The rest of the morning was quiet after Meera left. Of course...it was frustrating. I kept replaying that mind-blowing kiss we shared and tortured myself. I don't know if my seduction skills were lacking or if Meera had better self-control than me.

I had to physically resist the urge to pull her back into a kiss and take her back to my room. Ever since that day on the docks, where Meera decided she would rather throw herself off a yacht rather than let Zoya get his hands on me, I didn't want to be parted from her.

I still managed to fuck that part up by deluding myself into thinking that she would be better off without me. In hindsight, I wanted to punch myself in the face for being such a moron. Thank god that I didn't last longer than it should've. If Meera was anybody else, they would've stayed mad at me forever but fortunately for me, her heart was forgiving and I ended up with a wonderful girlfriend who didn't hold back when called me out on being such an idiot.

I glanced over at the mirror. It was still me...blue eyes and messy blonde hair but I looked different. That person in the mirror looked ridiculously happy. The lines around his eyes and the scowl on his lip were gone, replaced with bright eyes and flushed cheeks.

Nik would call this the 'Meera Effect' and I would have to agree with him. I was happier—the happiest I've ever been in my life.

I dropped my dopey smile and narrowed my eyes at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes hardened and my lips were set in a straight line that betray my emotions.

"Get your shit together, Farewell," I said, pointing to myself.

It was strange having the morning off. My phone chimed several times as I cleaned up the house. Anya was happily working away as I took a day off and she was happy to let me know how miserable she was without me.

I hate you

No, you don't.

Agree to disagree

Also, I hope you kept your dick in your pants

FYI. Sending you some files. Look over them.

Why?

Because you're probably going insane right now without Meera to keep you company

Ass

You're the best!

The doorbell rang and the smile on my face dropped again. I placed my phone down and reached into the drawer of the dresser to pull my gun.

I check if it was loaded as I turned the safety off and walked quietly towards the door.

I opened the door by a crack, my gun aimed at the person on my doorstep.

Dr Saravana stood on my doorstep with Don Roma behind her. The head of security stood behind him, grimacing terrifyingly. He caught my eyes, nodding towards them. That's probably why I didn't get a call, Don Roma was more or less an ally of the Farewells. They had to let him in or he'd walk over them like it was nothing. Not to mention just how Dr Saravana didn't seem to care that she had entered into a den full of lions, she was no lamb...she was a tigress.

They both looked like crows with their all-black ensemble and piercing eyes that were all too familiar.

"A gun," she stated, taking off her shades. "How charming, Farewell."

"Dr Saravana." I lowered my arm. "What brings you here? Is there something going on in Queens that I don't know about?"

"It's Queens."

"Exactly." I raised my eyebrow. "You're supposed to hide away. Safe."

"You think I could stop her, Farewell?" Don Roma asked. "If you know anything about Saravana's, they're notoriously stubborn."

"I do not need to be protected, Farewell." She glared at me, Her brown eyes flashed in a warning. "I'm here as Meera's mother. You have no idea just how powerful the people perusing her are. Or do you think your last name can protect her?"

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms over my chest. "It's because my name is Farewell that I'm competent. And I do know—Meera told me."

"Everything?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Anya had the file."

"Ivan Farewell," she said my name solemnly. "You will protect my daughter. You must promise me that she will be unharmed."

"You know, most people would come inside before saying something cryptic." I pushed the door open. "Do you want to try again?"

Don Roma popped his head from behind her, eyes twinkling mischievously. "That depends, Farewell. Do you have coffee?"

"Only the finest as casa de la Farewell," I said sarcastically as I could. "Cmon on in, folks. Not like I can stop you anyway."

Meera would probably be disappointed that I was willing to snark at her godfather but he started this well before we got together. Meera's mother, on the other hand, I think I could win her over.

It was strange how similar they looked but their personalities were completely different. I once thought Meera was like the see but now I realise Meera was more like the sky with clouds, gentle but able to turn into a storm under the right conditions. Dr Saravana—Sonica—was the sea; hidden, tumultuous, and hid many secrets. I only trusted her because Meera did.

"Nice house," Don Roma said, taking off his jacket. "Did it belong to your father?"

"I bought this house for myself," I said, heading into the kitchen to grab a pot of coffee and some mugs. "My family's house is upstate."

"I guess that's easier to escape the madness."

I scoffed. "You'd think so, Roma."

I had lived in this house for five years. It was from the gilded age, built when the industry was booming and politicians were ridiculously corrupt. Kinda ironic now that I think about it. I had bought it when I was in college, needing my own space away from the expectations of my father and the worried eyes of my mom. It was my refuge in the city and when my father died, it became my permanent residence.

Over the past year...it felt like a stifling prison. I had guards posted outside my door

Meera had only been here for a day or two but it felt more like a home than it had in years. Her things were scattered around my kitchen and living room as if she had been living here. Her laptop was on the coffee table, a blue coat hanging from the coat rack, and the smell of incense permeated my senses. All the traces she left behind made this place more lived in.

Don Roma, Dr Saravana, and I sat in the living room as we silently sipped. Well, at least Don Roma and I did. Dr Saravana was quietly observing my house, her eyes looking for something I couldn't see. I felt unsettled the longer the silence went on, wondering if I should say something. I knew Dr Saravana was more than just chilly towards me, she was cold as ice and sharp as a knife. I could see parts of Meera in her from the way she held herself to the way she fiddled with her necklace.

"Do you love her, Farewell?" She asked, returning her gaze to me. I sat up a bit straighter.

I didn't hesitate. "Yes."

"Good." For the first time she smiled at me but it was such a thin smile that it felt like it was painted on. "You're a smart man."

"I'd hope so." I snort out. "Meera wouldn't choose someone who's an idiot."

"Meera is a smart girl."

"Dr Saravana, you don't have to praise your daughter in front of me. I know her."

The smile on her lips resembled a blade as the corners rose into a smirk. "Do you, Farewell?"

Don Roma placed his hand on her shoulder. "Sonica."

"Has Meera told you what happened?"

I shook my head. "She did. I know what the man tried to do to her."

"He did more than that and so did his horrible brother. Her father...no, that poor excuse of a man was so much worse." She put down the mug and pulled off her glove. Dr Saravana raised the back of her hand, showing me a jagged pale scar in the centre. "My Ex husband put a knife through my hand when I told him I was leaving him. My divorce papers had ink and blood on them. He's one of the biggest criminals in Asia, if he wants something he'll have it. Drugs, money, and even people. It doesn't matter. My Meera was a victim of his schemes and he used me to control her—I'll never forgive him for that."

"Why are you telling me this?" I ask.

"Because you need to understand. This goes beyond my daughter."

Don Roma glanced between us. "What she's trying to say is that your enemies have joined with our enemies. Matter I've heard from my men that the Singhania's are almost here with Jay Ottavia."

"I know. I have intel too. Arlo is here too." I glanced at my new phone on the coffee table. "He likes to make himself known."

"Afraid so, Farewell."  He shrugged. "What will you do about Jay and Arlo?"

"We need to know what they're planning before we make any moves. Right now, we're on defence. We have to find a way to get offensive. If you're here then that means that you're going to help me. Meera is too important, you can't watch from the sidelines."

"You're right. I can't. I should've kept her in L.A. instead of blindly trusting her."

Dr Saravana sighed through her nose, putting down her cup of coffee. "My daughter has always been like that. Keeping things to herself when she shouldn't be." She looked at me again. "We'll help. The more time we have to prepare...the better."

"I'm going to make Jay Ottavia wish he never touched Meera."

she smirked. "You and me both, Farewell."

"Anything else?" I asked.

"If I have anything else to say, I'll let you know," Sonica said.

"And where will you go?" I ask. "This is my city and you're under my protection. Take some of my guards with you."

She grinned but it wasn't friendly. "My brother was a hit man and my father was a gangster in London. Do you think I didn't share some of those skills?"

"Of course not. You're a Saravana, after all."

"Hmm...maybe you're not as callow as I thought you were, Farewell. Very well, I'll grant you this one favour." She reached into her coat pocket and placed a letter on the table. "I found this is Meera's belongings when I was packing her things. There were three. One for you, another for me....and the last one for him. I read mine, it's time to read yours."

"Why?"

"You might understand Meera better once you have."

I couldn't say anything to that. Dr Saravana nodded her head and placed the mug down on the coffee table before leaving. Now I was beginning to see where Meera got her stubbornness from.

Don Roma cleared his throat, grinning widely as he watched her go. The look in his eyes was familiar. "Now that is a woman who gets things done."

The disgust on my face must've been evident because he started to laugh. I get up, glaring at him. "I don't want to know the details. None."

"Keep quiet about it, Mr Farewell. Meera has enough on her plate. The last thing she wants to hear is about our relationship."

"You and I both know that I won't utter a word about it."

Don Roma placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing hard. I knew what he was trying to do but I ignored it. There were very few things that rattled me.

"Take care of each other, Ivan."

"We will," I promised. "Where will the both of you go."

He grinned. "Hunting."

"What a coincidence, so am I."

He slid on his sunglasses. "May the best man win."

I picked up the letter that had been written to me. Dr Joy was her therapist, sometimes I would pick Meera up from her office. I never knew about the letters but why would I? Meera never told me.

I didn't know if I should break the seal or not.  What if Meera got upset because I read the letter?

What if I couldn't take what was inside? Would it destroy me? Would it destroy us?

I grabbed the letter opened and broke the seal, taking a leap of faith that felt like I was jumping off a cliff instead. The letter was a single page, folded three times and I could smell the scent of her perfume on the paper. I said down and took a deep breath before unfolding the letter.