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“He came back for you.”
I stare at him, stunned, unable to believe my ears.
“Don’t look so surprised. I’ve seen for myself that there is something between the two of you. Just take things slow. There is no need to rush things.”
I throw my arms around him and he holds me in a tight embrace.
“Thank you …” I start to sayuncle, as it’s what I’ve known him as my whole life, but I pause and pull back to look at him. “Father.”
He smiles. “You can call me that when we’re like this, but never around anyone else. For the time being, I still want this kept between us. It’s safer that way.”
I nod my understanding. It’s all so much to take in, and I have Marco downstairs.
I pause. “Why are you letting me see him?” I ask.
He sighs as if he is resigned to the fact. “Marco was the one who called me about Vladimir and his betrayal. I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it. I saw how he wanted to protect you even further and go after those who hurt you. That says a lot about a man's character. And as for Vlad, let’s just say he won’t be bothering you again.”
“I don’t know what to say, Otetz.”
He touches my cheek with his hand. “You don’t have to say anything. Now, come. Do you want to keep Medici waiting?”
* * *
I round the banister of the grand staircase when my father lets me go and tells me he has to make some calls in his office. I’m still so shocked by his confession and everything that just happened in the space of five minutes, my head may actually spin off at any moment.
To know he is my father and that I am loved and have been loved my entire life blooms in my chest, it makes me feel as though my life has actually meant something.
I could never work out why Yuri would never give me a chance or show me any affection at all. Now I have my answers. He resented me.
I take a few steps down when I see Marco at the bottom of the stairs. It’s surreal and almost like I’m dreaming to see him standing there.
I race down them, as tears well up in my eyes again, and slam into his chest as he grabs me with strong arms, pulling me into his embrace.
“Marco!” I cry in between sobs of happiness and surprise.
“My beautiful Katiya.” He breathes into my hair. “I’ve missed you,princess.”
“I missed you too.” I look up to his face, and he reaches down to kiss me.
I notice we’ve been left entirely alone, with no sign of Huey, Duey, or anyone else breathing down our necks.
His lips are warm and inviting, and they pull me in all over again. He holds my body close to his.
“I’m sorry we left things that way,” he breathes. “I came to try and reason with Aleksi …”
“I know. They told me you came to the gates.”
“They wouldn’t let me in. Then I had to go deal with Vlad.”
“What the hell happened?” I still can’t believe it.
He pulls back to look at me. “We will talk over dinner. Do you think Aleksi will let you out to have dinner with me?”
I hope that’s code for skipping dinner and making dirty love with him instead. I very much doubt that he, Aleksi, or anyone else is going to disclose the real deal about what happened with Vlad. I won’t be too surprised if I never see his face again.
I bite my lip. “I think it’s a probability.”
He grins and holds my face between his hands. “You’ve never looked more beautiful,princess.”
