Lev: a Shot Callers novel - Belle Aurora Page 0,131

love.”

But Lidi blinked over at the hard-looking Asher, smiling hard. Nat clucked her tongue. “Of course she chooses to like the broodiest mofo in the group.”

Probably reminds her of her dad, I thought.

Lidi leaned forward, holding her arms out to Asher. He smiled then and his face transformed. He was smoking hot. He came forward and took her from Max’s arms. He pulled back to look down at her as she rested her head on his shoulder. His voice was low, rough. “It’s ‘cause she’s got good taste.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “It hasn’t escaped my notice that she’s only going to the men.” I turned to Tina. “Only gets worse as they get older?” Tina nodded solemnly. I huffed out a breath. “Crap. I’m going to have to watch this one with a hawk eye.”

The girls laughed as the men grinned, and then someone was wrapping their arms around me. I didn’t have to look. I sunk back into him and smiled, placing a hand on his at my waist. Tina happily announced, “This is cousin Lev.”

“Hello,” he muttered from behind me.

A few greeting were exchanged before Tina sighed contentedly, her face turning soft. “You guys look good together.”

Lev spoke an amused, “I think so too. Thank you.”

A young woman with long dark brown hair and green eyes came out of nowhere. She wore an elegant and fitted wedding dress in off-white lace that showed off her small baby bump. “Ugh, sorry, guys.” She sighed tiredly, but looked ridiculously happy. “Stupid Max and his mighty sperm.”

Tina chuckled. “Helena, this is Lev and Mina. Lev is Max’s cousin.”

The bride turned to us. “Whoa, hey. We don’t know many from the other side of the family. It’s nice that you could be here.” She smiled kindly as Max put his arms around her and kissed her head. “Thank you so much for coming.”

Max explained, “My dad and Lev’s dad were brothers.” He grinned at Lev. “Remember the shit we used to get up to?”

Lev shook his head. “No. But I do remember the shit you used to get up to and blame on me.”

The group of people burst into laughter and Max shrugged. “That’s ‘cause you were an easy target, bro.”

Nik shook his head. “Nah. You were just an idiot.”

“Yeah.” Max puffed out his chest. “Idiotically awesome.”

I laughed to myself. These guys were a hoot.

After all the fuss, I wouldn’t admit it, but I was glad we came. It was nice to hear about Lev amongst family that obviously loved him.

Sasha and Nas strolled by, and Nas handed me a drink. I took it gratefully and Max jerked his chin to Sasha. “Lev’s gettin’ married. Nas has Viktor wrapped around her pinkie.” I was sure I was the only person who noticed Nas’ expression turn sour, but Max went on, “When are you gonna settle down, Sash?”

Sasha smiled slyly. “Who knows, man?” He paused before adding a rather cryptic, “You never know what’s written in the stars.”

Nik nudged Sasha. “Yeah. Who knows?” He grinned at his cousin. “Even Sasha might find a woman to put up with his broody ass.”

Tina scoffed. “Excuse me, mister, but I remember meeting you, and you were the broodiest son of a gun I’d ever met.” She looked around at us and uttered a sincere, “I almost wet myself. He was so cold. He scared me.”

Nik pulled his wife into him and squeezed her tight. “Yeah, well, it took meeting you to thaw me out, baby.”

Nawww.

They were stupidly cute. I kind of loved them.

Nastasia cleared her throat and forced a smile. “I don’t know about marriage. It’s so… final.” She tried to cringe, but I saw the haggard sadness on her face.

Goddamn Vik. What was he doing to her? I was going to wring his damn neck.

Nat sighed. “Wow. You sound like me.” She pulled Nas over and threaded her arm through hers, smiling all the while. “Come here. You just became my new best friend.”

The conversation flowed effortlessly throughout the night, and my cheeks started to hurt from how much I was smiling and laughing. I felt at ease with these people. They were a good sort, women who had met their matches and men who had learned to love.

I held onto Lev and imagined where I would be if I hadn’t met him. A hard shiver went down my spine and my stomach knotted uncomfortably.

The thought was far too painful to consider.

We arrived home from Max and Helena’s wedding just past one a.m.,