Page 118 of Royal Bargain

“He’s out,” I whisper, barely hearing my own voice.

Liam’s already on his feet, crossing the room. “I know.”

“He won’t get near you,” Liam says firmly. “I won’t let him.”

My head shakes before I can stop it. “It’s not just him. You don’t understand—he doesn’t have to come after me. Not when Dariy can whisper in his ear again. Not when everyone in the bratva is going to fall in line now that he’s home. Dariy’s already dangerous. This just gave him his leash back.”

Liam steps closer. His hand finds mine, firm and warm, grounding me even as everything inside feels like it’s unraveling. “We’re not alone in this, Ana. You have me. You have my family.Whatever Dariy or Anatoly are planning, they’ll have to go through me first.”

“I want to believe that,” I breathe. “God, Liam, I want to believe you. But you didn’t grow up in that house. You don’t know what it’s like when he sets his mind on something. He can twist anything—anyone. He made me think I owed him my dreams. What happens when he decides I owe him my daughter?”

Liam’s jaw tightens. His eyes flash with something that might just be rage. “He’s not getting Lily. Over my dead body.”

“Exactly,” I say, my voice breaking. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

There’s a long silence between us. He pulls me into his chest, and I go willingly, letting him hold me even as my pulse thunders against his ribs. I close my eyes, trying to let his warmth steady me.

But the fear lingers—sharp, familiar, and cold.

Because Anatoly is out.

And despite what everyone has been telling me, I know my father better than anyone.

Anatoly Volkov does not forgive betrayal.

Morning light cutsacross the living room floor in soft gold lines, but it doesn’t feel warm. It feels clinical. Cold. Like the world has already moved on, uncaring that my father is walking free again.

I sit curled on the couch, one leg tucked under me, Lily nestled in my arms as she drinks her bottle. Her little fingers clutch mine, her eyes fluttering between half-closed and wideawake. She’s so peaceful like this. So unaware of everything crashing down around her.

My stomach’s in knots. I haven’t eaten. I can’t. I keep going over the same thoughts in my head like they’re on a loop—Where is he now? What’s the first move? Is he going to come for me himself or send someone else? Would Dariy even tell him where I am?

Lily gurgles, pulling my attention back. I force a smile, brushing my thumb over her cheek. “You’ve got no idea how scary the world is, huh?” I whisper. “That’s probably a good thing.”

My phone rings.

The screen lights up with Ingrid Gunnerson. I hesitate, dread curling in my chest like something sharp.

I answer. “Hello?”

“Annika. Good morning,” Ingrid says briskly, like this is any other Tuesday. “I hope you’re well-rested because you’re performing tonight.”

I blink. “Wait—what?”

“At The Gilded Cage. Nine o’clock. I’ve arranged for a few industry friends to come by. Nothing huge, but important eyes. People who know people. You understand.”

I straighten a little. “Ingrid, I—I can’t. There’s been a development. I’m not exactly in a position to?—”

“You signed a contract,” she cuts in, voice hardening. “Unless you’d like me to forward you the breach of terms clause, I suggest you clear your calendar. If you don’t show up, you’re done, Annika. I won’t keep wasting time on someone who won’t show up for herself.”

“I’m not trying to waste your time,” I say quickly. “I just—there are safety issues right now. You don’t understand what I’m dealing with?—”

She hangs up.

I stare at the phone like it’s betrayed me.

“You’re not seriously considering this.”

Liam’s voice is low, tight. Controlled in that way it gets when he’s trying not to shout. I look up from where I’m bouncing Lily on my knee, trying to soothe her after the call. “You heard what she said.”