“Good, then we should relocate to the meeting room and talk, away from the guests.” Leif gestures to the door on our left.
“I agree, unless you want the audience.” I spread my arms wide, showing I don’t care one way or the other. “I’ll happily talk out here.”
I don’t mind spilling all the dirty family secrets and explaining how I became the black sheep of the family.
“Let’s go to the meeting room,” Mira agrees.
“Perfect.” I cut her a glance and give her a crude smile.
Of course, my father’s wife wants to talk in private. I’ve already embarrassed her in front of her nearest and dearest. Everyone here today would have been important members from the Knights and the Komarovski. They’ll have questions, but most of all, I’ve tainted the prim and proper image Mira Volkova seems to be upholding.
I know she’s probably as nice as she appears to be. But sometimes the good must unavoidably suffer with the bad.
As if on cue, my two personal guards, Jayce and Zane, come in from my right.
“Zane, please see the guests out.” I point to the door I used to enter. “And, Jayce, take the girl to my house.”
“What?” Anastasia suddenly finds her voice. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Sorry, Princess, but you are.” I give her a daring smile, willing her to defy me.
She looks away, turning to Viktor. When he gives her a defeated shake of his head, she rushes over to her father. “Dad, don’t let him take me.”
Uther slips an arm around her. “It will be okay.” His voice is soothing and so unlike the man he was years ago.
“How can it be okay?”
“Anastasia, please. Just go with them. I will sort this out as fast as I can.”
Sort out? Oh no, no, no.The prick shouldn’t make promises he can’t keep or give her hope when there is none. He already knows there’s nothing to sort out. All cards have been laid on the table, and decisions have been made.
Anastasia is mine, no matter what anyone says or tries to do to set her free.
“Okay?” Uther cups her cheeks and leans in closer, making a lock of his shaggy gray hair fall over his eye.
Anastasia glances at me then looks back at her father, nodding reluctantly. “Okay.”
“I will walk you to the car.”
Jayce makes his way to them, and this time when Anastasia looks over her shoulder, she stares at Viktor. The man who almost became her husband.
Is that love in her eyes?
Most likely. If it is, love just makes this vendetta that much sweeter. Perfectly in keeping with the saying that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Zane ushers the guests out as I watch Anastasia go, wishing I could take her home myself. Seeing my new toy later will, however, have to do. My job here isn’t finished yet.
When I turn back to face my father’s family, I don’t miss the hatred in Viktor’s eyes.
“This way, everyone.” Leif gestures to the door again and leads the way out.
Mira, Viktor, Zakh, and Malik follow him.
Triumph surges through me as I trail behind and acknowledge that I have everyone right where I want them. Even my father on his deathbed.
I’ve waited a long time to share my story and avenge my mother’s death.
I’m no longer the helpless boy who was kept a secret.