Page 94 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“She went to her room with her mother.”

I grabbed his shoulder.

“Guard her and call me if there’s any movement.”

He looked around, but none of Dimitri’s guys lingered nearby.

“Anyone not allowed in?”

My jaw flexed. “Anyone you consider a threat.” My eyes flicked in the direction of Dimitri’s office. “But be smart and don’t try to be a hero. Call me.”

Ivan nodded and jogged up the stairs toward Kaylani’s room.

It was time to do what I had been avoiding for months.

Time to talk to Nathaniel.

Stepping outside I took the stairs two at a time, hopped into the SUV, and hit the ignition. Driving through the gates and watching them close behind me made my heart race. I had just locked Kaylani in with a lion.

Nervous wasn’t my thing. I could count on one hand the number of times I had felt nervous in my life, and every incident involved Kaylani.

I drove straight to Nathaniel’s house. The guards at the gate opened it when they saw it was me. I waved and drove up to the front door, then I just sat there, staring at the steering wheel. My mind was scattered. I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t figure out how to form the words.

Ten minutes passed before Nathaniel opened the front door.

“Shit,” I muttered and jumped out.

“What’s wrong?”

I swallowed. “I need to talk to you. But not out here.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Alright.”

We stepped inside just as Cutter ran into the room riding his hobby horse. He whinnied and pretended to rear while patting his steed’s neck.

“Uncle Goran,” he cheered.

It always warmed my heart that Nathaniel had referred to me as family.

“Hey, kiddo. Is that stallion of yours giving you trouble?”

“No, don’t be silly. He’s not real. But guess what. Dad said I can take riding lessons. Then I can be a famous rider like Aunt Kay.”

“God, help me,” Nathaniel grumbled low enough for only me to hear.

Cutter faked a perfect dismount and ran toward me with his arms open. I lifted him into the air, and he squealed as I tossed him up before catching him again.

“You’re almost too big for me to do that now,” I said, wincing as if he weighed a ton.

“Uncle Goran, I know you’re lying.” He rolled his eyes just like his father.

It was terrifying how much this kid resembled a mini Nathaniel.

“Maybe,” I said as he hugged me.

I couldn’t picture not being allowed to see him again. Nathaniel, Savannah, and the kids were as much my family as my father.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in bed,” Nathaniel asked as Savannah called Cutter’s name.