Page 140 of Konstantin

I can’t speak for a moment, the words stuck in my throat, the weight of everything pressing down on me. The guilt, the fear, the regret. But what’s left in me is the truth.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to do this to you.”

He holds my chin between two fingers, his gaze warm and protective. “We’ll get through this. Together.”

“Thank you.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t ever thank me for being who I’m supposed to be. Your husband.” Tugging my face to his chest, he holds me closer, silent for a beat before he asks, “What did you find out during therapy?”

I can’t tell him the whole truth, not yet. Not until I’m ready to tell him everything. So I choose my words carefully.

“A man I grew up thinking was like a father to me was nothing but a liar, and now I have to live with that.”

His eyes narrow. “I understand. Betrayal is a heavy burden to carry. But you’re not alone anymore. If I can do anything to help, anything at all, you just have to say the word.” His mouth curves into a deadly smirk. “You can even choose the method of helpfulness I employ.”

A small laugh escapes. “No. Please don’t do anything murdery. Not yet, anyway…”

He lets out a low chuckle, the sound infectious. “It’s very difficult for me not to do murdery things when it comes to you, lubov moya.”

My chest tightens.

“You’re a good man, Konstantin Marinov.” I cup his face, his stubble grating over my palm.

He arches a brow, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “Can’t say I’ve ever heard that before.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “There’s a first time for everything.”

This man—this brutal, crazy, infuriating, but sweet man—has shown me so much in this short time, and I wish we hadn’t met the way we did. I wish everything was different, and I’m terrified that once he learns the truth, he won’t want me the way he does now.

“In the last few days…” I say, my gaze fixed on him. “I’ve realized you’ve always shown me exactly who you are. And I just want you to know how much I truly appreciate that.”

He pulls me close, his lips ghosting over mine. “You do know when I get you back home, I won’t be able to take my eyes off you, right?”

“That’s okay.” My grin grows as I kiss him softly. “I like it when your eyes are on me.”

He groans, his mouth crashing into mine with more intensitybefore he pulls me back against his chest. As I snuggle closer, the steady rhythm of his heart fills my ear, each beat a reminder of how much I need him more than ever.

And deep down, I hope I don’t lose him for good.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

EMILIA

It’s beenthree days since I returned home, and I kept my promise—saw my therapist the next day. I’m trying to believe I’m on the road to healing, but the walls of this house seem to close in on me, pressing into me with all the things I’ve been carrying. Things Konstantin doesn’t know. Things I need to tell him. And soon.

To make it worse, Riley’s been feeding me more damning information about Gerardo. Each new piece ties him deeper to the DeLuca crew, and there’s no longer any doubt in my mind: Gerardo set Nate up.

He’s been helping the DeLucas hide evidence and evade capture, manipulating the system for years to protect them. The fact that I can’t confront him is eating me alive, and not being able to talk to Konstantin about it only makes everything harder.

I know I can’t report Gerardo to the higher-ups until I get Nate out. If Gerardo really did frame him, nothing will stop him from killingmy brother.

Sliding into my sneakers, I prepare for my run, a habit I’ve picked up since leaving the hospital. It’s been the best way to release the frustration and anger building inside, since shooting things is no longer an option. Though, considering who I’m married to, I suppose itcouldstill be an option.

As I lace up my shoes, I sense Konstantin’s presence behind me—always there, always watching. His hand settles on my shoulder as I rise, solid and reassuring, and I sense the tension in him, the urge to protect me from even myself. I appreciate him for it, more than words can express.

“Off for a run?”

“Yes. Wanna join?” My gaze drifts over his sharp, expensive suit, knowing full well he’s not heading anywhere other than to another meeting.