He climbed the steps to Katya’s room. Matias pressed his hand to her door and sighed. She deserved better than this. Katya deserved freedom from the hate and the memories. As he stepped into the room, his heart splintered into a thousand shards. Katya was lying on the bed with her knees drawn to her chest. Her soft cries drove daggers into his soul as he approached her bed.
“Katya.” He moved to side of the bed and crawled onto the mattress. “Please don’t cry. I left because I was so angry at what he did to you. It doesn’t change my feelings for you.” Matias pulled her back against his chest and pressed a kiss to the back of her head. “My love for you doesn’t change because someone hurt you. What Jorge did to you isn’t your fault, Katya. Do you hear me?”
“But I’m ruined. Why would you want me now?”
Matias held her close and breathed in her hair. “You're not ruined, Princesa. You’ll get through this and I won’t leave your side until you do.” Matias held her while she cried, his hands gently rubbing against her arm. “What do you need, Katya? What will make this better?”
“Just hold me.”
“I’ll hold you and never let go.”
Everydayshegrewstronger, and every day he got closer to finding Jorge. Rumors had spread that Dmitri had returned to Russia, but for now he wasn’t the man Matias wanted. Katya had ventured out of the house onto the property, but she was keeping Matias at arm’s length.
“Matias,” Massimo said, stepping out onto the deck beside him. “Miguel called. They’ve found Jorge.”
“What?”
“They’re headed to his suspected location now. I told Miguel we would meet him at my club.”
“Ok.”
“Shit.” Massimo nodded toward Katya, who heard everything they said. She stood, staring at him for a moment, then took off running into the house.
“Katya, wait!”
Massimo grabbed his arm, halting him in place. “This is going to be hard for her. It will dredge up memories she’s been working hard to bury.”
“Give me some time and then we can go to the club. I can’t leave her like this.”
“Take all the time you need. If he’s there, Miguel won’t let him get away. You’ll get your chance with him. For now, take care of your girl.”
Matias rushed through the house and up the steps. He found Katya in the shower, the water pouring down over her as she sat rocking with her knees drawn to her chest.
“Katya.”
Matias turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He wrapped her soaked body in it and scooped her into his arms. He carried her to the bed and sat her down. Slowly, Matias removed her clothing.
“Don’t.” Katya grabbed his hand.
“Let me see you, Katya. Stop hiding from me.”
“I don’t want you to see me differently.”
Matias grabbed her chin, turning her head so she was looking him in the eyes. “Nothing will change how I see you, Princesa.”
He slipped his hands beneath the wet t-shirt and eased it over her head. Her body was marred with scars and faded bruises, but she was still beautiful. Matias leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her shoulder.
“Nothing can change how beautiful you are. Not a scar. Not a bruise. Nothing. Jorge may have tried to break you, but you’re stronger than him. One day, I hope you see what I see. A woman who can’t be beat. A woman who in spite her odds, rose to be the most powerful woman ever.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“No, Princesa. It is I, who doesn’t deserve you. I will fight every day to be the man you need. It is almost over. Jorge will pay for his sins and you’ll be able to rest again.”
“And my father?”
“He’ll pay for what he has done. He will not stay hidden forever. And when we find him—he will meet his fate. Now, as much as I hate to leave you, a man is waiting for me. Is there anything you want me to tell him before he takes his last breath?”
“Yes. Tell him he didn’t break me.”
