Page 58 of Sinful Union

I lead her down a corridor off the kitchen to the downstairs study. We step inside, and I close the door, leaning against it, my arms folded. My mind is a storm of questions, but I wait for her to speak first.

“Thank you,” she says quietly.

“For what?”

A tremor passes through her. “For not demanding an explanation in front of everyone, in front of Ana.”

I watch her carefully. She’s trembling slightly, but anger still lingers in my chest, preventing me from going to her. “Kat, who is that little girl?”

I don’t really need to ask, I already know.

She chews her lip, looking away briefly before meeting my eyes. “Her name is Ana, and she’s our daughter.”

The words are deafening, though I hear them clearly.

“She’s our daughter?”

Kat’s eyes brim with tears. She nods once. “Yes, she’s five. I found out I was pregnant right after my parents died. Piotr sent me away to live with an aunt to keep the baby and me safe.”

I see red for a moment, furious at having missed the first five years of my child’s life. I clench my fists. “How could you keep this from me?” My words come out sharper than I intend, but I can’t help it. The anger is raw, undercut by heartbreak. “Especially after being in my home all this time?”

She flinches, tears threatening to fall. “I’m sorry. At first, I truly thought I was protecting her from you and your family. Piotr had me convinced that you were a danger to us. But now, I don’t know what to believe. I just know that I can’t live without seeing her every day.”

I grit my teeth to hold back a string of curses. Anger, confusion, and a fierce protectiveness surge within me all at once.

“You raised her alone?”

Kat’s lower lip trembles. “She’s amazing—bright, curious. Vlad and Camille helped. They still do. But I had to be cautious, especially once Piotr started making moves.”

A flash of rage and betrayal crosses her face.

I push off the chair, pacing the small space. “Why bring her here now?”

Her eyes turn dark. “Because Piotr took her. He threatened me with her safety unless I…” She exhales before speaking again. “He said I had to kill you, or I’d never see her again.”

My blood turns cold, every protective instinct on overdrive. “He used our daughter against you?”

Kat grabs my arm, her eyes wide. “We have to be smart. Piotr crossed a line. If we move impulsively, we risk everything.”

She’s right. I can’t barrel into a confrontation without a plan.“He’ll pay,” I say firmly. “I won’t let him get away with this.”

She sighs. “I know.”

My thoughts are still spinning as the realization of Ana settles deeper. “My child.”

Kat lowers her gaze. “I’m not sorry I protected her, but I am sorry I didn’t tell you once I began to suspect Piotr.”

“What’s done is done. She’s here now.” A rough laugh slips out, half disbelief, half joy. “I’m furious, but I’m also happy. I have adaughter.”

Kat’s tears finally spill. “Thank you,” she whispers, stepping into my arms. I hold her, letting our moment of closeness smooth over my frayed nerves. When we break apart, I feel calmer.

“What now? I won’t let Piotr near her.”

She stiffens. “We must ensure her safety, then we’ll handle everything else—Piotr, the truth about my parents, whatever Darya told you.”

“Agreed. She’s waiting for us.”

Kat musters a weak smile. “Yes. Let’s go.”

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