Her hand comes up, resting gently against my cheek. “Drago…”
My chest aches like it’s being split open.
“If I weren’t Lev’s daughter,” she asks, barely above a whisper, “would it have been different?”
“Yes,” I answer instantly.
Her lips part, disappointment flashing across her face—and it damn near kills me. “Yes,” I repeat, softer now, “because I wouldn’t have stayed away. I would have made you mine. I stayed away to protect you both.”
She swallows hard. “And what about now?”
I lean in, pressing my nose to hers, breathing her in like oxygen.
“Now? Nothing—not even your father—gets between us. If you’ll have me.”
Her smile is slow. Certain. Devastating. “You can’t get rid of me, Drago.”
Something in my chest finally gives.
I kiss her then, full of everything I’ve been holding back as the curtains on the stage begin to rise behind us.
Now, I know for certain a truth without fear…
I didn’t just save her that night.
She saved me, too.
There is no future for me without Lily. All this time, protecting her has been my purpose in life. That will never change. But now, I get to love her too. And for the first time in my damn life, know what being loved in return feels like.
The music plays loudly behind us, but even that doesn’t break the spell we are under.
“Would you like to watch the ballet now, lastochka?” I ask, running my fingers along her cheek.
I know she’s nervous about this. But I also know how much she loved dancing. That held part of her spark, and I want to help her get it back.
That’s why I booked this entire place out. So she is safe to be whoever she needs to be to get through this. There are no eyes on her, only mine.
Her panic grips her. I want to teach her how to embrace it. Use it. Lily is stronger than she realizes.
“I’d love that,” she whispers.
We’re in our private box, looking out on the empty stalls, with the best view in the place. I lead her to the seat, and she shakes her head.
“I’d like to stand,” she says confidently.
I step behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. And as the performance goes on, her body starts to move to the music. She closes her eyes, letting it flow through her.
My heart fucking aches for her.
“You’re beautiful, Lily,” I whisper against her neck, pushing her hair away.
“You’re strong. You’re incredible.” I pepper kisses on her throat.
She hums in response.
I don’t watch the ballet. I only watch her. The smile on her face as she does. The odd tear that slips from her cheek that I wipe away. And in that moment, I know exactly how I can help my girl get that love back.
Sliding my hand over her chest, I rest it around her throat. Feeling as she sucks in a breath and tips her head back against my chest. “Will you dance for me, lastochka?” I ask.
