Page 124 of Bride By Coronation

He snaps, "Don't ever say that again!"

My eyes widen, and I cry out, "This is my family. All the people I love!"

He sighs.

I lean against the lounger, put my feet flat on the cushion, and click on my voicemail, scrolling through them but not listening to any of them.

Kirill stays silent, watching me.

"Thirty-four voicemails!" I exclaim, my dread growing.

"I'm sorry. I take full responsibility."

"It's not your fault."

"I should have investigated who sent the photos after Sean and Zara married," he insists.

I swipe on my text messages and hit the first one.

Sean:Call me. Shit's hitting the fan.

"Such a genius," I sarcastically mutter.

Kirill arches his eyebrows.

I tilt my head, scoffing. "My brother sent me a warning text to call him because shit is hitting the fan."

Kirill's expression is neutral. He suggests, "Maybe you should call him."

I debate, then ask, "What's the point? He's not going to offer any solutions."

A moment passes, and Kirill declares, "Everyone accepted Sean and Zara's marriage. It'll just take time."

I cry out, "You're a Petrov! It's not the same thing! They'll never accept you!"

Hurt, disappointment, and a bit of anger flash over his expression. He looks away.

I soften my tone and put my hand on his thigh. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean?—"

"To tell the truth?" he interjects, pinning his pained, narrowed eyes on me.

Guilt assails me. It's not his fault he's a Petrov. What they did to him is beyond horrible. I swallow the lump in my throat.

He turns toward the sea.

I don't move, trying to figure out a solution and not hurt him further.

Sergio steps in front of the lounger. "Your Majesties." He bows.

"Yes?" Kirill replies.

Sergio informs, "I made the arrangements. We'll stop in Barcelona within a few hours."

"Thank you," Kirill says.

Sergio nods and disappears.

My phone rings, and I freeze. My heart beats a thousand miles a minute.

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