Page 26 of Dragon Bodyguard
“My dear,” Ilya said, a hand against her cheek. “I’m so very glad you’re all right.”
“I’m only all right thanks to Misha,” she said, this time looking over at him and holding his gaze steadily.
He met it, a little surprised. She could tell. But when her father turned to him, Misha’s gaze moved from hers to Ilya’s.
“Misha Sidorov,” Ilya greeted. “Yes, of course. I thought you were head of security.”
“I am,” Misha said. “There was no one else around to take responsibility for your daughter, sir.”
“So, you took it upon yourself.”
“I did,” Misha said with a curt nod.
“Lucky for us,” Ilya smiled, walking up to him. “Thank you,” he added. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.” With that final comment, Ilya embraced him.
The ultimate sign of approval—an embrace from a ruling head.
Misha appeared mildly startled, completely taken aback by the gesture. Kristina bit her lower lip nervously. Something felt off, and she couldn’t put her finger on what it might be.
Ilya pulled back, placing either hand on either of Misha’s shoulders, eyes connected with his for another prolonged moment of gratitude.
“Sir,” Misha said. “I would like to debrief you on the situation.”
“Of course!” Ilya said. “As you should. But let’s do it after dinner, eh? You will join us. No, I insist,” he finished, shutting Misha’s protest down before he could even attempt to utter it.
“Please,” Dmitri seconded the invitation, and that was that.
Misha gave another small nod of his head as thanks and as confirmation. She felt like joining at his side, staying close, so that he could feel her support. Why did she think he needed it? Why did she even think he’d want it? What was wrong with her?
Then his eyes met hers again and her heart picked up its pace.
There was nothing wrong with her.
All it really came down to was that she was still in love with him.
But where did that leave her? It wasn’t like their lives were more compatible now than they ever had been. She took her eyes out of his, feeling a tremble. What if it didn’t matter? What if all that mattered was that she wanted to be close to him again? He felt like the eye of a storm that had been raging around her for her entire life. That effect he had, the calm he exuded, it was what had made her fall for him the first time around. What if that was all that mattered?
She didn’t care about the rest of their lives.
All she wanted to care about was right now.
And finding out if he felt the same.
Chapter 9 - Misha
The dining hall wasn’t used for smaller gatherings, and Misha headed into the dining room adjacent to the hall at precisely seven o’clock. He knew dinner would be served at seven-fifteen because that’s the time it was served every single evening. He’d spent more hours than he’d kept a track record of standing by one of the doors, watching as Dmitri entertained his guests, regaling them with amazing stories of a life well-lived.
For the past few years, Dmitri’s mate Anna had joined in. They were a good match. Anna wasn’t around this weekend, as she was visiting her family. Misha quietly wished she had been. He had a feeling she would have anchored any awkwardness and kept the conversation flowing. Along with the wine.
Misha was the second person there.
Kristina was eyeing one of the paintings, head turning to him when he stopped next to her.
“Hi,” she said.
“You all right?”
“Do I not seem all right?” she wondered, a small smile on.
