Page 98 of Beautiful Devil

“Why do you always know what I’m thinking?”

“Because I’m your mother. You can’t allow life to pass you by.”

“I have told him. He can’t feel the same way. Not after the live he’s lived. Besides, I’m a pediatrician. I don’t think that mixes with his profession.”

“I’m not going to tell you how to live your life, Emily, but if that man makes you happy, then it makes me happy. Do I condone what he does for a living? Of course not, but even a good man can cross a line, becoming consumed. I’m not saying your father did, but his undercover work changed him. Love happens when you least expect it and real love usually only once in a lifetime. I’d give all I had to be able to tell your father he was my one true love. Never allow a day to pass. Not one. You have no idea how much you’ll regret it.”

“You are a wise woman.”

She rubbed her hand down the side of my face, allowing her eyes to drift around the garden. “Besides, this is a fabulous place to call home.”

I laughed, hearing the same words I’d said to him. As I turned my head again, I mouthed words of thank you.

After nodding once, he turned away, heading back to the house. He’d allowed me to see inside his heart, a moment I’d cherish.

But I needed more than just passion. While leaving him at some point would break my heart, it was the only way to protect mine.

* * *

Kostya

Two days later

Love.

The damn word remained in my mind, nearly destroying my concentration. I continued to mull over the look I’d seen on Emily’s face. She’d wanted me to express my love for her. What she could never understand was how much my heart ached for her, the weight pressing against it crushing. However, I was no fool. I could force her to stay and she would. That didn’t mean she’d be happy.

Why did it matter? Why? I was the kind of man who took what I wanted.

I slammed my fist against the window with enough force it rattled, flexing to the point I thought it would shatter.

“You can’t keep going this way,” Diego said from behind me.

While he was right, I was in no mood to be told that. “Don’t challenge me. Did you find the goddamn soldiers?”

“The last were rounded up last night. I knew you’d want to handle dealing with them.”

“You brought them here?” I swung around, the adrenaline rush high. I fisted my hands automatically, prepared for a damn fight. Seeing his arm in a sling was a fucking reminder of what I’d almost lost. Thank God the break had been clean.

He studied me, finally shaking his head. “Marry her and get it over with.”

“What?”

“You fucking heard me. You’re more sullen than normal. You can’t concentrate. When she walks into a room, it’s like the entire world is electrified. Marry her. You love her.”

“Love isn’t for men like you and me.” The flash in his eyes was another harsh reminder. “I apologize, Diego.”

“I’m used to it. Why do you think I did everything I could to save her life?”

“Because you were ordered to.”

“Bullshit. Don’t give me that crap. Think like a man, not a fucking assassin. Believe it or not, I wanted to make certain you had the chance I never had.”

His words were challenging, pushing my level of fury as he usually enjoyed doing. But as he stood without blinking, risking his life had not only proven his loyalty but the truth around our odd friendship as well.

“You’re a better man than I am,” I managed.

“Yeah, I am.” His words were harsh, but he smiled. “I’m serious. When you’re given a gift, don’t take it for granted.”

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