Circuit whistled, took the popcorn, and headed off.
I walked over and stopped right in front of her. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” She blinked and placed her hands on her hips.
In that moment, I noticed a bandage on her hand. Worry filled me. I gently grabbed her hand, lifted the fingers, and inspected the bandage. “What happened?”
“Oh.” She took the hand away. “I sprained my fingers. The doctor checked it out, gave me some anti-inflammatory medication, and told me to put ice on it. The fingers will be fine in a few days.”
I spoke through clenched teeth. “What happened? You said you would stay in the limo when the Xecutioners went to—”
“I did.” She widened her eyes. “I sprained my fingers afterward.”
I growled, “How?”
“I. . .slapped Valentina.” Ava looked away. “She was being rude, demanding that I take her to you immediately. Just being a big bully. And I was so exhausted. . .I just slapped her in the face.”
I tried to keep a serious face but the smile broke out. “Did it look like it hurt her?”
“Yes.”
I laughed.
“Misha, that’s not funny.”
“Did she hit you back?”
“The guards got in the way.”
I grinned.
How I wished I’d seen that.
“I’m sorry.” Ava lowered her voice. “I’m sure my slapping Valentina won’t help your parenting relationship. I won’t do it again.”
“Don’t make promises you may not be able to keep. Valentina can be a real bitch sometimes.”
She rolled her eyes. “Misha.”
I glared at her. “What you did today was dangerous.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“I don’t want you part of this life.”
“If not for me, then some of the things might not have gotten done.”
“Still.”
She raised her hands and grabbed the sides of my face. “I love you. I will follow you into your world if it means keeping you and your daughter safe. Just like you will do everything to protect my grandma and me. Deal with it.”
I sneered.
“Go clean up.” She lowered her hands. “The doctor is waiting.”
“This conversation is not done.”
“It is. Go!” She pointed to the bedroom.
Groaning, I turned around and headed to the shower.
I just killed several men. I sliced and diced a grown man into a mountain of meat. All to have a ballerina bossing me around. What a day!
I went into the bedroom, stopped in front of my 3D chessboard, dove my hand into my pocket, and pulled out the unicorn piece. Twisting it in my hand, I considered the last two days.
I had it wrong.
The Xecutioners didn’t serve as my unicorn. Granted, they helped a lot just like Naveen, Circuit, and Maxwell. They were vital pieces to everything being accomplished, but not the most important player on the board.
A surprise factor appeared—one that I had not considered.
If I looked back to not just these past two days, but the entire month, there was only one significant person that came to mind.
Ava. She’s the queen and unicorn. Can a piece be both?
Sighing, I studied the unicorn again.
I can’t believe she added herself to the game without thinking of the danger to herself. Something could have happened to her.
Talking with Ava a few minutes ago showed me she had no regrets. I set the piece down on the board. “What will I do with her?”
She was the prima ballerina. She had a whole new world in front of her. There would be no time for guns, violence, and Brotherhood problems. Her only worry should deal with flashing lights and gorgeous gowns.
And she slapped Valentina!
Smiling, I shook my head.
Knowing Valentina, she will spend the rest of her lifetime trying to slap Ava back.
I grimaced.
And what about this contract that Ava made with the Xecutioners? She will tell me every detail of it, whether she wants to or not.
I planned to figure out a way to outbid her. There was no reason to involve herself in anything dealing with the Xecutioners.
I stared at the unicorn piece on the top board.
Regardless of everything that had occurred, one fact remained in my mind.
Ava will forever be special in my heart. She’s the one. I knew this a year ago. And her recent actions have made it even more glaringly obvious.
I left the chessboards, went into my closet, and searched for the one thing to solidify all of this.
It may be too soon, but I don’t care.Chapter 33
Ava
Although pouting, Misha washed up. When he finished, the doctor examined him and confirmed what he’d already declared. Misha only had a few cuts and bruises. Nothing needed stitches or bandages.
The doctor left. Furious, Misha guided me back to the bedroom. He pulled off his shirt and slung it on the bed. “That’s done.”
“I’m glad you’re fine.”
The anger on his face eased. “I told you I was.”
“You did.”
“And I told you to stay out of it.”
“And I didn’t.”
“Apparently, I’m supposed to get over it.”
“That’s what I said.” I drank him in. I loved how defined his body was. He had a muscular V that traveled down into his jeans. Hunger rose within me.