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She nodded, crossing to the back door, peering outside.
“They’re fed and watered,” he offered. “Figured a few minutes out there wouldn’t hurt.”
“That was Galina’s favorite spot. Under the crabapple.”
He joined her, handing over a mug. “They spent their days there, curled together, while I was at work.”
“All day?”
“Basically, yeah.” A small pause. “I checked your cameras.”
When she’d been pulled into the takedown, she’d walked him through not just her home security, but the comprehensive system she had in place to watch over Beau and Bella. But not the reason why.
Maybe Felicity could let that responsibility go now that her sister was back. Answer the questions burning in him. Though something told him it wouldn’t be that simple. Because nothing about the woman was simple.
She took a sip of coffee, letting out a quiet, appreciative sigh. “This is good. The swill from the last few days … I swear the acid burned my stomach lining.”
“Hmm.” He took a sip of his own. “You’re stalling, Liss.”
She huffed. “Ugh. You know me too well.”
He let that sit a moment. “But not everything.”
Her body stiffened. “No. Not everything.”
She turned away, placing her mug on the table before sinking into the chair. Ronan dragged one nearer and sat, moving closer, his knees on either side of hers.
He took hold of her hands in his. “I’m listening.”
“When I came to Clearbrook, I never expected … well, you. Galina.” She let out a rough, humorless laugh. “This place. The dogs.” She gave a small shake of her head. “My goal was simple. Repay a debt I owe my sister.” Her gaze dropped. “And leave.
“But simple’s turned complicated.” Her fingers tightened slightly in his. “The ending hasn’t changed, though.” She drew in a breath. “Soon … I won’t be here anymore.”
He’d half expected something like it. Still, the finality in her voice cut deep. Felicity meant every word.
He barely had time to react before she pulled her hands free and cupped his face. “Meeting you — being friends with you — has been the greatest honor of my life.” Her voice softened. “And as much as I’d love to spend the morning in bed with you, shut out reality and pretend for a little while … that wouldn’t be fair to you, Ronan.”
His hands came up, catching her wrists before she could pull away completely. “Help me understand why you need to leave.” He swallowed, his throat tight. “I think I deserve to know why you’re not giving us a chance.”
She nodded. “You deserve so much more. More than a broken woman.”
“You are not broken,” he said, voice rough. “Don’t talk about yourself like that.”
Her laugh was soft. “You’re viewing me through rose-colored lenses, Marine.”
He brushed his lips across her palm. First the one, then the other. “Hear me … whatever your backstory is, it helped shape the woman you are today. And that woman … she’s extraordinary. Fierce when it matters, loyal to a fault. Fearless when she needs to be — and protective of everyone she lets close.”
“I am none of that. I’m abrasive. Rude. Difficult on a good day.”
She tried to pull her hands free, but he held on, lowering their hands to rest between them.
“That’s your armor,” he said quietly. “It keeps people at a distance. But if one takes the time to look past that to what’s underneath? That’s the part that matters. And yeah — there’s beauty there.”
She shook her head, managing a faint smile. “You’re crazy, but … whatever.”
He didn’t reply. Didn’t move. Just held on, solid, unyielding, giving her the space to find the words. Whatever she believed about herself ran deep. He could see that. “Tell me who you are, Felicity.”
She drew her shoulders back and met his gaze. “I was born Katerina Liminov, granddaughter of Sergei — Pakhan of the Liminov crime syndicate.”
