She needs the man who will keep her safe.
The man who will burn the world down before he lets anyone hurt her again.
33
HOLLY
The next morning, I wake to pale morning light filtering through the windows and for a blissful moment, I don't remember.
Then it all crashes back and my stomach drops.
Everything Nikolai kept from me. And what followed after.
My gaze drifts to the armchair beside the bed where Nikolai is asleep.
At some stage last night he changed into dress pants and a button-up shirt. But now they’re wrinkled from sleep, the shirt unbuttoned, the sleeves pushed up his strong forearms. His head is tilted back against the chair, his face peaceful in a way I've never seen when he's awake. Those impossibly long lashes fan across his cheekbones. Those beautiful lips I’ve spent hours kissing, are slightly parted with each steady breath.
He's so handsome, it hurts to look at him.
I long to climb on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in his warmth.
But I need more time to process it all. The secrets. My murderous grandfather. The men sent to kill me. My stupidity in fleeing and Andrei’s subsequent betrayal.
I turn away and close my eyes.
Because I’m afraid there are more things he hasn’t told me.
And I’m not sure I’m ready to hear them.
34
NIKOLAI
The water scalds my skin, but I welcome the pain. It's a distraction from the chaos in my head.
Two hours until The Wolf arrives.
Two hours until I end this nightmare once and for all.
I brace my hands against the marble tile and let the water pound against my shoulders. My plan is dangerous, but it's the only way. Yuri won't stop until he gets what he wants. And men like him don't negotiate. They take. They destroy. They leave nothing but blood and ashes in their wake.
I have no choice but to stop him.
Shutting off the water, I step out of the shower and dry off. I dress carefully. Black suit. Black shirt. No tie. Each movement is methodical, like I’m preparing for war and I’m dressing in the armor I need for the battle ahead.
I leave the bathroom and walk toward the guest room. Dmitri is waiting near the stairs, his face grim.
"Everything is in place," he says. "The men are positioned. When The Wolf arrives?—"
"I need a moment with Holly first." I cut him off.
He nods and steps aside.
I make my way to her room but pause outside the door.
My hand hovers over the handle, and for a moment, I consider walking away.
Because once I open this door, I'll see what I've done to her written all over her face. The devastation and the betrayal. All the pieces of her I shattered yesterday when I told her the truth about her family.
