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This life Philippe leads is fraught with constant threats. But as I meet his eyes from across the table, I know that I am willing to stand at his side regardless of the danger. For in this moment, I feel that I have passed some silent test - both of my talents and my mettle. Whatever the future holds, I am ready.
After the tense phone call, dinner continues without further interruption. I indulge in the exquisiteTiramisùdessert and catch Philippe watching me just as I am about to take another bite. He blushes slightly, and the young, burly man next to me suppresses a smirk.
As the festivities wind down, Don Accardo invites me to the lounge for private after-dinner drinks.
"My dear, your voice is exquisite. When you sang earlier, it reminded me so much of my late wife; God rest her soul. She, too, was a wonderful singer."
He goes on to share the story of how they met at a village fair when they were just teenagers. She was performing with a local band, and he was immediately captivated by her sultry, soulful voice. They courted in secret for years before he finally convinced her family to allow them to marry.
"We had fifteen beautiful years together before her passing. Your voice brings me back to those happy times." He pats my hand in a fatherly way.
I'm touched that he has opened up and shared such an intimate story with me. It draws me closer to the warmth of their family. I sense Philippe relaxing as well as if his father's approval has lifted a weight from his shoulders.
As our evening concludes, just before Philippe walks me to my waiting car, his father embraces me and whispers in my ear, "If your future includes my Philippe, you have my word that I will protect you from all the evils in our world. And if I'm not around, know that his mother and I raised him to do the same."
His solemn promise eases my lingering fears. With his blessing, I feel empowered to follow my heart, for if there's one thing I've learned tonight, it's that Don Accardo seems to be the kind of man who keeps his word.
During the quiet car ride home, I reflect on the significance of the evening. Meeting Philippe's father has deepened myunderstanding of the obligations, obstacles, difficulties, and trials facing the man I've come to care for so deeply.
When we arrive at the hotel, Philippe walks me to the lobby. Standing close beneath the dim light, an intimate energy hums between us.
"I'm glad you were able to meet my father tonight," Philippe says, his voice a low rumble. "It meant a lot to me."
"I enjoyed hearing more about your family," I reply. "Your father is an imposing man but also kind. I can see where you get your inner strength."
Philippe brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch igniting sparks along my skin.
"I've never escorted a woman home before. You're different, Tatiana." His ice-blue eyes blaze with sincerity. "I want to see where this connection between us might lead if you're willing to take that risk with me."
My breath catches at his words. Though my instincts warn me to protect my heart, I cannot deny what I feel for this complex man.
"I am, Philippe. I'm ready to see where our path takes us," I whisper.
Philippe grazes his knuckles along my cheek. His fingers linger under my chin, tilting my face up towards his. Our eyes lock, andthe air between us ignites. Slowly, he lowers his mouth to mine in a kiss that steals my breath.
His lips are warm and firm against my own, enveloping me in his strength. I feel the restraint in his touch, the desire he is holding back until I give him a sign.
I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Philippe responds immediately, his mouth slanting over mine as the kiss deepens. His hands span my back, pressing me against the hard planes of his body. I revel in his warmth, his scent, and the scratch of his stubble against my skin.
When we finally break for air, our breathing comes fast. Philippe rests his forehead against mine, his eyes dark with passion.
"I don't want this night to end," he murmurs.
"Then don't let it," I whisper.
"Saint Petersburg awaits. I've taken up too much of your time already. I'll see you again soon," Philippe says roughly.
He brushes one last searing kiss over my lips before disappearing out of the lobby and into the night.
Chapter 15
Philippe
My heart feels full as I start the drive back home, replaying our conversation in my mind. She understands this life in a way no other woman has before. To know that she's interested to see where this goes - I can't wait to tell Father how it went tonight.
Tatiana doesn't even fathom the profound gift she's given me tonight. She's given my dying father hope in knowing that I'd find my way even when he's gone. He’s always wanted for me to have a strong woman by my side. The past few months of arranged dinners and dates are proof of his relentless effort to secure me a favorable match.
The house is quiet when I return, most of the men already retired for the evening. I find Father in his bed, a glass of bourbon on his bedside table and a book in hand. "Philippe, you're back. How did it go with the young lady?" His eyes twinkle knowingly.
