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“Aurora and I snuck out to go to a nightclub. The place was bombed, and we got hurt.” I let out a disgruntled sigh. “Honestly, I think my father was more upset I disobeyed him than the fact that I got hurt.”
Saying it out loud makes me realize how alone I’ve been for the majority of my life. If it weren’t for Aurora, I don’t know how I would’ve survived.
There’s a dark frown on Nikolai’s face. “Your father was responsible for the bombing. He was targeting Misha and his friends.”
What?
Shock shudders through me, my mind racing to process the information.
Nikolai’s expression softens. “You didn’t know.”
I shake my head. “No.”
Surely it should hurt more than it does, finding out that my own father almost killed me?
But I’m not that surprised. I always knew he’d sacrifice me in a heartbeat for his own gain.
“I’m sorry,moya lyubov'.” There’s compassion softening his eyes. “I can’t imagine what it must be like for you not to be able to depend on your parents.”
I shrug it off as if it’s nothing, something I’m used to doing all my life. “It is what it is.” I force a smile to my face. “Well, there you have it. My life in a nutshell.”
Clearly unhappy with it, Nikolai argues, “That can’t be your entire life.”
I shrug again. “Sadly, it is. My parents weren’t involved in my upbringing, that’s why I’m so close with Aurora.”
“What are your plans after you’re done with your training?”
I let out a sigh as I stare at the scenic nature at the side of the cabin. “My father wants me to take over the business.” A bitter chuckle escapes me. “There’s probably an arranged marriage waiting for me.”
When I turn my eyes back to Nikolai, it’s to see pure rage on his face. “Over my dead body, will you marry another man.”
Yeah, I didn’t think this through. My father will kill me if he finds out about Nikolai and me.
Then again, do I really care what my father thinks?
“You know how our world works, Nikolai. I don’t get to choose my husband.”
“You have a choice,” he mutters, barely controlling the sharp tone of his voice.
“What choice?”
“You have me.” Nikolai takes the steaks off the grill, then comes to crouch next to me. “You don’t have to do a single thing your father demands of you.”
Do I have the strength to tell my father to go to hell?
I’ve always obeyed his rules for the sake of peace.
“You have time. Don’t decide now,” Nikolai says. “When you’re done at St. Monarch’s, you can live with me.”
A lot can happen in three and a half years.
Wanting to put this conversation to bed, I nod. “I’ll think about it.” Rising to my feet, I pick up the plate of steaks. “I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
Thankfully, Nikolai doesn’t push the subject, and as we walk back into the cabin, I wonder about my future.
What if I say to hell with it all and take Nikolai up on his offer?
Chapter 31
