Page 130 of Stolen Empire
Katya curls against my chest, and I hold her tightly with my arms locked around her as if I can keep her there through force of will alone.
She fits against me perfectly, her breathing gradually slowing to match my own.
"I won't lose you again," I say into her hair.
The words are both promise and threat.
I know she doesn't receive them that way because she stays limp and relaxed against me, but I won't let her walk away now.
I need her.
She presses her face against my shoulder.
"Then don't let go."
I tighten my grip until she makes a small sound of protest.
Only then do I ease back enough to let her breathe.
My mind is already working through the problems ahead.
The Radich’s will not stop with one failed attempt.
Other families will hear about Ekaterina Morozova and come looking for ways to use her name.
I'll have to move carefully, making it clear that she's under my protection while managing the political fallout from the old pact.
And then there's the problem of finding her family, convincing them that the Vetrovs haven't reneged on the agreement.
That one could take a bit of convincing.
But those are problems for tomorrow.
Tonight, she's alive and in my arms and I can breathe without the weight of her absence crushing my chest.
I run my hand down her spine and feel her shiver against me.
"Your mother in Perm. Does she know you're here?"
"No. I haven't spoken to her in years." Katya's voice carries guilt.
"I thought if I stayed away, I’d be happier…"
"We'll bring her to Moscow. Put her somewhere secure."
I feel her tense, and I keep talking before she can protest.
"The Radich’s knew who you were, which means others will know too. Your mother is leverage someone will try to use. I won't give them the chance."
She's quiet for a long moment.
Then she nods against my chest.
"Okay. But you have to promise she'll be safe."
"She'll be safer than you were tonight."
The memory of finding her locked up and bleeding sends fresh anger through me.
