“Even you can’t think this is okay.” I glare at him, wide-eyed, pleading. “Desmier, you just took me as I was about to make my vows. That was it. I at least got to say some sort of goodbye to my father, but I didn’t get to say anything to Viktor.”
He sits back, his expression emotionless as he steeples his fingers, staring back at me in silence. Not the kind of silence you expect from a person contemplating something important, but definitely the kind when they aren’t.
It’s clear whatever mission he’s on has stolen his humanity.
“Please,” I add.
He blows out a ragged breath and presses his lips together in displeasure.
“One visit. One text to arrange it. He can comeherefor a few minutes. I don’t want you meeting him anywhere I can’t watch you.”
“Okay. When?”
His face becomes stone. “Not in the next three weeks.”
God, that’s a crazy, crazy long time. Anything could happen to me. “Three weeks?”
“Take it or leave it.”
“Alright.” What choice do I have? “I also see his mom sometimes. She teaches on campus and we meet up for work experience sessions. She’s kind of like my mentor. Please can I continue to see her?”
“That is fine. You can keep your relations with people like that and other friends.”
“Thank you.” It feels so weird to be thanking him, but here’s hoping I can see Mira when I get back on campus.
“As for your father, it’s an absolute no. The next time you see him will be at the wedding and possibly other functions. No other time before or after.”
“That’s it?” I can’t imagine that. As bad as my father is, I know he loves me. He’s never treated me badly and I can just imagine how this is killing him. “But he’s my father. I have to see him.”
“Baby girl, you’re pushing your luck with me. Be grateful I allow you to see him at all. Enough talk about him now.”
“But—”
“I saidenough. I need to leave and you need to know the rest of my rules.”
I would rather continue pleading, but I guess I’m not completely defeated as I have something to work with. “Fine, what are they?”
“The wedding planner will be here in the next few days. You aren’t to give her any trouble. Ehlga is my custodian, she will take care of whatever you need. You will have guards with you at all times. Some will include Jayce and Zane, who you’ve already met.”
Zane must have been the other guard who came in with Jayce at the wedding.
“Anything else?” I clench my jaw.
“I think it goes without saying that you aren’t to speak with anyone I wouldn’t want you to speak to, or try to defy me. Your phone is chipped, so I’ll know. You are also to have a guard with you at all times when you leave the property. Your car will be delivered here sometime in the week. I’m having a tracker fitted in, but I prefer if you use my drivers.”
Jesus. I really am a prisoner. “So I have no freedom?”
“I think I’ve given you enough,freedom.”
I allow myself the withering stare I issue him. “What about after? After the wedding? Do we have our happily ever after in this house with our kids?” I’m being completely sarcastic again. He knows it, but his expression becomes more intense.
“You and I are not having kids.” His voice is even colder than before, dripping with disgust. “I won’t be having a child with a Sidorov, or anyone else. Get that straight. Once I wrap this up, I’m going back to sea.”
“To sea?”
His face softens. “I’m a sailor.”
My eyes automatically scan his body. That explains the muscles and the hardass look.