Page 216 of Bride By Coronation

Kirill

A Week Later

My driver pulls up to the gate outside the Marino estate. The same security guard who gave me issues before narrows his eyes at me. With disgust, he sneers, "Mr. Petrov."

Fiona leans over me. She snaps, "Have some respect, Antonio, or you'll have to find another job. Understand me?"

His eyes widen. "I'm sorry, Ms. O'Malley."

She smiles while delivering a warning tone. "It's not Ms. O'Malley anymore. I'm Mrs. Petrov. And don't you forget it."

I hold in my chuckle.

Antonio glances at me briefly and then pushes the button. The gate opens, and the driver veers around the curve and parks next to the front steps.

I tease, "Maybe you should go a bit easier on the guy."

"He's not going to treat you like that," she insists.

"It's okay," I state, my nerves spiking. The last time I was here, Fiona wouldn't come out. Dante got pissed because I kept showing him holes in his security, and I was angry it would put Fiona at risk. Iwasn't as levelheaded as I should have been, and we didn't end things very well.

"Ready?" Fiona asks with excitement.

Don't be a pussy.

"Yes," I affirm and get out. I reach in for her, and my stomach flips.

Fiona wanted to announce her pregnancy to her mom and Dante in person. I wasn't going to deny her that request just to avoid discomfort.

She hops out of the car, and I guide her up the steps. Before she can grab the doorknob, the door flies open.

"There you are," Bridget chirps, hugging Fiona hard.

Fiona hugs her back. "Hey, Mom."

Bridget retreats, reprimanding, "Don't ever run out of here like that again without saying goodbye."

Fiona winces. "I'm sorry."

Bridget shakes her head but is smiling. She turns to me and embraces me in a hug.

Surprised, I tense for a moment, then hug her back.

"Kirill, how are you doing?" she asks, pulling out of the hug.

I nod. "I'm good, Bridget. It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too. Well, come on in. Don't stand out here all day," she asserts, smiling and stepping back. She opens the door wider.

My stomach flips with nerves again. We enter the mansion, and I glance around at the ornate staircase and foyer, noting, "This is a beautiful house."

"Thank you. Dante's father, Angelo, built it. You'll get to meet him later," she adds.

My anxiety heightens. I'm sure he won't be happy I'm in his house.

Bridget suggests, "Let's go into the sitting room. Dante's there."

"Okay," Fiona chirps, grabbing my hand and beaming at me.

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