Page 60 of Forbidden Vows

“Rumors. Unfounded rumors. Sergei didn’t do anything.”

“Is that what he told you?”

“It’s what I know,” she replies, her tone sharper than before.

“How’s Dad?” I decide to change the subject, hoping to avoid an all-out confrontation.

“He could be better,” Ciara says quietly.

It’s the way she avoids looking right at me that gets my suspicion up. “What does that mean? He wouldn’t tell me anything, either. He’s my father and I worry about him. I deserve to know what’s going on with his health.”

“What do you want me to say? His health is declining. Old age, the stress of mob life. Your whole stunt with Anton didn’t sit well with him, either. I’d hoped my engagement might spruce him up a little, but it doesn’t seem to be helping.”

“Where is he? He’s supposed to be here with us.”

“Didn’t Shelly explain all this already?”

I shake my head in anger. “Ciara, I’ve had enough. Hate me for the rest of your life regarding Anton, I won’t blame you. But do not ever cut me out of the Donovan family ever again. I gave you space, I gave you time. I’m done. From now on, we’ll be communicating like adults, especially when it comes to family matters.”

“Why don’t you bang your fist on the table, too, for good measure?” she chuckles dryly.

“You think this is funny?”

Her humor fades into a stone-cold expression. “What’s funny is you walking in here like you still own the place, so to speak. You don’t. You’re a Karpov, now.”

“Still a Donovan.”

“You’re a Karpov! And given the disrespect that the Karpovs have shown to Sergei, be thankful that I even allowed you back into this house!”

“Wow, you’re not even married yet, but you seem to be taking your role seriously as a Kuznetsov wife.”

“You weren’t married yet when you got knocked up by a Karpov,” Ciara shoots back.

Every goddamn word stings. I’m trying so hard not to lash out, but it’s getting damn near impossible to keep my temper in check. The pregnancy hormones aren’t helping, either.

“It is how it is, Eileen. We were raised as sisters, but we’ve never been on the same page, not really. And yeah, I do take my role seriously. I’m going to be a loyal, supportive wife. Besides, Sergei got lucky. Daddy wants me to take over.”

“I never wanted the Donovan business.”

“Yeah, you made that clear a long time ago. Don’t be surprised if you get completely left out of the picture once I’m married. Sergei didn’t take kindly to Anton’s betrayal, and rumor has it the Karpovs won’t be leading the Bratva for much longer, either. With the Donovans’ support behind him, Sergei could very well take over.”

Blinded by her own pride and ambition, she doesn’t even realize when she overshares in an attempt to gloat. She’s giving me useful information, which I will absolutely relay to Anton andAndrei. Surely, the brothers know that Kuznetsov is angling for a power play, but we weren’t so sure about where my father’s support would be.

“Dad’s still kicking,” I decide to rain on Ciara’s parade. “So there isn’t much you can do without his say-so. I’m his blood, and he would never toss me to the wolves just to appease your psycho, two-faced future husband.”

“I suggest you mind your words!” Ciara explodes. “I won’t tolerate any disrespect from the likes of you!”

“The likes of—” I raise my voice, but my father booms across the room, cutting me off and making mine sound tiny.

“ENOUGH!”

Ciara and I both freeze. Slowly, we turn around to find my father in the doorway. He’s barely standing, one hand on the

frame to steady himself. My heart sinks, and I can feel the breath leaving my body as I whisper, “Dad.”

Tears spring to my eyes. He looks awful. He’s declined so much in the last two months, that it’s as if death itself stands right behind him, its hand touching his shoulder. He’s lost a ton of weight, and he’s pale as a corpse. His breath is ragged, and his eyes are hollow.

“Dad,” I say it louder this time. “What is wrong with you?”

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