Page 195 of Inferno

“Maybe that was exactly how it was meant to go. My father died to protect Conan, to stop a war, and ultimately, probably save all of his sons. Perhaps I was never meant to stop that from happening. As shit as it is, I think we can both confirm that fate works in funny ways.”

Fuck.

Tears well in my eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Declan. I wish I could turn back time.”

He shakes his head.

“I don’t. Because we wouldn’t be here, right now, putting our past to rest. Continue.”

I blow out a breath.

“After I returned home, Vlad believed our story. Except, another thing happened.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

“I was pregnant.”

“Isabella? That’s your daughter who you cried out for?”

I nod.

I’m waiting for him to realize.

“I tried to escape; it was my last chance before she was born, but it didn’t work. He killed my father as punishment, and I’velived in nothing short of hell since. I do everything I can to shield her. Thanks to Drago, Isabella is kept a secret from the rest of the family, she’s safe. I take the brunt of it all for her.”

Tears free fall down my face and Declan jumps out of his chair and rounds the table, taking the seat next to me.

When his arms wrap around me and I’m buried in his chest, a sense of calm washes over me.

“Shhhh. It’s okay, baby. Let it out.”

And I do. For the first time I let my emotions crash over me like a tidal wave, because I am safe here.

Chapter 76

DECLAN

Holy shit. I’m furious, but I’m not letting it take over.

She deserves better.

“Does he hurt his own daughter?” I ask and hold my breath, waiting for her answer.

If it’s yes, I’ll go there myself and burn his fucking home down to ashes.

She sniffles and pulls back, searching my eyes.

Fear lies beneath them, and I straighten my spine.

“She isn’t his.”

Frowning, I sit back, endless possibilities running through my head. That all seems to come to the same conclusion.

“How old is Isabella?”

I rub my hands on my pants as she looks away from me.

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