Page 64 of My Solemn Vow

I draw myself away from Kerrianne’s room. “Yeah, I’m coming back to bed.”

Antonella doesn’t move when I get to the doorway, and she repeats her question. “Is everything okay?”

I’m caught off guard by the repetition. “I needed to see she was okay. It’s alright.”

“I can go somewhere else.” Antonella offers.

No.I keep myself from protesting as loudly as that word was in my head. “No, it’s okay. Really. I’d tell you if it wasn’t. It set in for a second how close I was to losing my entire world.”

Antonella steps back and turns away from me, but I reach out, ensnaring her hand in mine. When she turns back to look at me, her eyebrows are raised. “Valor?”

My mouth is dry, and I don’t know how to explain without sounding like the overprotective father I am. How do you tell your new wife that the reason you’re not in bed is because you were downstairs watching the footage of her saving your daughter’s life? So, I settle with the beginning of how that conversation would go. “Thank you, for keeping her safe for me.”

“You’re welcome,” Antonella answers, squeezing my hand and pulling me with her back toward the bed.

Ours,my wolf reiterates, and it resonates in my soul.

30

ANTONELLA

BACK TO SCHOOL

I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into school for the optional winter break classes. My entire life has changed but my badge worked fine. There was no substitute listed for my class, and by all accounts, it’s a normal everyday bonus school day.

I don’t know why I was ready for a call to the principal’s office, but I get a visitor instead. Doctor Thatcher pokes her head into the classroom shortly after I send my students to gym class.

“Hello, Mrs. Clark!” She beams at me, nearly startling me as I write the math items we’ll be working on up on the board.

Clark?I freeze, stunned by that statement.As in Kelsey Clark.How the fuck would she know that?I turn to look at her and plaster a smile on my face, hoping my ‘teacher face’ is as good as my ‘Mafia wife face’ and will keep me from broadcasting everything.

“Sorry, Victor, Mr. Clark, sent me an email yesterday explaining things about Kelsey and your very recent wedding. I had no idea you were engaged.” She’s still smiling as she walks into the classroom.

Victor? Oh, wow, he went all out with the pseudonyms. Okay...Idon’t know if I’m grateful or angry that Valor sent an email.I guess that depends on how this turns out.“Oh.”

“You snagged a good one. Rich, tech mogul, and handsome. No wonder he’s never paid anyone else the time of day. But why didn’t he give you a recommendation for the available position? We could have put Kelsey in your class from day one,” the principal asks, heavily implying the nepotism and buying spots that I already knew took place in institutions like this.

Lie your fucking ass off.I force myself to keep a nonchalant tone. “Well, I didn’t want anyone to think I wasn’t capable of the position. I wanted to earn it. Victor respected that choice. And we were even nervous to have Kelsey in my class.”

“Nonsense. I’d much rather make sure she feels safe. Poor kid. I know the Appletons lost their manny last year, though that was a bad accident with a zip line. They pulled their kids for a week. I was shocked Victor will be sending Kelsey back by Wednesday, especially with this being a bonus class. I would assume he’d wait until the new year. You must have a new bodyguard or someone in the works for her?” The principal keeps rambling, not even letting me breathe and answer the question. “Well, regardless. Congratulations. Victor is quite the catch. Please let us know if you’re interested in moving up in classes with her or want to remain in the second grade. We don’t mind either way, especially since Victor’s contribution to enhance security at the school has really resonated with the school board and brought in some well-influenced families.”

I’m still slack jawed and not even sure how to cut in to this.

Doctor Thatcher’s watch beeps. “Meeting with the board.” She heads out of my classroom in a whirlwind with a wave over her shoulder. “Gotta get going!”

I’m stunned and shocked until I see why.

Valor is standing in the hallway. She’s barely out the door when he strides in like he owns the place, which... given he’s literally a major donor to the school, I guess he does.

He approaches and places his hands on my hips, holding me to him. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh?” I look at him, raising an eyebrow. “What for?”

“Well, I figured you’d be a little angry that I meddled in your school life but —”

I shake my head. “I’m appreciative that you have no problem with me working. It’s fine. It also seems like you’re taking care of literally everything in my life, so that’s an added perk I hadn’t anticipated. It’s like when your friend says, ‘I planned a whole trip,’ and you get to go along and see the sights.”

“Well, I would promise not to be so overbearing, but it’s not going to happen.” Valor smiles and gives me a quick peck on the lips. “I came to give you this. I don’t like not being able to reach you.”