Page 149 of Bride By Coronation

She glances around again, answering, "Yes. What wouldn't I love?"

Relief fills me. I admit, "I don't know, but I want you to feel like this is your home because it is now."

She steps forward and wraps her arms around my neck. "It's beautiful. And I'm sorry that you had to go through that." She kisses me on the lips.

I kiss her back, then retreat, assuring, "You don't have to say you're sorry. Your family is hurt, but I promise you, we will figure this out with them."

A sad look crosses her expression. "I don't know, Kirill, but I'm tired. Where's the bedroom?" She releases me and steps back.

I take her hand and walk her through the penthouse and into the bedroom.

She goes to the side of the bed, strips off her clothes, and slips under the sheets. She questions, "Are you coming to bed?"

I swear there's a hopeful look in her eyes, but I'm probably imagining it, so I silently scold myself. I reply, "I have a few things I need to do. I'll be in soon."

"Okay." She curls into the pillow.

I lean down, kiss her head, and shut the bedroom door. I call my head of security.

Draco answers, "Sir?"

"Are there any cameras or devices remaining in my house?"

"No, sir. We found four. Then we did another scan, but nothing else turned up."

"You're sure no one's watching us or listening?" I ask, feeling paranoid.

"Yes, sir." His tone is sure.

"Okay." I hang up and pace around the penthouse, trying to figure out how to get Fiona's family to come around. The last thing Sean O'Malley would've wanted was for his daughter not to speak to Bridget or even Dante.

Then, another realization hits me. A bigger problem looms.

I go into my office, turn on the computer, and open the dark web. I go into The Underworld chat room with the Royal Council. It's comprised of thirteen Omni, not all 666 that hold seats at the table. I glance at the calendar of moon phases and then type.

Me: Meeting on waning gibbous.

I send the message and sit back, worrying about how to protect Fiona, who the traitor is within The Underworld and if it's an Omni, and how to get Fiona back in good graces with her family.

23

Fiona

The scents of leather, rosewater, saffron, and jasmine flare around me.

Kirill.

I smile, curl into him, then open and close my eyelids a few times. It's still dark in the room, but something tells me it's later in the day. I kiss the scar on the back of his shoulder, then trace it withmy finger.

He stirs, glancing over at me with furrowed brows. In a gravelly tone, he asks, "Everything okay?"

"Mm-hmm." I lean closer, pressing my lips against his.

He turns over to face me, sliding his hand through my hair and gripping it tight.

I slide my tongue deeper into his mouth, the ache growing between my thighs.

He groans, and his erection presses against my leg.

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