Page 24 of Daniil
We disconnect and I decide to try at least the first of his suggestions.A good workout at the hotel gym will help me burn off energy and quell some of the anxiety churning in my gut.
Tomorrow, I’ll think about what comes next.
Chapter10
Courtney
The number flashingon the screen of my phone is unfamiliar but I recognize the country code.There’s no doubt in my mind it’s Lennox.I suspected this would happen, and I’m more resigned than upset.A little embarrassed because she and I used to be so close.I owe her an explanation—and an apology.
“Hello?”I answer cautiously.
“Courtney?It’s me.”
“Hey.”
“How are you?”
“Eh, I’m sure you’ve heard all the gossip, so you know I’m not great.”
“I wish you’d trusted me.”
“I couldn’t tell you a secret that would force you to lie to your husband.”
She sighs.“I know but… this is a big deal.I mean, you had ababy.”
“His name is Micah.”
“Daniil’sson.Our children are now first cousins.”
For some reason, that makes me want to cry.
“So talk to me.Tell me what’s going on.”
“Didn’t you already hear all about it?”
“I know the basics of what happened up until Daniil found out about Micah.But I don’t know what’s happening now.Present tense.Between the two of you.”
“Nothing.I mean, he’s here in Vegas.He called me this morning asking if we could talk.He’s coming over for dinner.”
“And?”
“And what?I can’t stop him from filing for custody or whatever he’s going to do.I just have to figure out how to protect Micah no matter what he decides.”
“You make it sound like Daniil won’t take your concerns into consideration.”
“Come on, we both know these guys.Rich, powerful men—he’s never going to let me keep his son from him.I’m going to have to compromise, giving him visitation or partial custody or whatever.I don’t like it, but I’m not stupid.I don’t have the means to stop him.His position and wealth pretty much mean he can do whatever he wants.”
She’s quiet for a beat too long.
“What?”I ask, a little irritated.
“Is that what you think of me?My husband?My family?”
“I can’t speak for you,” I say.“I’m not hopelessly in love or?—”
“Hopelessly?That’s not how I would describe how I feel about my husband.He loves me and our boys more than anything.”
“Not more than protecting the royal family.I was there the night you almost died, Lennox.You can’t sugarcoat this.”
