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“I understand. It must be a huge shock for you all.”
I say sadly. “When my own father died, I had a very different reaction to yours and I wonder what that makes me.”
He tilts my face to his and stares into my eyes, causing me to falter slightly and then I say with a shrug, “I was happy he died. You must think I’m a monster.”
His thumb rubs against my lips and his eyes are almost hypnotizing me as they draw me in and hold me hostage.
“Your father was not a good man, it’s obvious.” He says with a deep growl.
“He didn’t deserve to live if he ordered a hit on his own children. He was a monster.”
“You got that right.” My eyes fill with tears, and I hate how weak he makes me. Most of the time, I hide away from emotion for a very good reason. I don’t let it in, knowing it will destroy me.
Alexei sighs. “You should call your family and tell them you are safe.”
“You’re probably right.”
He takes my hand and as we walk through the magnificent house, I hate that I picture us living here together. When did I start thinking of him this way? He is meant to be a passing fancy. An experience that will be my own personal secret and a delicious memory to look back on when shit happens. Now I’m planning a fucking future with him in this house. I am delirious so I harden my heart and say with a sigh.
“You’re right. I’ll call my brother, Killian. He is probably going out of his mind by now.”
We reach a comfortable sitting room and as I take a seat by the window, Alexei says, “Would you like me to go?”
“No. You’re good.” I smile because it is good with him by my side. It doesn’t make me feel so lonely, and I smile as he sits on the couch and pulls out his own phone.
I take a deep breath and prepare myself for my brother because, unlike my grandfather, he doesn’t choose his words carefully.
“Serena.”
His low growl causes my heart to beat a little faster and I say as calmly as I can.
“Killian. There’s been a change of plan.”
“Where are you?”
He doesn’t waste time with pleasantries, and I detect an unusual sense of urgency in his voice.
“Russia.”
I exhale sharply. “Don’t ask me to explain. We don’t have time for that, but I just want to reassure you that I’m safe and will resume my journey as soon as possible.”
“Serena.”His voice is low and crawls through my blood like a deadly virus. There is a warning hidden behind my name, and my skin prickles with alarm.
“You should know there is a hit on you.”
I almost drop the phone but say half laughing, “Isn’t there always?” I try to make light of it, but inside I am breaking apart.
“We learned of it before you took your trip. It was decided you were better off not knowing and would conduct your visit in ignorance, giving us time to deal with it.”
“But they followed me. Is that what you’re saying, Kill?”
I am so angry because once again they are cutting me out of the loop because they don’t believe I’m capable of looking after myself.
“We don’t know, but the fact there was a paid assassin on your flight, swapped at the last minute, makes that a distinct possibility.”
“So, what are you saying, Kill?”
I steady my voice, fearing the worst and he says in a low voice that takes no shit,“Stay there. I will send Shade and the company jet to bring you home.”
