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Not that I can help it, but if I’ve committed some faux pas…
“You’re good,” Shock assures, then glares Bram’s way. “I’m finished socializing. I came to crush Anarki, not fucking make friends.”
After yanking free, Shock stalks to the other side of the room and props up the wall with his sizable back. Even behind those sunglasses, his watchful stare nearly burns a hole in me.
“Well, that went swimmingly.” No one can possibly miss Duke’s sarcasm.
“Indeed.” Bram sighs. “Let’s move on.”
“It was nice to meet you,” I toss back to Duke as Bram leads me even deeper into the room.
“Enough.” Marrok wraps his arm around me and leans toward Bram. “I came about the symbol. Tell me what you know.”
“First, there’s one more person Olivia should meet. Very important. Come with me.” Bram extracts me from Marrok’s protective embrace, places my hand on the crook of his elbow, and glances down at me with a sharp smile.
What is he up to?
I’m not at all unhappy when Marrok takes me by the shoulders and inserts himself between Bram and me.
“Final warning. Never touch Olivia again, or I will dismember every protruding part of your body with my bare hands.”
Marrok’s threat is bloodthirsty and over the top, but he makes me feel safe.
I should pump the brakes on my attachment…but how am I supposed to ignore the fact he makes me feel special? That when I’m with him, I never feel like less than the center of his world.
“I have no intention of stealing her. I merely intended to steady her. She may need it.” Suddenly, Bram stops before a door and turns to me with a dramatic pause. “You’ve been looking for someone…”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bram opens the door to a sitting room—and a tall, dark stranger with gray dusting his temples turns to face me.
Except he isn’t a total stranger. His face resembles the painting of the man in Regency clothes, though he’s now wearing a sleek, modern suit with a tie that matches the unusual eyes we share. Looking at him is like looking at a masculine version of me in thirty years.
My heart stops. “Richard Gray?”
He sends me a smile of regret. “I suppose it’s too soon for Dad.”
Oh. My. God. “It’s really you?”
At his nod, elation bubbles inside me. Finally, the father I’ve been waiting a lifetime to meet is here.
I try not to tear up, but everything turns blurry. I desperately want to hug him. After my mother’s repeated rebuffs, I don’t. His rejection would crush me.
When I was a kid, every time I pictured our first meeting, he was so excited to see me. Full of affection. Now that we’re standing face-to-face, it’s awkward. I have no idea what he’s thinking or how he feels.
“I’m happy to meet you.” I hold out my hand.
Richard shakes his head and pulls me close. Joy explodes in every corner of my heart when he wraps his arms around me. This is my father. After twenty-three years, I’m finally hugging my dad! And now I’m crying.
“How did you find him?” Marrok demands of Bram.
Why does he sound angry? This is a happy occasion.
“After I first met Olivia, I put out the word that I sought Richard on her behalf. I heard nothing until tonight. He dropped in an hour ago.”
“You might have warned us,” Marrok growls.
Why would I need warning against my father?
