Page 193 of Bride By Coronation

She continues, "If my daughter was going to marry a Petrov, I'm thankful it was you."

I stay quiet, not trusting my voice.

"Is it fair to say there's something bigger out there that Sean created, and now his children are involved?" she asks.

"Yes."

She adds, "It's in their best interest if I stop asking questions?"

"Yes."

She glances at the woods, then rolls her eyes toward the sky and sighs.

I ask, "Can I please see Fiona?"

She pins her sympathetic gaze on me and shakes her head. "No. I'm sorry, but my daughter is very upset right now. I'm sure you understand why."

I clench my fist at my side. "Yes, and I'm sorry, Bridget. I'm so sorry for what my family did to you and Sean. He was one of the onlypeople that ever actually..." I look away again, blinking hard and pushing my fingers into my eyes.

"It's not your fault, Kirill," she claims.

I freeze again, holding my breath.

"Look at me," she orders.

I squeeze the bridge of my nose, collecting tears, then slowly meet her eyes.

She adamantly repeats, "It's not your fault."

My jaw tics. I swallow the lump in my throat. I declare, "If I could kill my father for what he did to you and Sean, I would. I would do it with my bare hands and torture him longer than I've ever tortured anyone."

Her lips twitch. "If I could watch you do it, I would. But we can't live through what-ifs, can we?"

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

She lifts her chin and states, "Fiona needs some time."

"How much?"

A tiny laugh bursts out of her.

Confused, I look at her in question.

"Sorry. You just sounded like Sean. He was just as impatient when he was in the doghouse with me."

"I just want to talk to her," I claim.

Bridget nods. "Yes, I understand. Give her some time. She'll tell you when she's ready."

I reveal my fear. "What if she never wants to speak to me again?"

Compassion fills Bridget's face. She insists, "She will. Just back off for now."

Not knowing what else to do, I sigh and agree. "Okay. But tell Dante I need to speak with him regarding security. And I'm not leaving New York."

Bridget smiles and pats my shoulder. "I'll let both of them know."

29

---