Page 88 of Blood Oath Christmas
"I know," I whisper, and I mean it more than I've ever meant anything in my life.
He crosses to me in two quick strides, cupping my face in his hands and pressing a hard, possessive kiss to my lips that leaves me breathless. When he pulls back, his thumb traces my bottom lip.
"It’s going to be okay," he murmurs, and the promise makes my knees weak even as I'm getting dressed.
By the time we make it downstairs, I've managed to compose myself on the outside, but inside, I'm a mess of nerves and conflicting emotions. Agent Cole is standing by the window, her blonde hair pulled back in that same severe bun, while a tall, thin man with graying temples stands beside her.
"Mrs. Mikhailov," Agent Cole says, and there's something in the way she emphasizes my married name that makes Konstantin's hand tighten on my lower back. "Thank you for joining us."
"Agent Cole," I reply, proud that my voice doesn't shake. "What can we do for you?"
The other agent steps forward. "I'm Agent Martinez. We're here about the incident at the Antonov warehouse last night."
I feel Konstantin go completely still beside me, though his expression doesn't change. That mask of controlled indifference that he wears so well slides into place, and suddenly, he's every inch the dangerous man I know him to be.
"What incident?" Konstantin asks, his voice perfectly level.
My stomach drops. The warehouse where Vadim held me. Where Konstantin and his men came to get me back.
"There was significant violence," Agent Cole continues, her sharp eyes moving between Konstantin and me. "Several casualties. The building was destroyed. We have reason to believe this was the result of a territorial dispute between families."
Konstantin's expression doesn't change. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
I stare at him, shocked. He's not going to tell them that Vadim kidnapped me? That everything that happened was because Vadim took me against my will?
Agent Martinez pulls out a tablet, swiping to what looks like crime scene photos. Even from where I'm standing, I can see the destruction. "The warehouse was registered to a shell company we believe is connected to Vadim Antonov. Do either of you know Mr. Antonov?"
"I know of him," Konstantin says carefully. "But we don't associate."
The lie rolls off his tongue so smoothly, it's almost believable. But I know the truth of the decades-old blood feud, the way Vadim's jealousy has poisoned everything between their families.
"Mrs. Mikhailov," Agent Cole's attention turns to me, and I feel Konstantin tense beside me. "Were you at home last night?"
"Yes," I manage, my voice steadier than I feel. "We had dinner and went to bed early."
It's not entirely a lie. We did go to bed—after Konstantin's men rescued me from hell.
Agent Cole studies me for a long moment, and I can feel Konstantin's eyes on me too, watching my every reaction. The weight of both their gazes makes my skin prickle.
"Mrs. Mikhailov, could I speak with you privately for a moment?" Agent Cole asks.
"No." Konstantin's response is immediate and final.
"It's okay," I say, surprising myself. I place my hand on his arm, feeling the tension coiled in his muscles. "I don't mind."
His green eyes search mine, and I see something flicker there—surprise, maybe even pride. After a moment, he nods curtly.
Agent Cole leads me to the far side of the room, near the windows overlooking the gardens. But she doesn't lower her voice when she speaks.
"Are you here of your own free will, Mrs. Mikhailov?" she asks, loud enough that I know Konstantin can hear every word.
"Of course I am." The answer comes without hesitation. "This is my home. Konstantin is my husband."
She nods, then leans closer, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Do you have what we discussed?"
The thumb drive. My heart races as I think about it, probably still in my purse back at that warehouse. But even if I had it right here in my hand, I know with absolute certainty that I wouldn't give it to her.
Something has shifted inside me. Maybe it was seeing Konstantin's face when he thought he'd lost me. Maybe it was the way he held me afterward, like I was the most precious thing in his world. Or maybe it was the moment I realized I'm carrying his child.
