Page 152 of Silenced

Confused, I ask, “How?”

“I vowed he’d be dead by the year’s end. He’s still breathing,” he seethes before pulling out a velvet box from his pocket.

I demur, “That you’re going to take care of him is enough. You didn’t have to go to all this effort—”

“I did.” He hands the offering to me. “It’s yours.” His gaze is somber. Annoyed. “I’ve let you down,” he repeats.

When I open the box to reveal a set of earrings that match the pearl necklace he gave me for the gala, I rub my thumb over them. Delight fills me. Though I should probably tell him they’re too much, I don’t.

Nikolai’s rich—these earrings are probably pocket change to him.

Plus, you have to train a guy sometimes. If I teach him that I’m fine with him letting me downnow, well…

I can’t speak for the future, but I know I’m sure as hell thinking about it. Nikolai doesn’t act like this is a short-term thing, ya know, what with the breeding kink, so why should I?

Screw being polite.

Screw doing what’s ‘right.’

Nikolai never considers what’s right or wrong—I’m going to take a page out of his book.

And, for good or ill, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now than on his lap.

I immediately put the earrings on and smile at the comforting weight of them.

Feeling like a queen seated on a muscular throne—a surprisingly comfortable one even if it comes with the lump digging into my ass that is par for the course—I offer, “Spasibo.”

His lips quirk. “Your accent is atrocious.”

I scrunch my nose at him. “Charming.”

He winks then presses a kiss to my scrunched nose. “We’ll get you a tutor. It would be smart if you learn the language.”

A strange peace flutters to life inside me as he confirms what I already knew.

A future.

He talks about it so easily.

And I find myself wanting that.

With him.

Despite our unusual beginnings.

I nod. “Fine.”

“Fine? I thought you’d argue.”

“Papa always wanted me to learn. I refused.”

“We all have teenage rebellions.”

“I can’t see you—”

“I stole two minors from their orphanage, Cassiopeia,” he informs me wryly. “I think that’s more rebellious than you fighting with your father, no?”

“I suppose.” I grimace, but then I realize he gave me the in I’ve been seeking ever since Dmitri told me I should talk with Niko about his past. “How did that even…?”

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