Chapter 31.

NORA CARUSO "Pick it up," Nikolai ordered, his voice low and laced with a warning. My thumb hovered over the green icon. My heart was hammering against my ribs. Why was she calling? Was she calling to scream at me again? To tell me I was dead to the family? Or worse had something happened to our parents? I pressed accept and brought the phone to my ear. "Hello?" I whispered. The line was silent for a heartbeat, Nikolai watched me, his dark eyes narrowed, his body tense despite his injury. He looked ready to snatch the phone from my hand and crush it if he heard a single threat. "Nora?" Renata’s voice was small. "I’m here, Renata," I said, leaning back for support. "Is it true?" she asked, her voice trembling. "They said there was a shootout at the docks." I looked at my husband scowling at me. "He is fine," I said, keeping my voice steady. "There was an incident but he is alive." I heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end, followed by a long, shaky exhale. "Oh, thank God," Renat