Page 12 of Lethal Hearts

While they were in the hospital, Harper kept wondering if Don Juan would make another move but of course, nothing happened. Two of Mikhail’s men were also watching her father, she reminded herself.

Finally, they arrived at Mikhail’s penthouse suite. Once they were inside his apartment, she noticed the boxes in the living room.“Were you expecting a delivery?” she asked.

“Take a look at the closest box,”Mikhail suggested.“Or if you like, we can leave the surprise for tomorrow.”

Suddenly curious about what she’d find, Harper approached the nearest box. After peeling off the tape, she opened the flap. Books peered at her. Her favorite paperbacks, she realized, picking up one of the romance books.

Finally having an idea of what he did, Harper picked a second box and found her clothes inside. She gasped as the realization dawned on her. She thought she’d never see her things or her father again. Don Juan’s men had broken into their silent house and had taken her and her father captive.

Tears gathered in her arms. Harper didn’t realize she was starting to tremble. Mikhail was suddenly there, holding her in his arms.“I sent some of my men to your house to retrieve your personal belongings,” Mikhail explained.

Harper thought of the last time she’d been in the Valenti mansion, of the bullets embedded in the walls and the sad bodies of the few men that did remain loyal to her father, in the corridors.

Mikhail had done her a favor, because she didn’t think she’d be able to step foot in that house ever again, even if they managed to restore it to its former glory.

“Thank you,” she whispered.“For everything.”

“I just want to make my future wife happy,” Mikhail said.“Are you pleased with me?”

It struck Harper that a man like Mikhail probably didn’t really know what a genuine relationship between two individuals was like. He didn’t love her, not really. Hell, lust was what probably drove him to these strange actions, but still, Harper had to acknowledge this was a sweet gesture.

“I’m pleased,” she answered, leaning against him.

“There will be more good things to look forward to,” Mikhail said, kissing her on the cheek.“Now, off to bed with you.”

Chapter Six

The next day, Harper’s father still hadn’t regained consciousness. Harper spent half the day by his bedside and the other half trying to acclimate to her new life.

She wouldn’t consider Mikhail’s apartment home yet. That would take time, but she was slowly learning what it was like living with someone else.

Herfiancé—what a strange word to use, but Harper wasn’t planning on backing out from their deal. Mikhail told her he’d announce their engagement to the public soon. Harper wondered how Don Juan would take the news.

On the third day, one of the nurses called Harper.

“Your father is awake and is asking for you,” the nurse said on the phone.

Her name was Amber. Amber had been nothing but understanding and kind to her during her visits. She thought Amber sounded a little nervous but perhaps it was just a bad connection.

“Please tell him I’ll be there soon,” Harper said. She wondered why her father hadn’t contacted her himself, then remembered his phone battery was dead.

She ended the call just as Mikhail joined her in the dining room. Harper stared, unable to help herself—he was wearing jeans and nothing else. Mikhail looked like he just emerged from the bathroom. Rivulets of water dripped down the hard planes of his inked chest and abs. Her mouth watered.

Mikhail only flashed her a predatory smile. She still slept in his spare guest room but sooner or later, she knew she had to move in his room. They would be husband and wife, after all. The prospect didn’t scare her at all, in fact, it excited her.

“Who called?” Mikhail asked.

“The hospital. My father’s awake. I’m going to see him after a quick shower and change of clothes,” Harper said.

“I’ll go with you,” he said.“He must be informed of our upcoming nuptials.”

Harper blushed for no reason. She didn’t think her father would mind their union. In fact, Alfonso Valenti would probably think of it as a smart business decision. The first good one his daughter ever made for the sake of the familia.

“All right,” Harper said.“What about work?”

“I usually take Sundays off,” Mikhail said with a shrug.

“So, that’s why you’re not in your usual suit?” Harper asked. Oh God. Was she actually flirting with him?”

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