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“You need to go on your damn honeymoon. Fuck. I think you deserve a break after everything you’ve done these last few weeks.” Ruslan might think I want a break, but I’m finally being seen for what I am, for the worth I have. My father never let me do anything. I was only a bargaining chip to him, whereas my brother lets me handle things in the family business.
“Ruslan, I have plenty of time for a honeymoon. Is there anything I can handle in the meantime? Any deals? Anything?” I need something to keep me busy.
“No, I can handle my workload. I know you’ve been working on locating Kirill’s daughter. Do you have any updates on where she could be located?” Kirill worked for my family and went against us, and he stated that he betrayed us because my father had his daughter somewhere. I understand that a father will do almost anything to protect their child, but I’ve been unable to locate the daughter thus far.
“I’m still working on it,” I explain. I wish there were better updates, but I don’t have any. I know I’m going to find something at some point, and what better timing than right now? It would take so much off my plate.
I have to hold out hope that I can find her. In fact, I think I’ll speak to Goran about it when we get back to the hotel. He might have news for me, or maybe he’ll be able to find something out.
Chapter Nineteen
Santos
I don’t think my anger has ceased since the assassination attempt on Eset. I’ve tried to keep everything at bay, but I’m growing quite attached to the woman. I wouldn’t say I love her by any means, but I see that it could be very possible for me to fall in love with her. With the way we connected last night, I think Eset sees there’s a good possibility we’re going to be a good match. I think she might even see that we complement each other well. If she doesn’t, I don’t know how because we’re pretty awesome in my eyes.
“Holy fuck,” Eset says as we get into the car I’ve rented while here in London.
“Holy fuck sounds about right,” I comment, and she turns to look at me, cocking a brow in the process. “Is there always this much shit going on with your family?”
Eset laughs at that. “Since we took power back from my father, yes. There are many people who are allies to the Umarovas, but my father manipulated so many. I think those original people misinterpreted my father’s so-called power versus who should’ve had it in the first place.”
“They were used to one person ruling for so long that they forgot he shouldn’t have had it.”
“Exactly. That’s exactly my point. My father ruled out of fear and intimidation tactics. I think that’s why there’s this so-called army coming after my brothers and me.”
“It’s sad, isn’t it? How people would rather support someone chaotic at the top of the pyramid versus one who rules with more peace.” It makes me think about the situation going on with my Great-Uncle Alejandro and my father.
“I think it is, yeah. Regardless, we’ll handle the situation like always.”
“I’m certain of it. Now, who is this Kirill?” I hadn’t heard anything about this man before Ruslan mentioned him.
“Kirill worked for my family for a long time. He did what Goran, Danill, and Ludvik do. He offered security, protected us from threats, and looked out for our general well-being. Long story short, he betrayed my family. He went against us, and he paid with his life. Before we took his life, he told us that someone had his daughter, and I promised him I’d find her. I haven’t found the child yet, but I do have feelers out there looking for her. I’m waiting for some sort of news, but from what Ruslan said earlier, I think it’s time I check in with my contacts and see if anyone has found anything.”
“That would be good. Mind if I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Why did you promise you’d find her?” These are the moments where I really begin to understand more about Eset and what makes her tick. It’s where I see her character and her incredible heart.
She sighs heavily and leans back in her seat. “Looking back, I saw the desperation in his eyes. It was at that time I knew he wasn’t lying. He was terrified for his daughter, and I knew that he knew when he drew his last breath, she would be forgotten. I didn’t want to be the person who knew about her and didn’t try to find her. I wanted to make a difference.”
“You’re speaking in the past tense. You can still make a difference in her life, Eset. You just need to find her first. Do you have any plans for what you’re going to do once you find her? Do you know her name?”
“Her name is Meryem, and I never thought of it like that. I think maybe I’m just losing a little bit of hope since it’s been so long. I feel like I should’ve gotten some sort of lead.”
“Don’t lose hope. Sometimes that’s the only thing we have left.”
“Look at you being all philosophical and shit.” Eset laughs.
I shrug. “From time to time, I do like to seem heartfelt and like I might have a conscience.”
“Oh, shut up, you have a conscience.” Eset giggles and shoves my arm.
“Okay, fine, maybe I do.” There’s a brief moment where all Eset and I are doing is staring at one another. “I really enjoyed the way we connected last night.”
“I did, too, and you made me feel really comfortable with it. Um, if I’m being honest, I don’t think I ever thought we’d have any sort of sexual connection on our wedding night. I didn’t even think I’d really like you as a person, but I find myself enjoying being around you. You really proved yourself to me when that guy shot at me. It proved you’d be a great husband, and in some sense, you gave an actual crap about me.”
“I care about your well-being, and I think we’re forming some sort of friendship on some level. I’d like to hope we can form something else if you’re open to it. I think the whole premise of our relationship was an arranged marriage, but I can see myself falling for you one day, Eset, and I’m really putting my heart on the line right now by telling you that.” I’ve debated if I was ever going to say something like this to her, but I’m glad I said it. I’m glad she knows where my head is, and she doesn’t have to guess anymore.
