“Come in.” I lean back in my chair, ribs aching. Those are going to take a while to heal.
Julianna steps inside and I internally berate myself for the condition she’s in. Yes, she’s healing up well. But every time I see the purples and greens that discolor her face, I’m reminded of how close I came to losing her forever. That cut across her eyebrow is going to leave a scar.
Her eyes warm with hope. “Did you talk with Papa?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“You can stay. But?—”
“Thank you!” She bounces on the balls of her feet.
“But, there will be rules. If you break any of them, I’ll send you back to that convent in Estonia.Capiscimi?”
Vigorously, she nods. “Absolutely. I’ll be good.”
I struggle to keep my expression neutral. I give it two weeks before she starts testing the bounds. My sister needs a strong, firm hand. I have no idea how the convent dealt with her for six whole years.
“What? Maximo, why are you giving me that look?”
“What look?”
Her hip pops to one side, her hand landing on it. “You know which look. Like you don’t believe I can behave myself.Thatlook.”
I guess I failed to hide my doubts. “Your track record works against you.”
“Whatever. Give me your stupid rules and I’ll follow them to a T. Just watch.”
Oh, I’ll be watching her. Though that’s a full-time job on top of my regular work. I know my limitations. I’m going to need help. Professional help.
“We’ll discuss it over dinner tonight.”
“Okay.” She beams. “Thank you, Maximo.”
Bounding out of my office, she leaves me alone with my regrets and guilt.
CHAPTER 60
Elena
“You will have a full-time bodyguard.” Maximo levels his gaze on Julianna across the dinner table. “Whatever he tells you to do, you do it without hesitation. Your safety is my number one concern.”
She purses her lips. “Fine.”
“You can’t just lounge around here all day. I want you to have direction and discipline in your daily life. You will follow a schedule.”
“What kind of schedule?” She forks mashed potatoes into her mouth.
Maximo glances at me. I nod. We came up with it together. I don’t want Julianna to waste away her days the same way I did for years. There may be a threat looming out there, but hiding isn’t the answer. She’ll be heavily protected, but not cut off from the world.
The other day she found me writing in the living room and gave me a sketched portrait of myself. She’s talented. I’d never want to hide her light away.
Maximo reads her schedule off his phone. “Your mornings will be spent in the gym. Where you will learn how to fight and protect yourself.”
She grumbles.
“In the afternoon you’ll have art classes, followed by studio time.”
