When the vehicles slowed to a stop, I shifted my attention to Grigor, another soldier that had been put in charge of Golden. At least she hadn’t bitten his hand off. Small wins.
“Take care of our pup,” Kazimir told him. “With your life.”
“Don’t worry, sir. I have biscuits in my pocket.” Grigor pulled one out and Golden was all about jumping in his lap. “And this little fluff ball adores me.”
I chuckled in seeing the way her tail swished back and forth. She was expanding her horizons.
Seconds later, Kazimir pulled me into the sunshine, although I couldn’t help but think today would be perfect day for a raging thunderstorm.
He pressed his hand against the small of my back and I was able to take a deep breath. The property was surrounded, the soldiers already moving to disarm those employed by my godfather.
While I had a small part in what was about to happen, I’d insisted on being the one to start the party with my presence. From there, I’d allow the professionals to do their jobs.
Just as we walked inside, a single shot was fired from a soldier behind us, shouts ensuing, and I was reminded this life was dangerous.
Once again.
More shots were fired. Soldiers were running. Sounds that would forever imbed in my mind as the noise of a regime being overthrown.
But this time, I didn’t fear the outcome. I relished the thought of finally beginning a new chapter on my terms.
So we headed to the suite, completely protected by the soldiers.
Once we were in the hallway leading to the room, Kirill moved ahead, leaving Kazimir and me alone for a few seconds. He pushed me against the wall, planting one hand next to my head. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“You do know I care about you.”
“How much?” I couldn’t help but tease him. Even running my finger around his mouth. When he snapped his lips around it, I laughed from nerves and the lust that he could entice from my body.
He sucked on my finger for ten seconds before pulling it free. “Enough that if you don’t obey me, I will punish you.”
“Promises, promises.”
On my tiptoes, I pressed my lips against his. Maybe the guilt was still eating me alive, but I was so nervous I could barely think straight.
But I was intent on saying my piece. My father had made his bed. I couldn’t care less what happened to him.
I didn’t bother knocking on the door, surprising the guards who were inside.
“Rafaela.” My father noticed me right away, looking over my shoulder. “What are you doing here?” He was nervous.
That made me very happy.
“You know why I’m here, Papa. You wanted me here so you could marry me off. I simply arrived in a different way than you expected. I have a little news for you. I am going to be married, but not to the one you thought. To the man I love. You see, there’s something very special about finding the right person in your life and you will do everything in your power to hold onto that person. You did your best to take him away from me, Daddy. But you failed.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my godfather who was sitting in a chair. Watching me.
Uncertain what to do.
I offered him the respect he thought he deserved, but instead of bowing to him like a king, I pulled out my favorite weapon.
“Rafaela!” my father yelled.
“And you. You played a family’s weakness for money and power. Well, you tried and you failed. Both of you. You’re no longer going to force me into doing anything I don’t want.” I laughed saying the words.
“What are you talking about?” my father asked, immediately ready to reach for his gun. When he motioned for his mento come to his protection, I laughed. “You’re my daughter. My family. Why would I force you?”
