Page 155 of Hidden Empire

“I would like to repeat that I would never,” the big guy says firmly. “Jade is my Koroleva, I will protect her with my life, and that is all.”

“I’m your friend too,” I protest, almost pouting. I kind of hate the undying devotion to keeping me alive sometimes. Anatoly’s life has value too.

“I am your weapon before I am your friend.”

The words shock me, but please my brother.

“This one is my favorite,” Apollo says approvingly.

I can’t tell him I don’t want him to be a weapon for me, I just want him to be a friend. Dmitri wouldn’t want me to say anything to have him protect me less… as if he’d listen to me. He is loyal to my husband’s orders.

Still, I would be crushed if Anatoly got hurt protecting me. He’s so young and has so much potential. After this is all over, I hope Dmitri puts him in a position that’s safer.

With that settled, my father holds out an open hand for me.

“Jade? Can I speak with you, sweetheart?”

Biting my lip, I nod. “Of course.” I take his hand and look at Ivan. “Give us a minute? You can go with Apollo to get Anatoly settled?”

I know he doesn’t like leaving me alone for even a minute, but my dad and I haven’t sat down to talk about everything since I’ve come home. It’s definitely time, even if it’ll be hard.

After a beat, Ivan agrees. “Okay, we won’t be far.”

I smile. I know they won’t.

Chapter 41

Dante

After guiding Jade to a more private room of the house, we sit with each other, and I just come out with it, starting the conversation. There are so many things I want to say to her, but more than anything, I need to ensure that she’s okay. Speaking from experience, having a kid at eighteen, let alone twins… it’s a lot to handle. Especially when you grow up without much of a childhood.

“Jade, why didn’t you tell me you were interested in pursuing a relationship with Dmitri when it first happened?” The guilt that paints her expression at my question hurts her, I can see that much.

“I wanted to tell you,” she says, words firm like a vow.

“But?”

“I’d never had a real crush before,” she continues, cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. “When I found out Dmitri was interested in me too, all I could think about was my brothers finding out and ruining it.”

She takes a deep breath, and I wait for her to continue.

“I didn’t want them to keep me away from him, or worse, hurt the first guy who I really, really liked. So we started sneaking around, and eventually, the secrets started building and building. And then I was pregnant; there was no way I could tell you?—”

“Did he tell you that you couldn’t tell me?” I ask, trying to simmer my demanding tone. My daughter has already gone through too much stress in the past week, and I refuse to add to it if I can help it.

“No, no,” Jade rushes out worriedly. “He wanted to tell everyone immediately. It’s just… I was scared.”

My chest gives in with a crack. “Of me?”

“Dad, no,” she whispers sadly. “Not of you, but of disappointing you. Or, I don’t know.” Picking at her nails, she considers how she wants to communicate her feelings. “I just felt like emailing my father that I got pregnant the first time ever leaving the house by a man he doesn’t even know I’m dating would suck. I didn’t want you to think I’m irresponsible or misinterpret what I say and think I needed help.”

She didn’t want me to read the word pregnant and hop on a plane to get her and kill the man responsible. I can’t be mad at her for rational thought, and that’s what this seems to be. My daughter is wise beyond her years, and I shouldn’t be shocked that she thought to tell Apollo before telling me.

“I thought waiting to tell you in person was best, but then everything got crazy so fast, and the next thing I know I’m on a plane with Apollo and he’s telling me that he already spilled the beans.”

That boy is responsible for nearly every single one of my gray hairs, but I couldn’t possibly ask for a better future leader for this family. I’ve known that for a while, but watching him interact with Jade and how he’s handled this situation has only cemented it further. Apollo will be the best Capo the outfit has ever seen, there’s no question.

“It’s not the future I would have crafted for you, given the chance,” I tell her calmly. Her lips shift into a slight frown, and I wish I could get this out faster. “But if this man treats you right and you love him, I won’t stand in your way.”