Page 75 of Depraved Royals

Is she seeing what I saw? Does she know how much we all hurt me with this bullshit?

Idina smiles as though she’s had an epiphany. Maybe she is learning.

Dani introduced me to optimism. She dares to believe in the best outcomes in life, so perhaps I can do the same.

“I’ll come with you,” Idina says, “and talk to Fyodor. If he gives me his forgiveness, I’ll bring the whole sad story to an end.”

28

Dani

We arrive at my home. Kal, Idina, Vera and me.

I never imagined this would happen. The three surviving Antonovs. One to beg forgiveness, one to atone alongside her mother, and the third?

He went from my hated enemy to the man I would kill for.

I haven’t been able to warn my parents that I’m bringing company. I don’t think they would have taken it well, anyway. As we get out of the car, I see the gates are open, and Brutus isn’t there.

“He’ll be out looking for me,” I say to Kal. “Papa is incapacitated, so all his people will be helping with the search.”

Idina speaks. “We couldn’t have taken the Pushkin Bratva by force after all, could we?”

I turn and stare at her, frowning. “What do you mean?”

“My plan depended on the notion that your father’s supposedly loyal associates would switch allegiance as soon as they realized there was a new Pakhan. It never occurred to me they were so committed to Fyodor. They’d have ripped Kal to pieces for his insolence.”

“Jesus, Idina,” Kal says. “You’re right, but why fucking mention it now? Let it go.”

As we walk up the path to the door, Kal looks troubled.

“What’s the matter?” I whisper.

“This feels wrong.” He glances over his shoulder at his mother and sister. “The thought of them even being in your house makes me feel sick to my stomach. Maybe this is a mistake.”

“She came here of her own volition, Kal,” I say. “Give her a chance. All she needs to do is clear your name; if that’s all we get, it’s better than the alternative. She can’t hurt us anymore.”

Mama is halfway down the stairs as I turn my key in the lock. She screams and runs to the door when she realizes it’s me.

“Dani!” She throws her arms around me, talking a mile a minute. “You scared us so much! Only your father and I are here. Brutus and Mel are out searching for you. The doctor got the bullet out of Papa’s shoulder and—”

Mama falls silent. I feel her go still and stiff as she sees who is behind me.

“Hello, Marta,” Idina says. “It’s been a while.”

Mama looks at her for a long moment before turning to me.

“You ran away only to find our enemies and bring them to our door? Why would you do this?”

Kal stands at my side. Mama glares at him, and he touches her arm gently. She pulls it away.

“Please, Marta.” Kal tilts his head at Idina and Vera. “They’re all I have left. I had nothing to do with the attack on Fyodor, but that doesn’t mean I’m blameless in all this. I brought my mother here because she wants to tell him the truth and ask his forgiveness.”

“And you?” Mama looks Kal in the eye. “What you want, Mikhail?”

“Dani.” He wraps his arm around my waist, his hand resting protectively on my stomach. “I want her. She’s everything. Whatever I have to do to make it right, I’ll do it, even if I take the rest of my life. For her and our baby.”

Mama and Kal regard each other for a few seconds, and something passes between them that doesn’t need to be said.