Page 144 of Deceptive Vows

“I did, and he told me what Raul did to you and your family.”

I was right.

“Are you disappointed that you got the maid?”

“I don’t think you could ever do anything to disappoint me, Malyshka.” He shakes his head. “I think it’s time I tell you what’s going on and what needs to happen after it’s resolved.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’ve been investigating Raul’s activities with a friend of mine, and so far, it looks like he and Ivan joined to plan to kill my mother, my sister, and me.”

I suck in a sharp breath.

“Ivan?”

“Yeah. I don’t have evidence yet, but the evidence I found so far points toward him. I don’t know who else is working with him, but that’s what’s happening.”

“But he’s your brother.”

“Baby, that means nothing. He wants to be Pakhan, take over the brotherhood and the business. After that incident, I was in a coma for a few months, and I’m sure he thought I was going to die. With me out of the way, he gets it all. My father will reveal who will be the new leader in a few days’ time. I don’t know what I’ll find out in the meantime or after, but I will search heaven and earth trying to find it and eliminate him before he can get to me and mine again.”

I feel prompted to tell him what Ivan said to me. “I think he knew my mother,” I tell him, and Mikhail tenses.

“What?”

“When we first met at your father’s house, he told me I looked familiar. I knew that was impossible because Raul kept me away from his associates and I never saw any of them. Then last week, Ivan said I reminded him of a woman who worked for Raul. I look exactly like my mother, Mikhail.”

“Do you think he knows the truth about you?”

“I don’t know. But he said I have the same look of fear in my eyes. My mother was attacked a few times before Raul killed her… I don’t know if that’s how Ivan knew her.”

His skin pales. “Jesus, if you see him, call me. I’ll instruct the staff to inform me if he comes here. Do not speak to him or anyone. You hear me?”

“Yes.”

“What will happen if he finds out the truth about me?”

“Nothing. He’s no fool. He knows people think you’re Raul’s daughter. He wouldn’t be an idiot to make them think otherwise because I’m sure he wants the cartel, too. To ally himself the way he did with Raul, he would have had some agreement with him I don’t know about yet. So, owning the cartel is going to be an asset.”

“But he could only get the cartel if you…” My voice trails off.

“If he killed me? Yes.” He looks out to the expanse before us and returns his gaze to me. “I don’t want you to worry about that. Ever. Or worry about someone capturing you to do what I did to you. José said you don’t belong in our world. You don’t. I’ve had to accept that you don’t belong with me, either.”

My lips part, and a heavy weight pulls on my heart.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to do my best to keep you safe, and when I figure out what’s happening with my brother, I’m… I’m going to set you free.”

“But, Mikhail—”

“It’s the right thing to do.” He holds my gaze, and I can’t look away. “I’ll make sure you’ll be able to do everything you ever wanted to do, like med school. And José will be right alongside you. That’s what’s going to happen.”

I don’t know what to say to him. When I was first captured, this would have been a miracle I could only wish for. Now that it’s happened, I can’t wrap my head around it.

I don’t want him to set me free.

“You said I was yours,” I mumble.