Page 128 of Ruthless Reign

I bite my lip and nod. That’s all I’m capable of at the moment.

Her jaw hardens. “Your parents enabled him, and they deserve to pay."

“They will,” I say simply.

Sofiya and I have agreed that we want nothing to do with our parents. They can live on the streets for all we care. Roman won’t kill them because I don't want to live with that cruelty on my shoulders. They made terrible choices, but I don't have to. Still, they’ll live in poverty and be social pariahs, which to my mother might be worse than death.

Kira releases a little sigh and rests her head on my shoulder. “Now, we have a wedding to plan.” She gives a little clap. “I never thought my little game of cupid would end like this.”

I release a throaty laugh. “We're not in any rush. I really want to make sure Sofiya is settled before we start making any big plans.”

“Does she know yet?” Kira gestures towards the ring on my finger.

I shake my head. “I’ll tell her right after this. She’s been hiding out in her room for days. I want to give her the space to process everything, but I also don't want her to close herself off from life.”

“It's a lot to take in. She probably needs some time.”

“She's trying to decide if she wants to go back to school, or if she’ll finish the semester remotely." I shrug. “She has to make the decision for herself.”

One thing I've realized is that I can't protect Sofiya from every bump and bruise life throws her way. She needs to make her own choices and navigate her path to learn what’s right for her.

“She’ll figure it out. And she’s lucky to have you and Roman. We’ll always be there for her as well.”

I squeeze her hand. “You’re the best. Even though I’m still kind of shocked that you set Roman and me up at a sex club.”

She winks. “You mean ‘erotic theater’.”

I snicker. “You’re one of the good ones, Kira Belov.”

EPILOGUE

LIZA

Later that day, I knock on Sofiya’s bedroom door.

“Come in,” is the mumbled answer.

I turn the doorknob and let myself in. Sofiya is lying in bed, just staring out the window, which has been her go-to more or less since we got home. Just lying there, despondent.

“How are you feeling today?” I ask.

Sofiya shrugs. “To be honest, the same as every other day.”

I know Sofiya is struggling. Her world was ripped out from under her. Her family, friends, and the comfortable life she believed was in her future all went up in smoke in a matter of days. She needs time and space, and probably a good therapist, to figure out what’s next. Right now, she’s mourning her old life.

“Is there anything you want to talk about? Anything on your mind?” Worry tightens my shoulders.

She sighs. “Nothing we haven’t talked about before. Nothing that needs to be said.”

I bite my lip. “Listen, I know now might not be the best time, but I have some news.” I raise my hand and show her the engagement ring that Roman gave me. “It’s not going to be right away,” I feel the need to explain, “but sometime in the future.”

She smiles and gives me a hug, and it’s the first time since we came home that I see a little spark in her eyes.

“I'm happy for you. I really am. Now that I see how you are with Roman, I realize you weren't yourself with Anatoly.”

I brush a strand of hair from her cheek. “That’s all behind us now.”

She sighs and turns over to get a better look at me. “Roman and you fit together; you’re right for each other. After everything, you deserve this happiness more than anyone.”

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