Page 152 of Kings & Queen

“As do we,” Konstantin fumed.

I raised my eyebrow. His tone, laced with disapproval, sliced through the charged atmosphere. Choosing to ignore it, I said, “From what I have been told, Kinsley’s grandfather died.” I waited for their reaction.

“You’re speaking about Owen Taylor. He was her guardian, not her grandfather. I am her grandfather.Me,“ Mikhail boasted.

“Yes, that’s what you keep saying. However, there are so many questions I have for you. If you’re her biological grandfather, why was another man raising her? You see, I’m a bit leery. Why was Kinsl—“

“Her name is Mischa. Mischa Natalya,” he said, his voice booming through my office as he vehemently corrected me.

My back stiffened, betraying my mounting irritation. Behind my calm exterior, which was fading by the moment, I spoke, “Mr. Romanov, there is no need to yell. Let me ask you this. When was the last time you saw your granddaughter?”

His irritation rose considerably as his cheeks darkened in color. Rage filled his eyes, reminding me of his ruthlessness. Even at his age, he was physically fit, but so was I. “That’s none of your concern. She is my family. Moy,” Mikhail thundered, hitting his chest.Mine.

“Mr. King, you’re an intelligent man. I suggest you quit stalling and get my niece. I’m sure you know who my father is,” Konstantin said.

“Yes, we’re all aware of who and what he is,” Alek growled as he waltzed through the door, followed by Ivan, Nik, and Sebastian.

Chapter 57

Kinsley

A Reckoning

A loud banging poundedon my door, startling me from the fantasy playing out in my head. My heart stopped.

“Kinsley, I need you to open the door, now. It’s urgent,” Sophia screamed on the other side.

I threw my robe on as quickly as I could and yanked the door open. “You need to come with me,now!” she shouted. My gaze fixed upon her, my heart quickening with each passing second. Her expression was one of sheer terror.

“Sophia, what is going on?” I demanded as she ushered me to a hidden room, and a heavy door closed behind us. With a knot of unease that tightened my stomach, my instincts screamed for answers.

“He didn’t say. Christopher told me to get you and to keep you here. He spoke with Alek, and he insisted. Something about an unannounced visitor. I don’t know.”

My voice trembled as the reality of her words sank in. “Oh god, no,” I screamed. I grabbed her shoulders. “It has to be him. He’s found me, and if he’s in this house, we can’t stay locked up in here. Sophia, what exactly did he say?” I implored.

Sophia placed a trembling hand on mine, her voice quivering but still trying to maintain a sense of calmness. “I understand your concerns. But we have to remain here. Christopher said not to come out under any circumstances.”

I stared into her eyes and knew I had to fight to get her to understand the magnitude of the danger her husband was in. “Sophia, I promise you one thing. I will not stay in this room. If it’s who I think it is, then not only am I in danger, but so is Christopher.”

“He’s trained for this kind of thing. He’ll keep us safe. We need to trust that he knows what he’s doing,” she replied, but her voice wobbled.

The weight of responsibility settled upon my shoulders, fueling my determination to convince her that inaction was not an option. “I don’t think you understand. He won’t be alone. I can’t get into all the details. We don’t have time for that. I’m telling you, he won’t hesitate to kill Christopher to get to me. We have the element of surprise, but we need to act now,” I said, walking back over to the door.

“Kinsley, no, please. Christopher was adamant the boys would be here any minute now. Let them handle it.”

“I have been preparing for this day since I was eleven years old. I willnotallow Christopher to die on my watch, not when there’s something I can do about it. Now I need you to listen to me carefully. What weapons do you have in this house?” I asked.

“Weapons? Please calm down,” she answered, her eyes wide and face pale.

“We don’t have time,” I roared, and she jumped back.

I took a deep breath, my hand on the handle, ready to open the door. I’d made my mind up. I couldn’t stay a minute longer.

“Sophia, are there any other weapons in the house?” I demanded once more.

“My husband has a crossbow that he uses for hunting,” she mumbled.

“Do you know how to use it?” I strode over to her. Her face was white and the fear in her eyes as she met mine made me even more determined. “Sophia, we have to do this. I don’t want Christopher to get hurt because of me. Please,” I begged.