Page 51 of King of Malice

But I push up to look back at him. “There is only one guest room. And I’m sure you want Gertrude to stay there.”

“I do. Which is why you should move your things in here.”

My mouth falls open. He can’t be serious. “Yesterday…”

“I know what I said,” he says as his eyes hold mine. “You’re right. You couldn’t have known what kind of man I am. But Anna…”

“I would never have hurt her in any way.”

“I understand, milaya, and I trust you with her care.”

For a moment, emotion overwhelms me. His acceptance and understanding fill my heart in ways I can barely describe. I push up from the bed. “Thank you.”

“Where are you going?” He sits up too, his brow puckering into a frown.

“I’m going to go play with Anna.”

He cocks his head to the side as he looks back at me.

“Because, whatever I hoped to find out by being here, I have always been clear that Anna deserves the best.”

He pushes up too, pulling me in his arms and dropping his mouth to mine in a kiss that devours and claims.

There is no fear, though, only red-hot desire as I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back.

I want everything he has to give and I’m not going to let my past keep me from living the best kind of future.

Which is what Cadence has been trying to tell me for a while. I ease back. “I…I know I can’t speak to Cadence, but can you deliver a message for me?”

He lifts his head too. “Ava?—”

“I need her to know that I finally understand what she was trying to tell me. And I’m ready to move forward in my life and that…” I take in a long breath, the next words difficult. “That I understand if she can’t have me in hers anymore. I love her enough to let her go if that’s what she needs.” My throat closes on the last words, emotion making my chest tight.

“Oh, milaya,” he leans down then, his nose touching one cheek as his palm holds the other. “You love her with your whole heart.”

“I know I got some stuff wrong, but…”

He trails kisses along my jaw. “You got loads right, and don’t worry. We’re going to learn to love together.”

“You need to learn to love?”

“My father was not the best example. I’m not actually certain he can love anyone, but himself. It’s difficult to be raised by someone like that. I have to quiet his voice in my head always to listen to my heart. I’m getting better.”

I nod, even as he kisses that spot behind my ear.

“Ava,” Anna calls from the doorway, her little brow slashed into a line. “Come.”

I smile, a little laugh making my chest vibrate. “Feeling better this morning, my little lamb?”

“Yes. Come.” She holds up her chubby little hand, waving me forward.

I kiss Dimitri’s neck before I move out of the circle of his arms.

He watches me go. “Fifteen minutes and then you have a date with me in the shower.”

My eyes go wide as a flush of color washes down my chest.

A shower with him sounds amazing.