Page 143 of Bride By Coronation

"It's not just a ring, Fiona."

I take it off, and my finger feels empty. It's the first time I've removed it since Kirill sent it to me. I hold it out to her. "Do you want it? You can have it if you need it that much."

She stares at it and then lifts her gaze back to my face.

More pain hits me. I hate doing this to her. In all reality, it is her ring, but I continue to push. "Take it, Mom. If you need it that badly and want it, then take it."

She stares at it one more time and then shakes her head. "No, I'm not taking your ring. But that's your father's design."

Relieved she won't take it, I put it back on my finger, softening my voice and sincerely apologizing. "I'm sorry I've caused you pain."

"Caused me pain? Fiona, what did you think would happen? You married a Petrov. This isn't the same as Sean and Zara running off and getting married. That was bad enough, but this?" She shakes her head at me in disappointment.

"Mom—"

"No, Fiona. This isn't something you can just do and expect everyone to turn a blind eye at."

Kirill's Russian accent sounds from the doorway. "I think we owe you some answers, Bridget."

I spin toward him, and my heart pounds harder. I'm so relieved he's here.

He pins his gaze on Mom and declares, "I think it's best if we go sit down."

She hesitates, then brushes past him and enters the main room just as Dante walks through the door.

He booms, "How did you get in here?"

Kirill states, "You have holes in your security. I told you this."

"I thought your security was here to fill those holes," Dante accuses.

Kirill nods. "They are, and that's how I got in. And as I said, I'll ensure you understand where the holes in your security are, but not tonight. Right now, we need to discuss other matters."

Dante clenches his jaw with hatred in his dark eyes.

"We should get going," I say, feeling like I need a break from this conversation.

"No, he owes me answers," Mom seethes.

The anxiety in me grows.

Kirill motions to the couch. "Please, sit down. Everyone."

Mom sits, and Dante takes the seat beside her.

I sit on the love seat, and Kirill sits next to me. I put my hand on his thigh.

Mom's gaze shoots to my hand, then back at me.

The horrible feeling fills me again.

Kirill starts, "What I'm about to tell you needs to stay in this room, and until I have full agreement on that, I cannot disclose anything."

Mom nervously glances at Dante.

Kirill continues. "I mean it. No Moreno, O'Connor, O'Malley, or Ivanov can know what I will disclose to you. If you do share this information, your daughter's life will be at stake."

Mom gasps.

---