Papa… no. This was something Natasha did countless times. Just answered every call. “Da, Simeon?”
“You. Have. My. Jet.”
“Just for a few days. Quick vacation. Might end sooner if the guy I met”—I winked at Jake— “removes his Prince Charming mask.”
“Zamolchi!”He ordered me to shut up. “The Mikhailov family’s protection is beneficial for both you and your cousin, Natasha. Is there something you wish to tell me …”
My hand worked the stiff muscles along the nape of my neck. “Da. I wanted you to know that she will not marry Edik. Nor will I wed Rurik Mikhailov. Pawn them off on your other daughters. Brothers marrying twins. Fabulous!”
If I were anyone else … this conversation and me would’ve been ended long ago.
He muttered under his breath, similar to Jake at my side.
Somehow, the sentiment I’d abandoned in my youth softened my tone. “Papa …”
Silence filled the air. Then my father’s voice became rich and throaty with the concern I once embraced when I’d skinned my knee while learning to ride a bike. Or when my bottom lip quivered because I wasn’t as proficient in Japanese. He’d tell me he was proud of me in a tone draped in love, pride, velvet. “Da, Simona?”
“We will wait a few days for the MacKenzies to bring Natasha back?”Even if she stays silent, not answering my calls, I still offer her this favor. A debt is a debt.The air locked in my chest while I awaited his response.
“Nyet. They shot at Natasha! They are trying to murder her, Sima. They have murdered Borya. Thepolitsiyajust fished out his body. They must pay!”
“They did not.”
“Who, then?”
“I’ll inform you soon. Please just lay off the Scots until I return with your jet.”
“Nyet. Nyet. Nyetttttt! Do not ask of me impossible feats, Simona!” He hung up.
I glanced out of the window to hide my embarrassment at this conversation.
I received a text from Vassilievich.
VASS: I’m watching the girl.
Me: Good. Keep your distance unless necessary.
With a frown,I pocketed the phone. Had I gone too far? Abducting Baby MacKenzie? Requesting my cousin stalk Leith’s daughter, Mia? Nyet. If she had her father’s gorgeous features, Vassili would enjoy the game. Nonetheless, he’d sounded different when I called him today. Colder than his usual warm, approachable self.
“Simona?” Jake spoke up, his voice low and laced with unspoken curiosity.
“Da.” My attention remained on the tiny window. Through the glass, however, I glimpsed something in his reflection … concern?
Nyet.Foolish, Sima.
“You should’ve mentioned the footage! Proof Lorenzo Ferri murdered Natasha’s guard, before it’s wiped.”
“He …” My heated eyes fixed on the fast-moving white vapor. “His IQ is off the charts. He’d require facts. Lots to keep him from your family after whatDyadyaVassili’s guards alleged. We bring him facts, Baby MacKenzie.”
Instead of the growl I’d grown fond of, Jake murmured, “Simeon won’t believe you? His own daughter?”
Maybe? Maybe not?I blinked hard. A tear fell, a visual of my weakness.
Years had passed since I’d given my father the choice to trust me. Not since my father protected me as a child. From a Mikhailov. Our greatest enemies. Maybe he should’ve fed me to the wolves then, instead of later offering them my heart … and Natasha’s.
46
NATASHA
