Page 128 of Deadly Knight

Did I?

“You never said anything.”

“It wasn’t our place. You’re an adult, Katya. You experienced something terrible. Who was I, besides your mama, to tell you what you needed?”

Somehow, I feel betrayed by them, but not really. Certainly no less than I’ve betrayed myself by fighting the inevitable. By pretending I was okay and moving on when really, I always had one foot in Russia. Running from it while running towards it.

“So after all this, you’re okay with me going back?” Both nod. “Will you be moving home too?”

Papa shakes his head, giving the offer zero thought. “As much as we do miss home, we’ve adapted here. We enjoy ourwork and the neighbours. We’re nearing retirement, and would prefer not to move again.Nyet, I think it’s right that you return alone and find your place.”

This isnothow the conversation was supposed to go. So…easy. I expected fights and arguments and tears. Not acceptance.

“What about Dimitri?” I ask, the child in me clinging to their approval.

“The Bratva was at fault, not him,” Papa says offhandedly, making me jolt.

“You knew?” I don’t saywhathe knows, in case it’s not correct.

“That he’s part of the mob? Yes, we knew. For a while, we did blame him,da. You are right. His world sucked you up, but that boy went through hell like you did. He fought to protect you then, now, and will always. In the end, the same outcome could have happened if you were with a regular boy; kidnappings and all sorts of horrible acts occur all the time. With him, we know you’ll be treated like a queen. Who better to protect you than a man trained in death?”

Holy fuck, I can’t believe what I’m hearing. My mouth opens and shuts a few times, every word dies on my tongue.

“In fact, we’d love it if he could visit when he’s all healed up.” Papa shares a look with Mama, who smiles. “And if that’s in a few months, that’s okay too. Maybe we’ll come visit you both in Moscow once you’ve re-settled. It’d be nice to visit the old haunts. Either way, I’d like to have another conversation with him. I’ve thanked him once for saving you in that warehouse, and it seems now he’s owed more gratitude. If he didn’t care so much, if he wasn’t watching you, I shudder to think what his family could have done after the park.”

Fuck therapy. I could have just spoken to my parents about everything. Immediately, years of weight I’ve been carrying slides off my shoulders.

“Do you think I made a mistake back then?”

This time, Mama responds, and I swear, it’s like she’s been reading my old textbooks, or is taking lessons from Ava. “That wasn’t really our call to make. For the record, no, I don’t think you made a bad choice. I think healing away from the city that everything happened in and growing away from Dimitri was wise, healthy, and required. I simply think you clung to those beliefs long after you needed to and used them as a crutch.”

I have no response.

So this time, I give up trying and push off my seat to cross the room to them, throwing myself onto the couch, one arm pulling at each of their necks to get them into a tight, group hug.

As happy as I am to be returning with Dimitri, I’ll miss them so much. Our Sunday lunches. Having them a phone call away. Now we’ll be separated by an ocean and time zones.

I may have to borrow Vanessa’s plane occasionally.

“Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much I appreciated you guys back then. You never hesitated in supporting me after grad night, selling the house you bought together at the beginning of your relationship. You gave up all you knew and moved to a whole new country, all to stick close to me. You’ve been supportive over every decision I’ve ever made, and now are okay with me abandoning you guys here. You’re the best parents and I couldn’t ask for better. Thank you.”

Mom grips my waist. “You don’t need to thank us for loving you. True love isn’t conditional, Katya. You know that.”

I know it, but I’ve often found myself forgetting it.

“How’d it go?”Anastasia straightens from her slouch and drops her phone into the console. “House is still standing, so their rage didn’t blow up the block. That’s good.”

“Surprisingly well.” I stare at the house I’ve promised to visit one more time before moving, this time accompanied by Dimitri when he’s feeling up to it. “They’re remaining here, but understand me going.”

Anastasia pulls away from the curb. “And you being with Dimitri?”

“They like him,” I say simply.

“Huh. Damn. Here I made a bet thinking otherwise with Vanessa. Seems I’ll be paying up. That means youwillbe staying with him this time?” She throws me a look before shifting her focus to merge into traffic on one of the more major roads in the area.

“I should never have left.”

The doorto my apartment opens and her draw, her energy, is instant as she enters, even though there’s a wall separating us. Katya and Anastasia murmur a few things back and forth before their steps approach my room. Vanessa glances up from her phone in time for them to appear in the doorway.