Page 122 of Bride By Coronation

"I'd love to explore Lisbon," I gush.

"Okay, then that's what we'll do."

Sergio stops next to the table. "Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesties, but Brax is on the phone. He claims it's urgent and is in regard to the queen." He holds a phone out.

Kirill's expression goes stern. He takes it and answers, "Hello. This is Kirill," rubbing his thumb over my hand. Then he releases me, rises, and steps over to the rail, looking out over the Mediterranean.

My stomach flips.Why would Brax call about me?

Kirill snarls, "I'll kill them."

The hairs on my arms rise.

He shakes his head, listens for a few moments, then asks, "Who else is involved?"

I glance at Sergio, and I see he's wearing a scowl that's pinned on Kirill.

My husband declares, "Keep them alive and restrained until I get there. No food and only enough water to sustain them. Find out what they know."

I shiver, goose bumps raising on my skin.

Kirill warns, "I mean it, Brax. Make them talk."

Several moments pass.

Kirill's voice drops. "What do you mean they know?"

My gut churns so fast I get nauseous. I put my hand over it.

He shakes his head and states, "Thank you for informing me." He hangs up.

I rise and step beside him, place my hand on his arm, and ask, "What's wrong?"

He grinds his molars, staring at the sea.

"Please tell me. You said you wouldn't keep anything from me once we were married," I remind him.

Darkness floods his face. He turns to Sergio and orders, "Contact the flight crew. Coordinate with them the next port we can fly home from."

"Yes, sir," Sergio answers.

Kirill adds, "Have Matteo bring me Fiona's cell phone."

"Yes, sir," Sergio replies and disappears.

I repeat, "Tell me what's going on."

Kirill puts his hands on my cheeks, tilting my head up. He apologizes, "I'm sorry to have to cut our trip short. I'll make it up to you."

I demand, "Why are we going home?"

He takes a deep breath and says, "There's a plot to assassinate you."

"What?" I shriek.

He steps closer. His eyes narrow with hatred. "Don't worry. It won't happen. And I will make them pay as soon as we get home."

I gape at him, and he studies me.

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