Page 41 of Unholy Tsar

“Does that matter right now?” The exasperation is clear on his face. “One of my men will give you the details tomorrow. Anything else?”

“Um—no, that’s all.” I tuck my tongue into my cheek and finally find the courage to look at him. Our eyes meet and hold. “Why—” I stop myself before I can ask him what’s changed.

I shouldn’t care. I can’t care.

But I do.

He seems to understand the unspoken question, his eyes darkening with understanding. My cheeks heat up with embarrassment. “Anyway, good night,” I murmur and quickly get out of his car.

My plan is to rush into the house, but my feet stall when I reach the front door. It’s like some invisible force tugs at me, urging me to steal one last glance back at him. And of course, I give in. With a hesitant turn, I look over my shoulder. He’s still watching me. Oh, no. My heart thuds, and I give him a quick wave before finally opening the door.

Once inside, I lean against the door, feeling weak and foolish. Why did I wave? Shit. I should’ve just come in without looking back. And what was that understanding on his face? Did he know I wanted him by my side? No, right?

“Miss Lombardi?”

I jolt at the sudden voice and turn to my left to see Marie, the chef, lingering near the doorway. As usual, her black hair is pulled into a tight bun, and her hazel eyes are fixed on me with curiosity.

I clear my throat and push away from the door. “Oh, hi. You startled me.”

“That wasn’t my intention, ma’am. Are you okay? I heard what happened yesterday.” Her eyes flick to my bandaged hand. As if in reflex, it throbs with pain.

“Yes, I’m fine now. Thank you.” I offer her a small smile, which she doesn’t return.

“The men from your new security team are waiting in the living room. Would you like to meet them now or later?”

My heart squeezes. I can’t help but wonder what Roy’s going through right now.

At this moment, they’re probably wishing for the mercy of death.

I push Maksim’s words out of my head and give Marie a nod. “Might as well get it over with.”

I follow Marie, and sure enough, when we enter the large living room, there are about a dozen men loitering around. I scan their faces, semi-hopeful that I’ll recognize some of them, but none of their faces stand out. Maksim really did get rid of everyone. I swallow my disappointment.

The second the men see us, they stiffen, and like a well-rehearsed symphony, they shoot to their feet and turn to face me with a swift bow. I force myself to smile. “Hello everyone, I’m Cecilia.”

One man separates himself from the group. “We know who you are, ma’am. I’m Mykel, your new head of security.”

I take him in. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s somewhere in his late thirties. He has a military-style buzz cut, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a slightly bent, aristocratic nose. The exact opposite of Roy. He gives me a kind smile as I walk forward to shake his hand.

“I see. Nice to meet you, Mykel. I hope we get along well.” After we exchange pleasantries, he gestures to his men, and they come forward one after another to introduce themselves.

This is already so different from my interaction with my old security detail. I never knew any of their names except for Roy’s. Why are they acting like this? Is it Mykel’s doing or Maksim’s?

Shit. It doesn’t really matter. My heart aches with guilt as I think about my old crew again. Wherever they are, they’re probably suffering because of me, and I don’t even know their names. The weight of that knowledge presses down on me as everyone sits back down. Before we can continue, I excuse myself.

I retreat to my room, exhaustion suddenly flooding over me like a tidal wave. Collapsing onto my bed, my mind races through the events of the past two days. Did my ex really send those men after me? There’s no other explanation. Why else would anyone bother trying to kidnap someone as useless as me?

Ugh, when will this ever stop?

That bastard was the one who left me, so why can’t he just stay gone? I know it’s pointless trying to understand his twisted mind—I’ve tried and failed countless times before—but I can’t help but wonder what his end game is. What happens if he manages to get me back into his greedy clutches?

It’s hard to say, but one thing’s for sure: If that happens, I won’t be the only one suffering for it. My new security guards will also feel Maksim’s wrath. Would they face the same fate as Roy and his men, or something even worse?

I wouldn’t be around to convince Maksim to spare them, not that I think I could again. He wouldn’t listen to me anymore. Things have changed between us. Again.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips as my thoughts drift to Maksim. It’s ridiculous how much I miss him. What the hell is wrong with me? I can’t let myself fall for anyone, especially not him. I know how that story ends; I’ve lived it before—heartbreak.

My left hand trembles as I lift it to study my fingers. The once vibrant wedding band is now just a faded reminder of a love that is long gone, and the ring itself is nothing but a distant memory.