“I’m a little caught up, actually,” I lied through my teeth. “Are you trying to reach Beatrice?”
Just asking that question made me realize how out of control this situation was. When I took Beatrice, the key was to keep her away from her brothers, to hurt them with something precious, like they hurt me in my business on a daily basis. But day by day, Beatrice’s happiness had started to feel more important.
Which made all my grand plans seem meaningless and confusing. What was the endgame here again?
I clenched the phone harder, letting my head hit the backrest of my chair.
“I know you’re a busy man,” Dante said, bringing me to attention with the politeness in his tone. “Look, I’ve been thinking.”
I scoffed.
He ignored me.
“Maybe Beatrice was right, you know? She’s struggling with this thing between us,” he sighed.
“That’s for sure.” Even I had to admit that.
“So what if I help you get through to my brothers? If peace is an option, what if I brought it to the table?”
“Now, why would you do that?” I asked skeptically, tapping my fingers against the desk. This felt a little too convenient, like another trick from the Lebedevs to get theirsister back. I had no reason to trust Dante. How could I ever forget that he’d claimed the woman promised to me as his wife?
“Let’s just say, I’ve been in your shoes.”
“Sure, let’s just say that,” I snorted, unable to keep the distrust from my voice.
“I mean it, Arko,” Dante said. “My wife and I’ve walked the journey you’re on right now. Last night, when Beatrice left with you, it became clear to me that she wasn’t faking it. This is a hard thing for me to admit,” his voice cracked, “but I think my sister has truly developed affection for you.”
My heart cracked at his words. I closed my eyes, letting them seep in. He wasn’t wrong. Beatrice…she did care about me. And whatever error in judgment I thought she made, I was callous in the things I said to her last night.
“I’m listening,” I said.
“I kidnapped Alisa, too. I know what it’s like to fight families who don’t understand. Let me help you.”
Knowing Caspian Lebedev, I doubted he’d see the situation for what it was. Besides, trusting a Lebedev, even though Dante’s words were true, felt like breathing underwater.
But I saw no other way, and if not having peace bothered Beatrice as much as it did, and if her attempts to make it had only brought on chaos, maybe I needed to give Dante a chance.
“Let me think it over,” I said. “I appreciate you trying.”
Dante went silent, like he couldn’t believe it was that easy. Truth be told, this olive branch wasn’t what I’d expected either.
“That’s fair. You just let me know when you’ve made up your mind.”
***
After that unexpected call ended with Dante, I walked out the door, looking for Beatrice. I had wallowed in self-pity long enough, and Dante’s words stuck in my mind.
It had become clear to her own brother, who hated me with his heart, that she had affection for me. Fueled with rage, I’d failed to recognize that she had been loyal to me the whole time last night, all because she wanted to.
When her brothers stood there, accusing me of brainwashing her, she shut them down and reminded them that I was her husband. I’d never asked for her loyalty, but she gave it to me with her heart all open, and I had crushed her spirit in return.
God, I felt awful.
She wasn’t in her room or in any of the living spaces. I was about to check out the pool and gardens when I crossed Marquez, my head of house security.
“Do you know where Beatrice is?”
“She went out shopping, sir.”
