Page 36 of Unholy Tsar

Who could be covering for them? Because obviously, someone is. That’s the only way anyone could escape me for this long.

“I don’t think it’s the random kidnapping that Miss Lombardi thinks it was. What if she was specifically targeted?” Dante asks, pacing in front of my desk.

I’m already way ahead of him. There’s no way this was a random kidnapping attempt, that’s for sure. But was it a ghost from her past or something else? That’s what I need to figure out.

“Either way, we have bigger problems now,” he continues.

I raise a brow at him. “What?”

“It’s the Italians.”

I sigh. “I knew they were being too quiet. What do those bastards want now?”

Dante hesitates. “Word’s gotten out about Miss Lombardi. We’ve been turning the city inside out trying to find her kidnappers. Naturally, our allies have questions, as do our enemies. They wonder what’s so important about her. They… think you two are in a relationship.”

“And?” I ask, but I already know where this is leading.

“There are whispers about how the great Maksim Smolov has been brought to his knees by a peasant Italian girl. A nobody—a girl half his age.”

“Well, that’s just fucking great,” I let out a bitter laugh. “I’ll have to remind them who I am. Maybe that will shut them up. Fuck. I guess they’ve forgotten about what happened to Adrianno Sabattino because of his greed.”

“There is more, sir.”

“What? They’re upset I haven’t chosen one of their precious daughters?” I roll my eyes, knowing their game all too well. They did the same thing with Rian, shoving their kin down his throat in desperate attempts for new alliances.

“They claim that you’ve been showing her more respect than them. That if young Italian girls are what you’re into, then their daughters are more than suitable for you.”

My fingers curl into a fist. As much as I hate most of the Italian families, they’re a large part of the fragile peace we’ve been enjoying. If they decide to make a fuss of whatever this is between me and Cecilia, it won’t end well.

“Fucking assholes,” I mutter, then in a louder voice. “Make it clear to them Cecilia and I aren’t having an affair… or whatever they think this is. She’s simply my niece’s best friend, whom I’m teaching along with my niece. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Dante hesitates once again, and I can feel my patience starting to wear thin. “What is it now? Spit it out.”

“There’s been grumblings among the men as well. They’re aware that you’ve been keeping her safe in one of your apartments, so they think there might be a lick of truth to the rumors. They’re getting antsy.”

I sigh. “Stop going around in circles and just get to the point, Dante.”

“If I may, sir, I suggest you spend less time with her in private. If the men see you treating her like any other student, they’ll realize your dynamic is nothing more than teacher and student.”

But that could be a problem, because our dynamic isn’t just teacher and student. Fucking hell.

I study my head of security for a moment. Does he really have no idea about what’s been happening between me and Cecilia? I doubt that. He was there that first night when I brought her home. He must suspect something is up.

“Alright,” I finally answer, “You have a point. I’ll keep it in mind.”

He gives a short bow, then leaves my office.

I lean back in my chair, feeling a weight setting in my chest. Maybe this is for the best. I was starting to lose myself, and I was definitely getting too absorbed for my own good. I need to let go of this attraction. She’s far too young for me anyway.

If only it were as easy as just letting go.

My phone alarm chimes, and I groan softly when I see the notification. Time for another lesson. Then I recall Nolan’s text from this morning, saying that Bree wouldn’t be available for today’s session—apparently, our little heiress has been set up on a blind date.

So it will just be Cecilia and me.

As if she wasn’t going to be hard enough to kick already.

I text Dante to send a few men to the practice range on the second floor, then I make my way there.