Page 73 of Bride By Coronation

Brax queries, "Fiona's never had panic attacks before, has she?"

"Not to my knowledge," Sean admits.

"I thought you would want to know. I'll let you know more information as I receive it," Valentina states, then slips out the door.

I race toward it and exit the gym, shutting the door behind me.

She spins to face me. "You can't follow me."

"I know. I just..."

Valentina arches her eyebrows, still upset.

I gather my thoughts and finally offer, "Please tell her I hope she's okay."

"I'll leave out the part about how her brother and you are acting like toddlers," she scoffs.

"He had it coming," I blurt out.

Her gaze darkens.

"Don't look at me like that. I saved his ass, and now I'm in the shit along with his sister. And he changed the course. All of this is because of the choices he and Zara made," I argue.

Her disapproving look intensifies.

"Stop looking at me like I'm wrong," I say.

She steps closer and reminds me, "You chose to give your token."

"To save his ass and Zara's."

"You chose." She jabs me in the chest.

My heart pounds harder. I clench my jaw.

She lowers her voice. "For God's sake, today is not the day to have blood and bruises on your face. How do you think Fiona will feel if your mask comes off and your face is unrecognizable?"

I grunt. "She might prefer it."

Valentina jerks her head back, gaping at me.

Self-loathing swirls in my gut, mixing with the disappointment I feel about relaying my inner thoughts out loud.

"Grow up, Kirill. Don't make this about you."

I grind my molars.

"We chose this life. Fiona's been thrown into it, thanks to Sean's and your choices. She's saving all your asses. And don't think for one minute you aren't to blame. So before you kill her brother, think about what it'll do to her. In fact, why don't you try to make peace with him? Hating Sean won't make this transition any easier on her."

I stay quiet, wallowing in guilt. The last thing I want to do is hurt Fiona further.

Valentina tosses another sharp look my way, spins on her heel, and disappears down the hall.

For several moments, I lean against the wall, considering all she said. I squeeze my fists at my sides, hating that something is going on with Fiona and I'm not there. I finally decide Valentina's right. The only thing I can do right now is try to make peace with Sean.

I open the door and enter the gym.

Sean scowls at me.

---