if the mafia can learn to love

[assassinrue]

"Of course. Come wake me if you need anything. I sleep lightly. Good night."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Yeah, I bet you do, Avi though. He seemed like a wolf. His life style kind of demanded alertness. Or else you were dead.

[assassinrue]

As it turned out, Nikolai didn't sleep that night, he lay awake with his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

The young woman rest her head on the pillow and lay awake for a long time, marveling over how her life had changed. She'd gone from avoiding the gangs to falling for one of the worst of them. And she knew she was falling for him, because she was already willing to risk everything for him. This Sbake guy had better watch out.

[assassinrue]

Eventually giving up on sleep, Nikolai padded out to his kitchen to grab water and he stood staring at the sleeping girl. She was lovely by all accounts, strong willed, fierce. As a companion she seemed stalwart and he appreciated that about her. He was banking on the fact that she would stand with him once this was all over and done.

[assassinrue]

*Nudge*

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Avi rolled over and opened her eyes to find him watching her. She smiled sleepily. "Anyone ever tell you watching a girl sleep is creepy?"

[assassinrue]

Nikolai smiled wryly at her, ducking his head. "It might have been mentioned. Did I wake you?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Avi gave her head a slight shake. "I can't sleep... my head just keeps turning around, running worst-case scenarios and worrying about my brothers."