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“Maybe I should be horrified that my system experienced a letdown because you didn’t crush monsters under your boot, but I won’t lie. And I know you’ll hunt them down and… deal with them your way. What bothers me is that if the child is a boy, he’ll be required to follow in your footsteps. There will be no choice. He will be groomed to become your protégé. What kind of life is that for any child? What if he is a she? What then? An arranged marriage?”

She waved her hand, the sunlight reflecting off the glass creating a prism against the wall. Only then did I realize she was wearing the engagement ring I’d purchased two months before. A cunning smile crossed my face even as I better understood her concern and the reason why.

“What you heard me say was true for me and you have every right to question how I’d be with a child, but I’m not my father or my grandfather. Things have changed.”

“Have they really? You still kill people for a living.”

“I eliminate problems after finding corruption and yes, my methods of handling punishment may seem crude, but do you honestly believe the court systems will provide the necessary judgment? I’m not the only man or leader in this world controlling the systems. Not the first and certainly I won’t be the last. However, I’m not the monster you believe me capable of being. Especially with regard to my children. Do you believe I’d dare allow Mina to marry for money or an alliance? If you do, then you haven’t been paying any attention. I want everything for my little girl, a life full of love and happiness. I don’t care who she chooses to be with as long as she’s given the opportunity. I’m terrified she won’t be allowed the chance and that for all the power I wield I won’t be able to eradicate the cancer.”

Isabel’s expression softened once again.

“Do you know how incredibly inadequate that makes me feel?”

She shifted her hand so she was able to press her fingers against my scarred face. “I know. In my heart I truly believe she’ll be alright. She has your strength, your fortitude, and your spunk.”

“Should I take that as a compliment?”

“Maybe, but don’t let it go to your head.” Her laugh continued to sound stifled. “So if we have a son, he won’t be required to become Pakhan?”

I took her hand, kissing her knuckles one at a time. “Only if he wants to follow in my footsteps. That I promise you.” Something had changed in me in hearing I would soon have another child.

She closed her eyes. “What about me? How do I fit in?”

“You mean other than as the wonderful mother of our beautiful baby?”

“Yes.”

“You are the reason the world has yet to consume me, my bright light when I can’t see through the darkness. I love you, Isabel, and while I understand how anxious you are about the future, I can promise you I’ll do everything in my power as a man to ensure you have the best life possible.”

“I only want you. And my job.” Very slowly her lips upturned in a smile.

“Mmm… How did I know you’d work that into the equation? You’re right. I can’t keep you hidden away from the world forever, as much as I would love to do so. However, until this is over, you will stay put.” Even before she opened her mouth, I pressed my finger against her lips. “You have no choice. You will follow the doctor’s orders regarding your blood pressure. Understood?”

“Oh, you’re terrible. Fine, but if you want the project to start on time, I suggest you move mountains and hunt down these bastards.”

“That’s exactly what I plan on doing.” I continued kissing her fingers until I reached the knuckle on her ring finger. As soon as my tongue swept across the ring, I could see the light in her eyes as it dawned on her what she’d done.

“Oh. My. God.”

“What’s wrong, moy ochen' ozornoy angel-khranitel'?”

“I am not naughty.” She tried to pull her hand free, but I refused to allow it. “Alright, maybe a little. I was hopeful the sketches you did of the medical facility would ease Mina’s anxiety and the box just fell on the floor. Naturally, I was curious what it was.”

“Naturally. You are very beautiful when caught red-handed. Your face reflects the crime.”

“It’s not a crime. I don’t want the ring. I noticed Mina had gone to the beach without me and reacted.”

“What do you mean she went to the beach without you?”

“She took Shadow out, but wanted to play ball with him. Don’t worry. Nothing happened. Anyway, when we came inside, I’d forgotten all about it and that’s when I fainted. So see, I was just trying to ensure the ring was safe.” She jerked her hand free, trying to yank the ring off. “I don’t want it because you obviously haven’t asked me to marry you. Maybe you changed your mind and I certainly don’t know what I’d say if you did. What I’m trying to say and doing so badly is that wearing the ring would be presumptive.”

Very slowly I took her hand into mine again, pulling her ring finger into my mouth. With my eyes locked on hers, I sucked her finger until the tension in every muscle began to relax. When I pulled my lips free, her subtle moan had a powerful effect on me. I pulled the ring into my fingers, holding it into the light.

“You’re right. I’ve yet to ask you.” I pocketed the ring on purpose, ignoring her imploring eyes. “Now, about your blood pressure.”

“I’m on medication and the doctor is going to monitor it. However, I am not an invalid. I’m not sick. I just need to be careful and watch my stress levels. And I need to figure out how to eat food without spending an hour in the bathroom.” She laughed nervously while holding her stomach.

I eased off the bed, moving to my closet. While I retrieved the ring box, I could feel her watching me. What she couldn’t see was when I retrieved a wooden brush from the bathroom. “In other words, you’re healthy and there’s no need to worry about resuming normal activities.”