Page 56 of The Hermit

“I have news,” I say, my eyes searching hers for any sign of a panic attack.

“What?” she whispers.

“The Russians killed your father.”

Shock tightens her features, and a weird mixture of emotions plays out over her face.

Unable to tell how she feels, I ask, “Are you okay?”

Slowly, she nods while her eyebrows draw together. Seconds pass then sadness fills her gaze.

Rising to my feet, I take hold of her shoulders and pull her up. I wrap my arms around her and vow, “I’ll kill Pavlov.”

“Is he the same man that kidnapped me?” she asks.

“Yes.”

She pulls back and shakes her head. “All for a couple of missiles?”

“Which they want to use against me so they can take over the arms market,” I explain.

“This is insane,” she mutters, then I watch as the blow of her father’s death hits. “Oh my God. Dad’s dead?”

“Yes.” I rub her shoulder.

She pulls away from me and walks closer to the clear banister around the veranda from where she stares at the nature below.

“Ciara will be safe now. He won’t search for her so he can force her into an arranged marriage that will line his pockets,” I hear her say. “Shit, I have to tell Ciara.” She pats over her pockets and glances at the sliding doors. “Where did I leave my phone?” Her frown deepens. “Dad’s dead.”

I close the distance between us and yank her to my chest. Wrapping my arms tightly around her, I say, “I’m sorry for your loss, Grace.”

Jebat,Pavlov really did me a favor. Had I been the one to kill Ian, I’m not sure where that would have left Grace and me.

I didn’t think she cared about her father, but from her strong reaction, it’s clear I was wrong.

“He wasn’t always a crap father,” she whispers with a trembling voice. “Before our mother died, he loved us.” She pulls back, and I watch as her features harden. “But then he traded me twice, and that destroyed everything good there was between us.”

Not liking her words, I say, “You weren’t traded to me, Grace.”

“I was part of a deal you had with him,” she snaps.

“No, Ciara was.” I lift my hand and wrap my fingers around the side of her neck. “I took you. Ian had no choice in the matter.”

She stares at me until I let go of her.

Unlocking my cell phone's screen I send a quick voice message to Evinka. “Pavlov killed Devlin. Contact all the buyers immediately and let them know I’ve taken over the business.”

A moment later, her reply pops up on my screen.

Evinka: That solves one problem. How did you find out?

Dominik: Pavlov called me. Be careful, and never go anywhere without your guards.

Evinka: I’m sending guards to you.

Dominik: No. I’ll kill them if they breathe too loud. I’m safe on the mountain. Don’t worry about me.

Evinka: I’ll always worry. How’s Grace holding up?

---