He pauses, then adds, "Our father controls most of the political side, he has ties that go deep because of our mother, who's dead now, she was the daughter of a very powerful governor who was regarded almost like a godfather in certain circles, so father has influence that Ilay doesn't, but if Ilay had gotten those files he would've been untouchable."
I stare at him. "So that's why you killed Spencer and kidnapped me."
Roman nods. "You were leverage, we needed to know what Spencer found out."
I scoff. "Don't you feel any remorse?"
He smiles. "I feel remorse for what happened to you and for innocent people, but men like Spencer knew the risks."
I shake my head. "I just wanted to know if you had a conscience."
I stand. "I've said what I came to say, it's time to leave."
I'm almost to the door when Roman grabs my arm. "Can we talk privately?"
I look at Radimir and Kirill, then nod. "Fine."
"Can you give that old man a chance?" he says quietly. "He hasn't done anything to hurt you, just stay a little longer."
I narrow my eyes. "Why."
He exhales. "We'd even consider a ceasefire with the Ivanovichs if it means keeping you safe."
His words catch me because if there's peace maybe I could have both, maybe I could see Ilay and have my family without everyone dying.
I sigh. "Okay, I'll stay for a while, but after that my decision is mine."
He pulls me into a tight hug. "Thank you, little sister." When we return, I look at Radimir. "I'll stay for a while, but only for a while."
Radimir stands so fast his chair nearly falls, and he crosses the room and wraps his arms around me, stroking my hair.
"My princess, thank you." I just sigh, letting him hold me even though it feels strange because I don't know how to be someone's daughter anymore.
But in my mind, only one thought remains clear. Ilay is alive. And somehow I need to see him, I need to figure out ifI can have both him and this family without losing myself or watching everyone I love destroy each other.
Chapter 29
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IRIS
3 DAYS LATER
I'm relaxing in a pink romper reading a book when the explosion hits. The windows of the study rattle in their frames and the floor shakes beneath my feet and somewhere outside the estate a deep rolling boom tears through the air so loud I feel it in my ribs. The book slips from my hands and hits the floor and I'm already standing before I realize I've moved.
Another explosion sounds closer than the last, rattling the chandelier above me and shaking dust loose from the ceiling. The ringing in my ears is so severe I can't hear anything beyond it. The door bursts open and two of the house staff run in, their faces pale and tight with fear.
A middle aged woman with black hair and blue eyes, and a young woman with the same features. Possibly her mom.
"Miss, we need to move you now."
I stare at them. "What's happening?"
"Miss, please." The young woman grabs my arm and pulls me toward the hallway and I stumble after her on legs that don't want to work right.
My heart is slamming against my ribs and my throat is so dry I can't swallow and everything feels too loud and too fast and I can't make sense of any of it. "What was that?" I ask again, louder this time. "What's going on?"
"Your father wants you in the sitting room. Now." They rush me down the stairs and my feet nearly slip on the marble and I have to grip the railing to keep from falling. The entire house feels like it's vibrating. Another boom echoes in the distance and I flinch so hard I nearly trip.
