Page 172 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Fuck.

Titus stood by the window, arms crossed, watching the courtyard as if he expected Dimitri to walk through the gates.

Nathaniel sat behind the desk, composed as always. People underestimated Nathaniel, but that worked in his favor. They never saw him coming until it was too late.

“That’s not good enough,” Nathaniel growled into the phone.

He had been on and off it so many times that I no longer knew who he was threatening.

“I want answers in one hour, or else.”

He tossed his cell on the desk, swearing.

“She only did this to save me. Dimitri exploited her feelings. She shouldn’t be forced to marry some asshole,” I reiterated, more to myself than anyone else.

“No,” Titus said evenly. “She shouldn’t.”

Silence settled heavily among us. I had called in every favor I could with Dimitri’s guards, but either they didn’t know anything, or their cells had been switched off.

The door opened without a knock.

We turned, instantly alert.

Helena Mikhailov entered as though she owned the room.

Her black dress was simple. No diamonds or flash. Just quiet authority. Her heels clicked against the marble before she closed the door behind her.

“Why did I hear from a third party that my daughter is missing?”

Her tone was even, but the fire in her eyes could have burned through walls.

I glanced at Nathaniel.

He stood immediately.

Nathaniel sighed. “Mother⁠—”

She cut in, lifting one manicured hand.

“Do not start with that tone. You are not too old for me to tan that arrogant ass of yours.”

“Mom, I’m sorry. Let me explain.”

“In a minute.”

Three grown men fidgeted like naughty schoolboys as she cast her eyes over the room. I felt like I was back in Dean Henry’s office at Wayward.

Helena’s gaze landed on me.

“You were with her?”

“Yes.”

“So, you know for sure that it was Dimitri who took her?”

“Yes.”

Silence stretched as she drew in a deep breath, like she was preparing to breathe fire.