Page 52 of Hunter

“Always the investigator, Emma,” Hunter says. “But you’re right, I believe the roadblocks to our car enterprise could be being put in by the Russians, themselves.”

“Why?” My question pops out before I can stop myself. All eyes fall on me, clearly startled that I spoke. Of everyone in this room, no doubt I would be the least likely to ask questions.

“Because Bella, I have offended them by refusing their proposal of marriage between Rodion and my niece, Tilly,” Hunter tells me.

His admission takes me by surprise. Of everything I thought he could say, that wasn’t anywhere near the explanation I expected. I look at my husband and thank my lucky stars that he isn’t like his or my father were. He won’t force people to marry for the good of the family, it isn’t in him. But as I’m congratulating him and myself for the forwarding thinking stance on arranged marriage, I almost miss the next words out his mouth.

“Tilly is already betrothed to another man. A better match for our family,” he says, his tone professional as if he’s talking about a business deal rather than the romantic life of a family member. “I received the two proposals and chose the one who suited my needs best.”

“Who?” I snap, sitting forward in my seat. “Who have you sold her to?”

Hunter cocks his head to one side, assessing me slowly. His eyes run over my face—it feels like he’s trying to read my mind. The pride I felt for him a few moments earlier dissipates from every pore as the realization hits home. He put the family before his niece while deciding her life course. Some things never change.

“Tilly will be marrying…” He accentuates each word, an attempt to overshadow my “sold,” statement. “Domenico Lombardi. The joining of our families will be positive for us all.”

“But will he love her, Hunter? Will he be kind?” My voice rises, and all the others sit silently as I call my husband out in front of them all. After everything we’ve been through, how can he be applying the same restrictions on his own niece? His face darkens, furious at being stood up to. I scowl right back.

“She will never want for anything,” he says, bluntly.

“Enough said.” I stand up, picking up my bag. “It was lovely to meet you all.” I step away from the table and stalk toward the elevator. Hunter catches my elbow as I press the call button.

“Don’t walk away from me Bella,” he growls, his body hard behind me. I’m caught between the doors and him. “This can be discussed.”

“Like you discussed your niece’s life before marrying her off?” I snap as the elevator doors open. Hunter follows behind me as I step inside, the jeers from his friends disappearing as they close. “No, Hunter, this isn’t the life I want. I can’t stand by and watch another woman forced into marriage. That’s not love.”

“It was for us,” he challenges, but I ignore him. We are not the norm in our world. I’ve known dozens of women over the years who were married off to men who didn’t love them. I remember as a child how empty they were when we met them.

“Do they know one another? How old is he?” I continue, desperate to find a shred of evidence he looked into this more than a simple business deal.

“What’s with all the questions? You don’t know Tilly. Why does it matter?”

“Because…” I throw my hands up in the air, and he stares at me, completely blindsided by my outburst. In a way, I am too. “This was my life, and it fucking sucked. I can’t stand by and say this is okay.”

“I wasn’t looking for your permission, Bella. The purpose of today was to highlight the dangers we all face from our enemies. I need everyone to be aware at all times. That means increased security, and no random trips out. From today, we are on high alert.”

We reach the ground floor. I am out of the elevator and running for the car, needing to put space between him and I. As I jump into the back seat, Ronan turns around and nods. Hunter slides in beside me without a word. Ronan’s softer personality disappears, and he returns to being staff.

“Where to, sir?” he asks, turning back to face the front.

“Home, Ronan,” Hunter responds without looking my way. We sit in the back of the car together but miles apart, our few days of happiness evaporating with each turn of the wheels. Only hours ago, I believed we were on the right track; now I’m not so sure. Today has proven to me that this world is still one I don’t want to live in, but to have him I must. The question is, is our love enough?

Upon returning to the house, I excuse myself and make my way to my room. After throwing myself down on my bed, my head sinks into the pillows. I stare up at the ceiling, my mind bursting with all the crazy events that have happened since Hunter burst into my Zumba class a few months ago.

Our dead relationship has been revived. We’ve discussed moving forward and creating a family. When I’m with him, it’s all I want. But when I step back, it all seems too much to handle. Right now, I don’t know if I am cut out for this.

Time passes without notice. I keep myself busy tidying. Not that there is much to clean with Kasia’s attention to detail, but I pretend that there’s something to do. The sound of footsteps in the corridor outside takes my attention, then I see the small pink envelope being pushed under the door, my name written across the front like all the others.

My Darling Bella,

These past weeks with you have been the happiest I’ve known since the day you walked away. Having you back in my life has reminded me of everything I lost, everything I’ve longed for, and everything I still dream of.

There is no doubt in my heart that we were always meant to be. Time may have stolen years from us, but it could never take what we are to each other. No matter how much distance or heartache stood between us, my love for you never faded. It never wavered. It never could.

Every word I’ve spoken to you, every promise I’ve made—I mean them with every breath in my body. You and I, Bella, we deserve the life we once dreamed of, the family we always wanted. It may have taken us two decades to find our way back, but here we are. And I refuse to believe it’s by chance.

This is our moment. Our chance to finally have the life we were always meant to share. But I need to know, can you accept me with flaws, mistakes, and all the complications that come as part of me? Because, my love, I will spend forever proving to you that we are worth it.

I love you, Bella. I always have. And I will until my last breath.

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