Page 89 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“From this moment until I say otherwise, you will have no contact with Atlas. I will have guards stationed at the stable to ensure you do not step one foot onto the property. Until you learn to behave like a woman who understands her position, you will be treated as your behavior dictates.”

The finality in his tone burned. I stepped back as if he had struck me. Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

“Then we’re done. You claim to love me, but it’s obvious you only love what I can do for you and your bank account. That’s not love. And that means I no longer have a father.”

He sucked in a deep breath, but I didn’t wait to hear whatever threat came as I marched for the door.

If I stayed another second, I would either beg or break something. I refused to do either.

“I hope you’re happy with yourself, Dimitri. For someone who claims all he wants is his family to be united, you seem determined to destroy what’s left. Maybe you should try looking in a mirror for the reason,” Mom said, following me out.

The only thing I needed right now was a room where I could cry unseen. After that, it was time to make a plan. I had to find a way to get my horse back and keep Goran in my life. There was no real choice. I needed both, or my heart would never be whole.

GORAN

Kaylani marched out of the office with as much flair as she had going in. The door slammed against the wall, shaking the pictures. Fury and pain laced her features. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her chin remained high.

“I hope you’re happy with yourself, Dimitri. For someone who claims all he wants is his family to be united, you seem determined to destroy what’s left. Maybe you should try looking in a mirror for the reason,” Helena said, and followed Kaylani out.

Dimitri didn’t respond, and I turned to go after Kaylani.

“Goran,” Dimitri barked, stopping me in my tracks.

I stepped into the doorway, and he waved me inside.

Shit.

“Close the door,” he ordered.

I did as he asked, and just like that, it was the two of us.

He crossed the office and stared out the window for a long time, long enough that I started looking around for a trap.

“My daughter feels safe with you, and you’ve been loyal to Nathaniel for a very long time,” he said, finally turning to face me.

“That is correct,” I said, keeping my tone casual.

“You are privy to more information than I am as her father. So, tell me honestly. Do you know who she is seeing?”

The question came out smoothly, but his eyes searched my face. It felt like a trap. I kept my expression neutral, refusing to give anything away.

“I don’t believe she’s seeing anyone seriously.”

He smiled faintly.

“You are either a fool or a liar. Neither is appealing.”

I didn’t react.

“She wouldn’t be this defiant without her heart and hormones pointing her toward someone else. And since she has not told me who it is, it can only mean I will not approve of this man.”

“Kaylani has always valued her independence, sir. She doesn’t like having decisions made for her. She may simply be unwilling to sacrifice her beliefs.”

“Independence. Spare me. She is a Mikhailov princess and has known what her role in this family will be since she was eight years old,” he replied smoothly. “No. There is a change in my daughter. Her defiance feels encouraged.”

He sipped his drink as he stalked toward me, stopping close enough that I could see the calculating look in his cold, calculating eyes.

“Get closer to my daughter. I want her to trust you with her deepest secrets. Follow her and find him.”