Page 64 of Bride By Coronation

I scoff. "Doubt that." I snatch the coffee mug out of her hand.

She shrugs, reiterating, "We will."

"Why don't you go home to Kirill?" I snarl.

She looks surprised at my words, and I can't deny feeling it too.

Why did I bring him up?

It's not the first time I've thought of him, remembered his fingers wrapped around my throat, the gleam in his blues, or how my body ached whenever he was near me. But he's a man I must forget, especially if I'm taking vows to tie myself to another. We have no future, even if I wasn't getting married. And I keep telling myself he's just a blip on the timeline of my life.

Maybe my husband will make me feel the same ache.

Doubt it.

Valentina studies me, and heat flares across my cheeks. I try to stop it but can't, hating myself for mentioning his name and showing her any of my cards. She purses her lips, peering at me closer.

I wait her out, not flinching.

She states, "I thought Kirill made it clear to you that he and I are friends. That's it."

I huff. "Sure didn't look like it."

"Why? Because you interrupted a conversation about a private matter you know nothing about?" she scolds.

More embarrassment hits me.

She quickly adds, "As far as I know, I'm Kirill's only friend. If I'm being open, I'll admit I can count mine on one hand. He's one of them."

"Yeah, okay," I mutter, wishing I'd shut up, but I'm not buying her story. No way she could be that close to him and not be attracted to him, so even if they're friends, I'm sure she wants him.

Anger flares across her expression. "We've never been anything but friends. You'll need to get over this notion you have about whatever it is you falsely believe is going on between us."

I grunt. "Why is that?"

She shuts her mouth, glares daggers my way, then shakes her head. "I'll be in the guest room. Take your time, Zara," she states, and strolls down the hall, enters the bedroom, then firmly shuts the door.

I redirect my irritation on Zara, closing the gap between us. "Why are you here?"

She keeps her tone soft. "Fiona, I have to talk to you about something serious. It's about the twins."

My anger morphs into worry. "What's wrong with them?"

"Nothing. But please, sit down." She points to the chair next to her.

I sigh and take a seat.

She stares at me, searching for something, but I don't know what.

I take a few sips of my coffee, then say, "I have to get to work soon. What is it?"

She takes a few deep breaths, reaches into her oversized blue bag, and pulls out an envelope. She sets it in front of me. "I need you to put this in your safe."

I glance at the yellow envelope. "What is it?"

Zara swallows hard, then blinks a few times, revealing, "Sean's and my trust."

My stomach flips. "Why do I need it?"

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