What had happened at the party had driven him back to the past. While his family was very protective of him, in speakingwith Halle and his sister Nadia, I’d learned while Nina’s birthday was very special, the day was also a reminder of what he’d lost seven years ago.
The day his wife had been taken off life support, two days after a horrific accident. I’d gotten no details and hadn’t asked, but at least I knew the reason for why the darkness had returned.
Maybe it wasn’t my place, but I wished he would talk to me. Maybe I could help. Or maybe he’d just push me away.
His need for violence was palpable. I could almost taste the rise of smoke from where I was sitting.
How could I blame him?
For some reason and after everything that had transpired that afternoon, the only word that came to mind was gorgeous. Even in his brooding darkness and with the knowledge that if he so desired, he could crush a man with one hand, I couldn’t remove the thought.
I could hear all kinds of nagging voices whispering inside my head that we certainly would never be a match made in heaven. There were legitimate reasons like he’d killed a man or five. I didn’t ask, but I was curious. Call it the morbid girl dwelling inside of me.
He’d been frantic to find us. I’d seen it in his eyes. Once he’d realized where I’d hidden, the relief on his face had been what the plotline of a dark romance novel was made of.
Just bringing the crystal of clear liquid to his lips was hypnotizing, highlighting the strength in his hands.
“Why can’t I open the rest of my presents?” Nina asked as she thumped down on the chair in the living room of the suite I’d been provided.
“Because, little munchkin, I couldn’t fit all of them into the SUV. Duh,” Sasha said and made a funny face. As he did, I turned my attention toward him. He was such a good father,loving and gentle with his daughter, but I felt the strain and tension from where I was sitting.
And the anger.
It boiled deep within him.
I’d tried to pretend like what I’d experienced hadn’t bothered me. I’d also acted as if seeing a half dozen or more dead bodies, blood soaking into the ground was just an everyday experience. From what I could tell, so far I’d succeeded. If so, it was only because I was numb inside and had gotten good over the years at plastering a smile on my face.
There’d been no question about Sasha and Nina coming here. I needed to be with them. I craved to wrap my arms around the powerful Russian, burying my head into his chest so I could have a good cry. But what good would that do and in doing so, I might terrify Nina.
At least she hadn’t mentioned hearing gunfire. Another good thing about the panic room was that it was soundproof. Other than the first two shots, which could be excused as fireworks, there was no way they could have heard the others.
What I also wondered was whether she was immune to the danger or had been taught how to handle an attack.
From seeing the litter of bodies on the lawn, it was obvious there’d been dozens of bullets fired. I was shocked to learn no family member had been injured. Only the assailants had been killed. That made Sasha and his entire family weapons experts.
Nina giggled, which thankfully brought me down from the rafters. “Your father is right,” I told her. “You have like five gazillion presents. He couldn’t have seen to drive if we tried to put even a third in the SUV.”
She shrugged, kicking out her little feet. “I guess.”
Her voice was full of drama and I bit back a smile while searching Sasha’s eyes, making my own faces while he sat pensively.
“You know what? Why don’t we mix things up a little bit.” I gave her an amused look.
“How so?” she asked hopefully, peering at me with such intensity in her eyes.
“How about we see if we can order some yummy treats from room service. You know the kind I mean. The kind your daddy tries hard not to allow you to eat. Maybe pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches. Then we can watch a movie together.” My God. I’d almost said as a family. The thought brought a shudder. “What do you suggest?”
“Potato chips and ice cream.”
That was my kind of girl. “Together?” I asked.
When Nina nodded, I laughed and that pushed her into a fit of giggles. I’d been tasked with shoving a few items of clothing into a bag and other than her sketchpad and the box of art supplies I’d given her, I’d had no idea what to bring.
Sasha and I had yet to find another moment alone, which I could sense we both desperately needed.
“What do you say, Daddy? How about honoring the birthday girl’s request?” I gave him the same pouty look that his daughter was offering. While I wasn’t looking into a mirror, I’d have to say they were both award winning. Oscar worthy.
He tried to ignore us on purpose, even turning his head away. When he did, I placed my finger over my lips as I looked at her, pointing toward her father. Then I mimed jumping on him, which somehow, she understood.
