Page 66 of Savored Innocence

“We weren’t lying to anyone but ourselves is what I mean. You are mine, and you will always be mine.” He leans closer and brushes his lips across mine. It’s too tender, like I’m going to break if he’s too harsh.

“So, we were always engaged, even though we weren’t?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Yes.”

“But you never asked.”

He reaches into the pocket of his jeans and pulls out the engagement ring I’d given to Mandy to return to him. Picking up my left hand, he poises it over my finger.

“Billie, you’re going to marry me, yes?” He lifts his gaze to mine.

“That’s not how you ask.”

“It was a question, answer it,” he demands, a little more force returning to his voice.

“Yes, I’m going to marry you.” It’s the most normal I’ve felt in days, when he slips the ring over my knuckle and puts it back where it belongs. Then he kisses me. No more hesitation, no sweetness to it, just raw obsessive possession. And it makes my soul soar.

A burst of laughter echoes from downstairs.

“How many people are here?” I look at the open doorway.

“Everyone is here. My brothers, their wives, Hanna and Gregor. Maxim and Mandy, my father.”

“Your father?”

“Yes, he’s a changed man apparently.” He rolls his eyes.

“Maybe him not being here with you and your brothers has made him realize there are more important things than being the most powerful man in the room,” I offer.

“We’ll see.” He doesn’t sound completely convinced, but I’m sure in time they’ll find their way back together. Just like he and I did.

“Can I ask a question?” I lean back against my pillows. “About what happened? The people there and Anastasia. What happened to them?”

His face hardens. “Some things are for daddies to know only.”

“Yes, but… I don’t understand. Why was that gang man there? I just… why?”

He sighs. “A man that we use to gather information for us betrayed us. I had him look into the gang back in Chicago. To be sure there was no danger for you. He said there was none. He lied to me and then sold the information about your whereabouts to the cousin of the man your father killed. He got in touch with Anastasia to broker a deal.” He takes a deep breath. “All of it was my fault.”

“You had someone look into my past? After I told you?”

“I wanted to be sure you were safe. You are now because the asshole that touched you is dead. He was the only one left still looking for you. The other members don’t want any trouble with us, or with our allies in Chicago.”

“How do you know?” If one man was willing to betray him, why wouldn’t another?

“Because Hanna’s brother, Jakub, is in Chicago. He’s assured me the issue is closed.”

“Jakub. I forgot,” I say. Maybe that’s the silver lining here. The enemy was drawn out and we can rest assured it’s all really over.

I touch his cheek. His beard is longer, untrimmed.

“You haven’t shaved,” I say.

“I’ve been too busy turning the city upside down looking for you.” He wraps his hand around my wrist and pulls my palm to his lips, kissing it softly.

“I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head. “No, baby girl. Well, except for giving your ring to Mandy to give to me. For that, I owe you one hell of a spanking, but I’ll wait until you’re feeling better.”

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