Mirella took her to the park. They’ll be home soon enough. You’re welcome to wait.”
He didn’t say another word, just turned and walked away.
My heart warmed, and that warmth spread throughout my entire body.
God, I loved Lev. He was a good man.
I stood too, looking down at a stunned Cora. “I’m guessing it’s been a while.” I turned to Nas and smiled. “I’ll give you guys time to catch up.”
My feet took the stairs two at a time—no small feat for a short girl—until I made my way into our bedroom, opening the door to find Lev in a state of undress. He looked up at me then threw down his boxers, leaving him in the nude.
My voice soft, I told him, “You’re a good man, Lev Leokov.” Then I started to undress.
His eyes landed on my bare stomach and he watched as I undid my bra. His voice came out husky. “I need to shower, mouse.”
“No,” I told him, hooking my thumbs into my panties and lowering them. They fell to my ankles. “You need to get me dirty.” I stepped out of my panties and moved toward him. When I reached him, I looked up into his face, the picture of innocence. “And then we’ll get clean together. Okay?”
His hands came up to rest on my hips and he squeezed lightly, his eyes hooded with lust. “Who am I to argue with my betrothed?”
I grinned as his lips descended. “Suck ass.”
We spent a long time in the shower.
And when we were finished, I was far from clean.
I was deliciously mussed.
Chapter Forty-Six
Mina
I watched in quiet amazement as the extended Leokov family met, hugging and kissing and chatting as laughter burst out of people left, right, and center. Normally, in situations like this, I would have felt out of place, yet somehow this amazing group of people included me like it was no big deal.
I didn’t care what they thought.
It was a big deal, for me.
We had made the half-hour drive to attend the small wedding that Lev explained would be held at his cousin’s club, The White Rabbit. I’d never heard of the place, but when we got there, I immediately understood the appeal.
I got it. I did.
It was freaking hot.
Who wouldn’t be taken by an Alice in Wonderland themed club? From the giant bronzed Cheshire cat, to the whimsical, artistic paint on the walls, my chest panged with regret from not bringing the good camera Sasha had bought for Bleeding Hearts. It didn’t matter; I whipped out my phone and snapped away happily at almost everything in sight.
Lev told me I’d need to dress up for the night, and when he sent me to buy an appropriate evening gown with Nas, the two of us came back arguing. I still couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something I’d only wear once or twice.
We compromised in the end, buying me a stunning black dress that cost a hundred and fifty dollars. It was a cocktail–style dress, and although it wasn’t what I was sent to buy, I could see myself wearing this little number again and again, totally getting my money’s worth. When I came home and modeled it for Lev, he agreed that it was lovely.
He dressed in a black suit, a white crisp linen shirt, and a black tie. Mirella dressed Lidiya in a pale pink number, a pastel pink bow holding her curls together. I sat in the back seat with my chubby little angel, and wasn’t at all surprised when she fell asleep during the drive. It was so relaxing being a passenger that I felt I could have joined her.
It might have seemed strange to hold a wedding on a Wednesday night, but after Lev explained that it was only to be a small affair and that the club would likely be open to the public on the weekend, it kind of made sense.
We arrived at the club, parked, and made our way out. Lev pulled me into his side and held a sleepy Lidiya’s hand as we entered the party.
I was nervous, meeting more of the family. But I shouldn’t have been.
Lev’s cousin, Nik, greeted us at the door, grabbing Lev and heaving him into a long man-hug before pulling back and kissing both his cheeks. When Nik spotted Lidiya, his face changed. It seemed the guy was a sucker for kids. He got to his knees, smiled, and held his arms out to Lidi. Lidi, knowing a good thing when she saw one, didn’t hesitate to hug the man, and he lifted her, kissing her cheek. When Lev introduced us, I could have fainted dead away.