Page 83 of Sinful Secrets

“Indeed. But I am afraid to say I do not come baring…no pun intended…” I said with a wink at Hamish “only good things. I have some news that you may find a little frustrating.” I said and Katerina glanced at Riley who took her hand, kissing her fingertips.

“Let’s have breakfast first then we can talk the bad stuff.” He said, his eyes never leaving hers. There was a quiet strength in that stare, a force that had even me wanting to agree and when she nodded, he smiled.

“Good girl.” I heard him whisper and I had a pang of jealousy.

They had been connecting while they were here, exploring their relationships.

“Come on. I’ll get the food going.” Leo said as he gestured to the table where we all sat down.

I glanced at Katerina and then Hamish who was watching everything with a keen eye too.

I hoped we had at least a small amount of time for us to possibly explore things with her as well.

Because I don’t know how much longer I could keep denying myself from touching her.

“So what is the bad news?” Katerina asked as she pushed her now empty plate aside. I sighed, sitting back in my chair as I sipped the coffee Leo made.

“My father has made a deal with Egor. They are aware that you are ‘missing’ and they are taking moves to completely push you out of power.” I said and she grit her teeth.

“Then I need to go back.” She said and I shook my head.

“No, not yet. That isn’t everything. Egor has also made a deal with someone who he brought here from Moscow. Someone who has a stronger ability to take over than I anticipated.” I said and she raised an eyebrow at me.

“Spit it out, Alexsei. I don’t like games.” She snapped, that steel in her voice that I always loved.

Seeing her in her power was a fucking turn-on for me. Yuri had always wanted to take her out of this life and protect her, but I saw her as the true queen she was. She was made to rule men, even if it did make me want to push her to see how far she could go.

“Alexsei.” She snapped, pulling me out of my daydream.

“Sorry. It’s Konstantin. He is here to claim you as his bride like originally intended and to rule through that claim.” I said and she sucked in a breath.

“I thought that was over with. It was him. He was behind the abduction.” She said as she put it all together faster than I had.

“Yes. He didn’t outright claim it, but I would say so. That’s why you can’t go back yet. We don’t know where he is staying and who he has working for him. Let Mikhail and the others find those details first, so we know where to strike.” I said and she sat back, considering.

“Hmm. I suppose so. What about your contact? Do we have any more information?” she asked, and I shook my head.

“No. They went dark. Either their cover is blown, or they had to go dark to protect it.” I said with a sigh.

“There is something I still don’t understand. The men who broke into my house. They took a photo album. An old one withmy parents’ wedding. Why would they take that?” She said softly and I shrugged.

“I don’t know. I get the feeling we still don’t have all the information and that is another reason for you to stay here.” I said and she sighed.

“Fine. For now. I need someone to go over the camera footage and see if they can match anything about those men.” She said and Riley sat up.

“I can. Or I can ask Theo if you want.” He said and she smiled.

“Thank you. That would be good. Keep Mikhail in the loop too. I’ll give you the access codes for everything. If you will all excuse me, I need to take a walk and think.” She said before pushing away from the table and going out the back sliding door.

“What aren’t you saying?” Leo said softly as he looked between us. I glanced at Hamish.

“You want to tell them?” I said and he winced.

“I am supposed to be getting married.” He said and the others raised their eyebrows but before they could talk, he held out a hand.

“I don’t want it. I was doing it to protect my brother. Alexsei is helping me get out of it but right now, the engagement is still on in my world.” He said with a sigh.

“Do you love Kat?” Riley asked and Hamish glanced in the direction she went.