Page 120 of Graves

When I went to him yesterday and held his wrists, he got so startled he shoved me away. I hadn’t realized how deep in thought he was.

He apologized right away, but when I tried to talk to him about the tic, he shut down and disappeared into the studio.

Even though I’m pretty distracted and translating on autopilot, the meeting with the yakuza goes surprisingly well. Agreements are reached and there are the first steps toward joint projects. Top priority is finding out who was behind the attack at the port. Nikos still insists it was Asians.

In the end, everyone is satisfied—except maybe Damian, who still looks like he’s about to explode with rage. When I walk the Mori family to their car with Kosta, of all people, it’s Niko trying to calm our demon down.

In front of the car, old Ryū Mori and Kosta shake hands. I say goodbye with all the polite Japanese gestures I know and silently thank my mother for teaching me the culture.

“And you really don’t want to come back into the business?” Kosta asks as we watch the black Toyota leave the lot.

“We both know that now that you’ve almost formed an alliance with the Mori-kai, you’ve got me on a short leash again anyway.”

Kosta laughs and turns his head. “Doesn’t sound like you mind.”

“As long as I only have to play translator…”

“No, but seriously. You know we need you.”

“Just because I don’t live around the corner anymore doesn’t stop Levi from showing up at my place for medical care.”

“Apartment’s opening up in my building,” he says. “Five bedrooms, two baths, big terrace.”

“I don’t need five bedrooms.”

“But you’ll need a new place soon, right?”

I stopped wondering a long time ago how Kosta gets his information. He’s a hawk—nothing escapes him.

“I still have four months,” I answer smugly.

“And then? You planning to stay in the West Village?”

He has the ability to make people feel like he’s genuinely interested in their lives, but we all know there’s a little sociopath behind that polished façade. He’s not completely incapable of empathy—everything he does is ultimately for the good of the family.

I know the apartment offer comes with selfish motives, yet I also have to admit my living situation is getting more complicated by the day.

Aran has two concerts left. Even if it currently feels like everything is heading toward a climax, I’m sure things won’t go back to how they were a week ago once it’s over.

At some point, we took the wrong turn, and the way things are developing, there seems to be no way back.

“I’ll think about it,” I say. “Maybe going back to Astoria isn’t such a bad idea.”

“Let me know if you want to see it. It’s empty starting Sunday.”

We stand in silence for a while, looking over the empty parking lot. It rained earlier and the ground is wet, but now the sun is breaking through the clouds and warming my face. It’s a comforting warmth, because ever since I ran into Luke, I’ve had trouble judging my own actions.

I need someone to talk to about this, but Kosta definitely isn’t the right person. At thirty-five, he already has a divorce that nearly ended in disaster. He loves as passionately as he hates—and he loves women more than anything. From what I’ve heard, he can be a real gentleman. Unfortunately, he’s just as devoted to his job, which—at least in the eyes of the ladies—destroys any romance.

I glance at my phone. The battery is at three percent, but it’s enough to read Luke’s message.

“I’m a bit early and already on my way.”

“You got plans?” Kosta asks.

“Yeah, I’m meeting someone.”

How cowardly of me not to admit it’s Luke.