Page 97 of Beautiful Devil

“That’s generous of you since you’ve never met him.”

“He didn’t get a choice in the family he was born into any more than I did.”

I squeezed his arm, proud of him, but I dare not say it. “And the other half?”

“I’m going to make certain the animals in the sanctuary have a better home, even if that means giving them to more qualified people. The rest I’ll give to charity.”

I stopped where I was, turning to face him. “Mr. Volkov. I think my goodness is rubbing off on you.”

He yanked me off my feet, turning me around in a full circle. “Don’t you ever call me that again and you need to remember at all times I’m a very bad man. I will prove that to you later.”

The man made me swoon. As he eased me down, I pressed my hand against his chest. “You really are a very good man. However, I won’t share your secret with anyone.”

His laugh almost brought tears to my eyes for no other reason than he’d allowed me to see a part of him no one else would ever be allowed to. That was a gift that would remain with me forever.

“You know what will happen if you do.” He rubbed his thumb across my chin then pulled his hand away. “There’s one more thing. It’s your choice entirely what you do with the flash drive. I have no right to demand anything of you.”

“As you pointed out, your name and limited information is on the drive. That could lead members of law enforcement in your direction.”

“I can handle the heat.”

I took a deep breath, glancing toward the garden. “It’s beautiful here. A girl could call this her home.”

“I’ve never thought of this as a home, but you’re right.”

The quiet moment between us was more awkward than usual.

Kiki barked, suddenly racing toward the other side of the garden. When I noticed a twinkle in his eyes, I frowned. “What did you do? Don’t tell me you bought me my own horse.”

“I will buy you a dozen if you’d like.”

It was easier to talk to him than before. I wanted to say it was because the pressure had been lifted, but I knew better. His gun was never far from his side. He’d beefed up security, adding at least two dozen additional soldiers. While the area might not be a prison, no one would be able to get in or out without permission.

Including me.

“You better go find out what’s wrong with her,” he encouraged.

I shook my head as I backed away, jogging through the slight maze of shrubs and trees. When I found the pup, shock raced through me.

“You are a baby girl, aren’t you?” my mother cooed as she leaned over in her chair, rubbing Kiki’s face.

“Mama,” I merely whispered, but somehow she heard me.

As she turned her head, I could swear she looked healthier than when I’d seen her. I moved toward her, kneeling down. “I don’t understand.”

“What’s there to understand? Your man insisted that I be taken to his home.” Her smile was infectious, and I wasn’t wrong. Even her eyes were brighter, a clear indication she was feeling better.

“My man?” I bit my lip, darting a look in Kostya’s direction. He stood with his hands in his pockets, watching our interaction. “Oh, Kostya. You do know who he is, right?”

“I might be ill but I’m no fool. Of course I know who he is. He’s a… very bad man. However, he obviously loves my daughter. That gives him a small pass.”

“Mama. Are you feeling okay?”

She bypassed my question entirely. “You wouldn’t believe the team of doctors I have. They were flown in from Switzerland and I think Germany. They are amazing. I’m on this new protocol and I’m responding very well. Of course, it’s only been a few days, but my prognosis is good.”

As she continued to ramble, I continuously shifted my gaze in his direction, unable to believe the lengths he’d gone to in order to try to help my mother. A horrible man wouldn’t do that. No way.

“And the food. Oh, my God. I’ve gained ten pounds already, they feed me so well.” She grasped my hand, darting a glance over her shoulder. “Go to him, honey. Tell him how you feel.”

---