Page 113 of Bride By Coronation

His lips twitch. "Your father."

The grief I feel surrounding my father creeps into my chest.

Kirill cups my chin, looking into my eyes, then declares, "You are the most like your father, not your brother."

I swallow the lump in my throat.

He arches his eyebrows. "You don't believe me?"

I shrug. "Everyone says Sean is like him."

Kirill shakes his head, insisting, "No, my queen. You have your father's heart and head more than your brother."

I stay silent, wondering if it's true.

He asks, "Do you remember in my letter the story I told you about your father and the moon?"

"Yes."

More pain fills his sharp features. His face darkens, but then he states, "Your father is the one who found me. I was still strung upside down and bleeding. He took me to safety and nursed my wounds until they clotted."

More nausea churns in my gut.

Shame fills Kirill's face. He adds, "The night he took me to see the moon was the second time he saved me. It was the night I almost killed myself. So when I say I'm only alive because of him, it's not an exaggeration."

18

Kirill

Sympathy, compassion, and worry mix in Fiona's glistening expression. I curse myself for revealing the last part and quickly state, "It was a long time ago. I'm only telling you so you understand how much I respected your father. He was a good man."

She blinks a few times and nods. She quietly says, "Thanks for sharing that with me."

I slide down onto the mattress, suggesting, "Why don't we try to get some rest?"

She follows suit, curling her body beside mine and resting her cheek on my chest.

I push a button on the wall, and the shades lower over the windows.

"Wow. Fancy," she teases.

I smile, relieved to change the subject. I stroke her back and kiss her on the forehead. "Get some sleep."

She yawns and slides her leg over mine. "Okay." She shuts her eyes.

I study her for several minutes, then realize she's passed out. Her lips part, and her peaceful demeanor calms me so much I fallasleep too.

Several hours later, I wake up, spooning her.

That's ironic.

I didn't know what that meant, but now I'm fully engaging in it while I'm asleep.

Hmm.

I move my arm, but she grabs it, pushing my hand under the pillow and digging her ass against my cock.

Surprised and amused, I grunt.

---