Page 101 of Thorns of Death
I nodded and turned to face the door where my sister-in-law looked to be fighting for her life, my brother by her side. I hadn’t talked to him nor seen him since I left the castle with Tatiana. Gosh, now it seemed like it was ages ago when it was only a few days ago.
So many things had changed. I’d learned my brother killed my mother. I’d gotten married. Tatiana had been hurt. All in the span of a few days.
I started to push the door open and noticed my wedding ring on my left hand. I managed to remove it discreetly and tuck it into my pocket, before opening the door and stepping inside, praying that Enrico didn’t see me do that. The crazy Italian wouldn’t be happy but tough shit.
Everyone’s eyes were instantly on me, some of them reaching for their guns, clearly visible under their suit jackets. So many pale blue eyes matching Tatiana’s. They had to be the brothers she mentioned.
Jesus, they were huge. Tall and built like MMA fighters.
My steps faltered and I almost retreated, when a familiar voice stopped me.
“Isla.” My eyes snapped to Illias. He looked like shit. Dark circles under his eyes. Bloodied clothes. And the scruff of a beard marred his cheeks and jaw.
The sound of the machine monitoring the pulse matched my own heartbeat.Beep. Beep. Beep.
Illias jumped up and rushed to me as I quickly shut the door, keeping Enrico out of sight.
“I came to check on Tatiana.”
Bigger than God. That’s how I’d always thought of my big brother. I loved him, I really did, but I couldn’t help my instinct flaring and taking a step back when he approached me. “Don’t.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I know what you did,” I rasped, my heart drumming hard. It threatened to crack my ribs.
Recognition flashed in his eyes and his shoulders slumped. “I wondered how long it’d take. Who told you?”
That’s right. Tatiana was kidnapped when I learned and didn’t have time to tell him. Fuck, I didn’t want to make him upset. I didn’t like seeing this larger-than-life man tired and broken. I knew I should pretend I didn’t know the truth, but I couldn’t.
I squared my shoulders. This wasn’t about me. It was about Tatiana. I’d be here for my brother, but it didn’t mean I’d pretend everything was okay.
“It doesn’t matter who told me. I know and I don’t forgive you, Illias,” I said, keeping my voice even, although my hands trembled. “All my life, I’ve been asking you about her and you lied. Over and over again. We won’t talk about it now.” I tilted my chin toward the bed where Tatiana’s body lay unmoving, her face too pale. “I’m here for her.” Hurt flashed in my big brother’s coal-black gaze. “And for you,” I added, my voice softening. “I love you and I want you to be happy. But I won’t just pretend I don’t know you killed my mother.” My voice cracked with emotions I tried to keep at bay. I wouldn’t cry now while Tatiana was fighting for her life. “When all this is over, and Tatiana is safe and healthy, I want answers. And you’re going to give them to me. Understood?”
Tension slithered through the air. It seemed everyone stopped breathing and their eyes were locked on us. Everyone’s but Tatiana’s.
“Where is my little sister?” Illias murmured softly, something resembling pride flashing in his eyes. But I had to be wrong. I couldn’t—no, Irefusedto believe he killed my mother to be vindictive. That wasn’t who he was. But somewhere along the line I’d started to wonder who Illias Konstantin really was. And I was done being treated like I couldn’t handle the truth.
“She grew the fuck up,” I said quietly. “And it happened almost overnight. Now, tell me, how is Tatiana? Are the babies—” I swallowed hard. I didn’t want to ask the painful question. “Is she going to be okay?”
“She’s stable,” he rasped, his voice breaking. “By some miracle, so are the babies.”
I smiled, taking his hand in mine and squeezing it. “She’s strong. She’ll pull through. If for nothing else than for the babies.”
My eyes flickered to the other side of the room to the three large figures with light blue eyes and pale, yellow hair. The same shade as Tatiana’s.
“Those are some genes,” I muttered under my breath, staring at them. The tattoos covering their skin were enough to frighten a man, never mind a woman. Yet, here I was, feet firmly planted. Maybe I was more Konstantin than Evans.Or Cortes,I couldn’t help but think.
Well, now you’re a Marchetti, my mind whispered. At this rate, I’d end up with an identity crisis.
“Hello,” I greeted them. It was rude to stare, but I couldn’t peel my eyes off them.
My brother followed my gaze, then shook his head, almost as if he forgot they were here.
“They’re Tatiana’s brothers,” he said, confirming my suspicions. “Vasili Nikolaev.” My eyes flickered to his large hand, tattoos on every one of his fingers screaming danger.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. N—”
“Vasili.” He cut me off. “Just Vasili. After all, we’re family now.”
