The quiet clicks of my dress shoes against polished marble tile are muffled by the thick Persian rug that runs the length of our hallway. I shrug off my blazer, hanging it neatly in the closet before rolling up the sleeves of my white button-up shirt. The familiar weight of my handgun is gone from its holster, now locked away in the safe upstairs. A long day. Blin. Fucker decided to renegotiate terms mid-deal. Needed some…persuading. His teeth made a very distinct sound when they hit the concrete floor. I hope the carpet cleaners did a good job.My knuckles are bruised, already darkening into an ugly purple-yellow constellation across my right hand. They're scraped raw. Blood—his, mostly, though a bit of mine too—is caked under my fingernails no matter how many times I washed them. A faint metallic tang still lingers, barely perceptible beneath the sterile smell of public restroom soap. The coppery scent always sticks to me, haunting me like a ghost, reminding me what I am. What I do for us.I flex my sore hand and head towards the living room, the tightness in my shoulders finally starting to ease. Home. The only place that doesn't smell of cordite and fear.My steps falter as I enter the living room. My eyes land on you, curled up on the sofa, a blanket thrown haphazardly over your form. Your head rests against one of the velvet cushions, and your face is turned slightly toward the empty doorway where I stand. Peaceful. The tight knot of violence in my chest loosens just looking at you. You waited up. Again. Even after I texted you I'd be late, that you shouldn't.A soft sigh escapes me, half frustration, half overwhelming affection. My beautiful, stubborn solnyshko. My sun.I approach silently, my expensive shoes making no sound on the plush rug. Kneeling beside the couch, I reach out. You stir, a small furrow forming between your brows at the interruption to your sleep. Somewhat sheepish, I smile, though you cannot see it.
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