Leveled: A Novella (Saints of Denver #0.5)(104)

When she laid her hand on mine and squeezed, my heart ached for her. “Thanks for letting me in today.”

I checked the clock again. “Lev will be home any minute now.”

She smiled, but it was forced. “I just hope he doesn’t kick me out.”

I wouldn’t let him. Corinna Alkaev may have said things she didn’t mean to old friends, but she didn’t deserve to be punished for them forever. I would make Lev listen. I didn’t know how, but I would.

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 f*cked 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.”