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“My baby. My beautiful baby,” he whispered. “I thought I’d lost you. That can’t happen.”
“You’re not going to lose me.”
Unless the world pulled us apart.
Seconds later I felt the warmth of Kiki’s tail gently slapping against my leg. My little heroine. As I reached down, I noticed Aziza sitting on her haunches only a few feet away, her eyes pinned on mine.
“Thank you,” I whispered, hopeful she could understand.
Aziza pawed the ground then headed toward the fence, easily jumping over.
As I pulled away, the most shocking aspect of everything we’d been through occurred at that moment.
There were tears in Kostya’s eyes.
CHAPTER19
Kostya
Four days later
Time.
I wasn’t certain it was my friend any longer. As I stared out the window of my office, I realized how much time I’d wasted over the years attempting to shove aside the agonizing sorrow of being abandoned. While the truth had finally been revealed, the reasons for being left to fend for myself something I’d been able to accept, that didn’t ease the realization of how difficult life inside a crime syndicate could be.
The trickle-down effect from the end of Volkov’s brutal reign had altered the lives of thousands of people, most rejoicing in his ultimate death. To think Aziza had been the reason was both comforting as well as disturbing. I should have been the one to protect Emily, not a beautiful creature who’d fought to save her life instinctively.
Still, I was grateful for the outcome. Did the man’s death allow me to breathe easier? Yes. Would it last? Oh, hell, no. I chuckled at the thought.
“Is she leaving?” Diego asked, his usual pointed question always initiating a terse conversation.
“It’s up to her.”
“Did you ask her?”
“I’m giving her time. Her mother is doing very well with the trial procedure.”
“You need to determine what the hell is going on so you know what the future will bring. You have a business to run,” Diego quipped.
“I have several businesses.” None of which included becoming head of the Volkov Empire. I’d made that clear to Dimitri’s attorney and various lieutenants the man had employed. As far as my brother, I’d spoken with him once on the phone, assuring him that his inheritance would remain intact. He would be groomed to accept his rightful place by men who would ensure he was just as powerful and dangerous as his father.
So be it.
I couldn’t care less.
“Then make a choice. That’s my final piece of advice to you. I’m taking the day off. I suggest you do the same.”
As he’d done before so many times, he walked out of my office after making the statement, determined to push me in the direction he desired.
I watched him leave then noticed my lovely flower on the patio. Unable to resist, I moved to the door, heading outside.
Emily sensed my presence immediately, her body stiffening until I touched her. Then she melted against me, trembling.
“Take me to the cliffs.”
“Why?” I asked as I rubbed her arms, the electricity we shared soothing.
“Because I asked you to.”
