Page 72 of Twisted Embrace

“The big, bad wolf. That would be perfect for the name for your band. I can see you as the lead vocalist. The girls would toss their panties onto the stage.”

“Women do that?”

“You haven’t been to a hot concert before?”

I took a sip of wine, thoroughly amused. “I can’t say I have.”

“My God. You haven’t lived until you’ve gone to see Disturbed or Avenged Sevenfold.”

“Two bands I do like.”

“You? A metal guy?”

“You might be surprised what else I enjoy.” I leaned over the table at the same time she did, our lips dangerously close.

“Somehow, I don’t think anything would surprise me about you.”

“Perhaps I’ll accept the challenge.”

It was her turn to laugh, the lilting sound joyful. If only it were true.

“Then I’ll look forward to it, Mr. Lazarro.”

Her lips were tempting as always, but she pulled away, taking a gulp of her wine. Then she reached for her pocketbook, yanking the envelope into her hand.

“You don’t need to do that now,” I told her.

“I don’t like things hanging over my head. Besides, remember what I told you about needing the truth.”

“Fair enough.”

While her hands were shaking, I could tell she was mentally trying to prepare herself. A few seconds later, she ran her fingernail under the flap, peeling it open. When he pulled the single piece of paper into her hand, she smiled as if already knowing the answer. “I had a dream last night, a premonition. I knew the results were in.”

“Perhaps we need to harness your premonitions.”

“I wish I could.” She took a deep breath and held it before unfolding the paper. I watched as she scanned it twice, refolding it and sliding it across the table. Then she lifted her glass. “Here’s to the birth of Sasha Petrov.” There were tears in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.

I allowed our glasses to touch, still studying her reaction. At that moment, I realized just how strong she was. After taking a sip, I glanced at the paper then shoved it back into my pocket. The DNA not only proved she wasn’t the biological child of the Levins, it also confirmed Igor’s claims. And just like that, my Russian princess had become one of the most important people in a war she had no business being in the middle of.

“Are you alright?” I finally asked.

“I’m certain I’ll confront how I feel later, but for right now I’m grateful to learn the truth. If only I knew who my birth mother was.”

“I will find out.”

She returned her gaze toward the ocean, and I was enthralled by every aspect of the woman. I hadn’t wanted a partner or anyone to interfere with my life, but I could see enjoying spending years together, enjoying sunsets just like this one. Maybe I was going soft.

I rose to my feet, taking her hand.

“What are you doing?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.

“Showing you how just how bad my rhythm truly is.”

* * *

Joy

I’d thought for certain finding out I had a completely different identity would hurt more than it did. Maybe I’d had enough time to come to terms with the possibility. I’d been prepared to feel numb but as the gorgeous man led me to the small dancefloor, for the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt normal. Or maybe my definition of normal had changed entirely.

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