Page 187 of Barinov

There’s scramble on the other end of the line. Static. Knox and Nate’s voices tangling with his.

“Bella?” his deep voice rings through the phone.

Her entire body jerks. The poor thing almost hyperventilates when she hears the sound of her father’s voice.

“Dad?!” she gasps. “You’re okay?”

“I’m alright,” Roman says, his voice trying to stay steady for her. “Sabine took good care of me. No need to worry.” He clears his throat. “But I’m not here to talk about me. I’m here to talk about you.”

“About me?” she asks.

“Yes,” he confirms. “About the strongest and most magnificent daughter a man could ever ask for.”

She lets out a small, broken scoff. “I’m not—”

“You are,” he cuts in. “What did Irina tell you about me that first time?”

She nods slowly. “She said you were a monster.” Her voice quiets. “And that my mother was scared of you.”

“And you weren’t afraid?” he asks.

She hesitates. “A little.”

A quiet huff of amusement comes through the line. “And even though you were a little afraid, what was the first thing you did when you saw the big, scary Italian monster she warned you about?”

Her lips twitch despite everything. “I pulled my gun on you.”

“Right in my face,” he laughs. “Didn’t even back down for a second.”

“That’s not the same.”

“Maybe not,” he agrees. “But that strength is still there. The same strength that got you through Miami.” He swallows. “And your father’s death.”

Bella sucks in a deep, rattling breath.

I reach over and take her hand in mine.

“That fucker took you from me. Twice now,” Roman continues, his voice dropping into something darker. “He killed your father and God knows how many others along the way just to get you in that house.”

Silence.

“Are you going to let him get away with it?” he presses. “Or are you going to stand up and fight like the Russo I know you are?”

She’s quiet for a moment, glossy eyes staring at me as she squeezes my hand. “I’m gonna fight.”

I nod.

“Good,” Roman says. “And I’ll be right here. The whole time.”

“What?” she asks.

“I’m not leaving this street until Luca is dead and you’re back in my arms.”

Her breath hitches. “R-really?”

“You’re my daughter. The best thing that ever happened to me, and…” He pauses. “I should’ve been there to protect you.”

She wipes at her face with the back of her hand, careful not to drop the phone. “It’s okay.”