Page 122 of The Daredevil

“Then why wait?” She eyed me curiously.

“I haven’t seen him since I was five years old. It’s been too long.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I forgot what he looked like, Michelle. There’s a big gap in my life without him. He abandoned us. Yes, he took a bullet for me, but I’m not sure how I should feel. Right now, I feel more resentment than gratitude. I can’t help it. There are questions I need to ask, but the emotional storm in me is churning up debris, love.”

“I’ll help you sort out the debris.” Her expression softened as she touched my face gently. “Ifyou go visit him, I’ll move in with you. We don’t need to go today, though.”

“Is that an ultimatum?” I grinned at the woman who knew how to work me.

“I learned from the best.” A teasing smile quirked the corner of her mouth, and I wanted to nibble it.

My palms lowered to her ass and squeezed. “You’ve got me under a spell. I have no choice but to comply.”

CHAPTERSIXTY-SIX

MICHELLE

A few days later,Royce and I headed to Aunt Klara’s home. February had gone, and March had come, bringing a sense of hope in the air. Hope was ready to sprout. I resonated with the feeling because it mimicked what Royce and I had experienced. Or rather, were still experiencing.

We’d overcome some dark stuff, and now we deserved a season of renewal—a much-needed breath of fresh air.

For me, I’d achieved closure with my mom. We were now closer than ever before. I also released the monster—the eating disorder that crippled my psyche. It was gone. I didn’t have any urges to turn to food when I was scared or anxious. I didn’t force myself to work out for hours on end. Now I had a nice schedule with a three-day workout, and that was it. I didn’t feel guilty about it.

I didn’t realize how much I’d grown until I looked at the old Michelle.

Looking at Royce, love swelled in me. He’d helped me reclaim myself, and I felt stronger and more worthy because of him. This man had saved me more than once. I looked up at the sky and thanked the heavens for gifting me this amazing man. I couldn’t have planned it better. And I believed in fate wholeheartedly. It had woven an intricate plan for Royce and me. We couldn’t have avoided each other. Our lives had intersected so many times without our awareness. When we were aware, it became even more powerful.

I wanted him to find his closure too. He deserved it.

Studying his profile, I asked, “What are you thinking about?”

He turned and smiled. “You.”

“I’m serious.” I rolled my eyes.

A part of me understood Royce’s hesitation. This was a massive surprise that would shake up anyone’s life.

We gathered in Aunt Klara’s living room. Royce sat beside me on the maroon couch, and Viktor folded himself on the opposite couch with Aunt Klara. She made us all coffee, and I grabbed my mug and sipped.

Viktor looked better today. He had more color on his face, unlike that terrifying day.

I broke the silence and asked, “How are you feeling?”

“I’ll live. The bullet missed my vital organs, so that’s a blessing.” He looked over at Royce. “I know you’re angry at me, but please listen to what I have to say.”

“Wait.” Aunt Klara placed a hand over his. “Let me explain.”

Royce scowled as he glared at her hand gripping Viktor’s.

What was going on? Was Aunt Klara having an affair with her brother-in-law?

CHAPTERSIXTY-SEVEN

ROYCE

I didn’t knowhow much longer I could sit there and not explode with anger. The woman who took me into her home and raised me like her own was touching my father’s hand affectionately. Was I wrong to feel this inferno burning inside me?

Drawing in a deep, harsh breath, I seethed. “Then explain.”

Looking more nervous than I’d ever seen her, Aunt Klara said, “I knew what Viktor was doing all these years. That was why I moved to America. To ensure he succeeded with his mission.” She looked at me with sorrow in her eyes.

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