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His expression remains impassive, but I see the blaze of emotion in his eyes before he masks it. He walks closer and laces his fingers through mine.
“Emiliana,” he whispers, walking me to her. He takes her from Vanya’s arms and brings her into his own. “I’m your father.”
Emiliana’s eyes widen, her little mind trying to fathom what he means. She looks at me and whispers, “Mamma?”
“It’s true, little dove. He’s your father.”
She giggles and begins to laugh. “But you’re nothing like Grandpa!” she exclaims, delightedly.
Her innocent remark puts daggers through my heart, and I know Mikhail feels it too. I can only imagine what he must be thinking—his daughter, languishing in the Genovese compound under rules too harsh for a child.
“No, my love.” He kisses her again. “I’m nothing like your grandpa. You’re always safe with me.”
Emiliana nods, smiles, and yawns. For she is just a little child. “Let her come with me,” Audrey suggests, stepping forward. “Vanya and I can get her some food, and a bath and bed. We’ll watch over her tonight.”
“Thank you,” I mutter, utterly grateful to have the chance to find some time alone with Mikhail. After all this time, there’s a lot we need to talk about.
“Do you like mac and cheese?” Vanya asks, as she and Audrey lead Emiliana away.
***
My heart pounds as Mikhail and I enter his bedroom.
Mikhail closes the door behind him and walks closer to me, his hot gaze devouring every inch. When he finally speaks, his voice has a guttural rasp.
“You tried to shoot your father.”
I wet my dry lips, breathless from his nearness. “You know I had to. For Emiliana.”
“Our daughter,” he adds. Before I can react, his hands grasp my waist, pulling me hard against him. “I was so angrywhen I found out, Caterina. But now that you’re both safe, I just couldn’t care less.”
His mouth crashes down on mine, fierce and demanding. The kiss obliterates thought, setting my blood aflame. I cling to him, returning his passion with my own until we have to break apart, gasping.
“I never stopped loving you,” I whisper.
Mikhail’s expression softens. He brushes his knuckles tenderly over my cheek. “Then you will stay this time, for good. No more secrets, no more lies. As my wife, the mother of my children, in my bed. My Caterina.”
Overwhelmed, I bury my face against his chest, breathing in his scent. We have a difficult road ahead, but together, we will walk it as a family.
I lift my head to meet his searching gaze. “You must wonder why I never told you about Emiliana.”
Mikhail’s jaw tightens, though his hold on me remains gentle. “The thought has crossed my mind.”
I suck in a sharp breath, hating to cause him pain but knowing honesty is essential now. “When you left the Bratva, I had no choice but to keep her parentage secret. My father would have killed me, or so I thought. And I thought you’d want nothing to do with her, given how you left.”
“You had to make tough choices, Caterina,” Mikhail says, his tone unexpectedly fierce. “And you did the best you could. We both made mistakes, but we’re here now and it’s time we forgive each other and ourselves.”
“So, you’re not angry?”
Mikhail rakes a hand through his hair, conflict plain on his face. “You’re right, of course. I cannot fault you for shieldingour little one from harm.” He reaches for me again. “But why didn’t you tell me once we were wed?”
“I was afraid you’d be upset. Take her from me.”
“Never, Caterina,” he says fiercely, inching closer. “Even today, should you decide to leave, I’d never keep you from your daughter. What kind of man would part child and mother? I only pray we can raise our daughter together, no matter what differences come between us.”
My eyes brim with tears. “Oh, Mikhail,” I gasp. “That’s so…kind.”
“Kind?” He raises an eyebrow.
