Claim

“I know, it’s so inappropriate,” Annie said, popping a cookie in her mouth. “But it’s not like I’m going to do anything about it. Besides, from the looks of it, the Lion is well and forever in love with you.”

Kira couldn’t hide her surprise. “I don’t know about that. He hardly speaks to me outside of the bedroom these days.”

Annie waggled her eyebrows. “Yeah, but I bet he says more than enough in there. Maybe you’re just not paying attention.”

Kira suddenly wanted to tell Annie about the baby. She wanted to make it real, to tell someone besides her doctor, whom she’d visited in secret. She wanted to tell someone besides Zoya about her fears and dreams, her worry that Lyon wouldn’t be happy when she finally got up the courage to tell him.

But it would be wrong to tell anyone before Lyon. Zoya was different. Zoya was like her mother. Telling Annie before Lyon would be disrespectful.

She sighed. “I just wish things were more settled. Everything is so up in the air.”

Annie nodded, her expression growing serious. “Borya says Ivan Demenok isn’t to be trusted. Borya's trying to poison the well with the Spies, keep them from trusting Ivan.”

Kira filed the information away with what she knew from Lyon: Ivan was making a power play, but someone in Russia was working through Ivan.

Lyon was under assault from all sides.

“Lyon rose to pakhan against all the odds,” Kira said. “He won’t allow Ivan — or anyone — to take control of the bratva.”

“I agree,” Annie said. “Which is why you shouldn’t worry. I know things feel unsteady now, but you know how the bratva is: it’s always something. Lyon will overcome this challenge and meet a hundred more in his time as pakhan.”

Kira smiled at her friend, but she couldn’t help thinking the current challenge to Lyon’s authority wasn’t as simple as Annie made it sound.

Kira reached for her friend’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you. You’re a good friend.”

“I’m just in it for the cookies,” Annie said, taking another one from the platter left by Johan. “They’re really delicious. Do you want to check out some other stuff while we’re here?”

Kira let her gaze travel over the sea of modern furnishings. “I don’t think so. I might check out some vintage shops next.”

Annie finished chewing. “I’m game. Just let me finish off these cookies.”

Kira laughed and rose to her feet. “I’ll pay for the sofa, then we’ll have a real lunch before we continue. I know a great place over on Damen Avenue.”

Annie leaned back and stretched out. “You know where to find me.”