I know she means that if it came to it and the stupid Irish bastard wouldn’t shut his mouth, would I kill him?
As I stare into her eyes, I know I’d do anything for the girl I spent years tormenting.
She has always belonged to me in a sick and twisted way. It just took me a long time to realize that I love her, even if I can’t tell her that to her face.
The only person I’ve ever said those three words to was my mother.
“Yes. He won’t hurt you.” I kiss her softly. “No one will ever hurt you, nena.”
She relaxes then, allowing me to kiss her. Perhaps I’m finally getting through to her.
This isn’t a game anymore. Natalya is my everything and I won’t let anyone fuck with her.
28
NATALYA
My phone rings and I glance at the screen, seeing it is my brother.
Mikhail rarely rings me while I’m at the academy, so I pick it up. My heart pounding hard against my rib cage as I wonder if Finn Murphy has already let the cat out of the bag. I don’t trust that Irish scum as far as I can throw him.
If our grandfather were to learn the truth, we’d be in immediate danger.
“Hey,” I say, unable to keep the anxiety out of my tone.
“Hey Natalya, I’m ringing to tell you to get your butt to Boston.”
“Why?” I ask.
There’s a pause on the other end of the line. “This might be a bit of a shock, but I’m getting married to Sienna tomorrow afternoon.”
I squeal down the phone, perhaps a little too loud. Thank God he’s calling with good news. It’s as if Mikhail knew I needed some right about now.
“Ouch,” Mikhail says.
I chuckle. “Sorry, that’s just such exciting news! Have you cleared it with Principal Byrne?” I ask.
“Of course. Popov is outside with the car.”
My stomach churns a little as it has come out of the blue, while I’m amid a crisis—a crisis that concerns the entire family, not just me. I swallow hard, knowing that there’s no way I can miss the wedding.
Elias says he will deal with Finn, so I have to believe him. Even if I don’t trust him, either.
“Okay, I’ll pack a bag and meet him out front,” I say.
Mikhail chuckles. “Don’t take too long. You know how impatient he can be.”
I do indeed know how impatient Popov can be, but it’s not like I’ve had any forewarning. “I’ll try not to take too long.”
“I’ll see you soon, sister.” He cancels the call.
I stare at the wall of my bedroom, knowing that Elias will wonder where I am tomorrow, especially after the bombshell Finn dropped yesterday evening. And yet, I don’t feel he needs an explanation since he’s the one that needs to make amends with me. I won’t go around chasing him.
If he really wants to make amends for everything he’s done to me over the years, then he needs to prove it.
I push myself up and grab a holdall, chucking a few essential items I need in there. And then head into my closet, knowing I’ll need a nice dress for the occasion, but since my brother hasn’t given me much warning, I’ll have to pick out one I already own.
I grab two of my favorite dresses, a long maxi turquoise gown and a red one, putting them into garment bags and grabbing the hold-all I packed.