Page 195 of Vexatious Queen

“Nothing that can’t wait. I just want to make sure we talk before I leave for the night,” he said.

“Have you spoken to my father?”

“No, not yet. I’m hoping to do that soon,” Vadin said.

Dimitri walked up behind Vadin, dark glare and stony expression giving away what he thought of his brother before he spoke.

“Well, isn’t this lovely for Edmundo to open his home to you after the last time you saw him, when you had him hogtied and beaten,” Dimitri said, and took a sip of his drink.

I shifted my attention from Dimitri and focused on Vadin.

“I’m sorry…what did you do?”

Vadin glared at Dimitri.

“It is a long story, and it was a long time ago.”

“I wonder if Edmundo feels like it was a long time ago, or if the wound is fresh, and you being here is like having salt poured directly over it. It’s been even longer since you stole the woman I loved away from me, and every time I see you, I want to put a bullet right between your eyes. So, I can only imagine.”

“That’s enough, both of you. You will not start a fight at my father’s birthday party. If you want to argue, do it elsewhere,” I said, and turned to leave.

Vadin grabbed my wrist. It wasn’t hard enough to hurt, but I glared at the contact.

Nash and Liam were suddenly beside me.

“Do we have a problem here,” Nash asked.

“No,” Vadin said, releasing me. I refrained from rubbing my wrist. “I just wanted to make sure we set aside some time after the meal to talk. There is something very important that we need to discuss.”

Dimitri leaned close to Vadin’s ear.

“You’re not here to beg for Lilya’s trust fund, are you, brother? That would be a new low, even for you.”

Vadin ignored him, but I didn’t even know what trust fund Dimitri was talking about. I nodded.

“Yes, we can speak before the night is over. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I started up the stairs and looked back to see Nash and Liam blocking the way so Vadin couldn’t follow. Once out of sight, I rubbed at my wrist. It reminded me too much of how Lawrence had touched me. I wanted to give him the opportunity to make things right if that was truly what he was here for, but with everything I’d learned, that didn’t look possible.

Eddie’s door was closed when I finally reached it. I knocked, but no one answered.

“Dad?”

Still no answer.

Unbidden and unwelcomed panic had me trying the handle. It was unlocked, and I threw the door open. I darted into his room, searching for him and expecting the worst. I even stuck my head into the bathroom, but he wasn’t there. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my rapidly beating heart and settle my out-of-control nerves. He was probably downstairs, and I just missed him. Closing my eyes, I centered myself again before leaving.

On my way out, I stopped in front of his dresser.

A picture in a golden frame had caught my attention. It was of Eddie and my mum. They were about my age and standing outside the front doors of Wayward. The sun was setting out of view, but the pink and purple rays cast a warm glow over everything. The two of them were staring into each other’s eyes like the rest of the world didn’t exist.

I traced my mother’s face. She looked so young. So carefree and full of life and love, with hope radiating off her. They stole that from her—from them. Lawrence, Christov, and Vadin had all played a part. I couldn’t imagine being so hateful, jealous, or consumed with lineage to destroy this kind of happiness.

Setting the photo down, I quickly left and closed the door behind me. I was going to head back downstairs, but decided to check his office first. The door was slightly ajar as I approached, and I could hear the deep tenor of his voice coming from inside.

Eddie was standing by the window, his hand braced against the wall, head down like he was hearing the worst possible news.

“You’re sure? Okay, thanks for letting me know,” he said.