Page 83 of The Pakhan's Kidnapped Bride
“Thank you,” I whisper again, stepping away from him.
My brother and his men leave, climbing into their SUVs behind bulletproof glass. They drive away and leave Emmanuil and me standing by his car outside the safe house.
“That went as well as can be expected,” Emmanuil grins, pulling me close to his side.
“What are you smiling about? We still need to talk to him properly? We don’t know if he’ll help us yet,” I huff, tension still knotted inside me.
“I’m smiling because he would never have left you with me if he didn’t believe you, kitten. He’s already on our side. That was his first gesture to acknowledge us being together.”
“Oh,” I say, realizing he’s right.
“Now, I need to swallow a few painkillers and lie down for a bit,” Emmanuil groans, and I see fresh blood has soaked through his shirt from the struggle with my brother’s guards.
“You need proper stitches,” I scold him. “I’ll drive.” I hold my hand out for the car keys.
“Not a chance,” he snorts, climbing into the driver’s seat, moaning as he settles in and his wounds cause him pain. I roll my eyes.
“Still not letting me take care of you,” I huff, pulling the passenger door closed.
“No, kitten, you’remineto take care of. Now and for always.
“Home?” Emmanuil smiles, starts the car, and heads towards his mansion.Our home.On the way there, I pull my phone from my pocket. There are a number of messages from Georgie. She’s still worried, checking in to see if I’m okay.
I message her again and tell her things are better than okay.
Chapter 25 - Emmanuil
Anya put up quite a fight this morning, arguing that she should come with me to the meeting with her brother. But her brother was very specific—man to man. Alone. And because I want to start this meeting on a good foot, I have to honor that.
I left her sulking at the mansion, demanding that I call her as soon as the meeting ends. I kissed her goodbye and laughed at her pouting face.
“I’ll call you right away,” I reassured her before I left.
“You better,” she said, warning me with her narrowed gaze.
Now, I’m in the elevator, being carried up to the top floor of my own office building. I’m early, wanting to get here before Kristopher so that I can clear my thoughts and be ready for whatever he has to say.
This conversation has been a long time coming. Neither of us knew we had to have it, and there is a lot of history between us that we have to find a way to let go of. I’ve hated him for so long, it’s a strange idea to just forget it all. But for her, I will do anything. And the reason for my hatred is null and void. It was never legitimate to begin with.
As is his hatred towards me.
Sitting at my desk waiting for him to arrive, I’m tense, anxious to get started. Luckily, Kristopher arrives early too, and I don’t have to wait long. He walks in, a stern look on his face. I stand and walk around to the front of my desk, holding my hand out to shake his.
“To a new beginning?” I ask.
“Yes, agreed,” he says. “But there is a lot I have to tell you. I discovered some things yesterday that put this whole mess into perspective.”
I narrow my eyes, wondering what he’s found out.
Gesturing towards the couches at the window of my office, we sit down, both eager to get started.
“Your mother,” he says.
My confusion thickens. “What about my mother?” I ask tensely, wondering how she is the first thing he wants to discuss.
“It started with her. Before you were born.”
“Okay,” I say, leaning back in the chair, telling myself to be patient and listen.
