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He turns and leaves. I know he’s still gonna be pissed. My brother does not like falling in line with threats or orders he doesn’t agree with, but that’s a problem for another time.

Father told me that sometimes being a leader means not being afraid to stand alone. I understand that now.

Strange that his counsel has only now become clear to me because of her.

My printsessa.

Chapter

Thirty

Lev

Slices of sunlight caress her face, spreading down the slope of her neck. The golden light actually makes her dark hair lighter and her pale skin appear almost crystalline.

I’m watching Gabrielle sleeping again.

She’s quickly becoming my new favorite thing.

Not a toy, or a pawn, or even collateral damage.

Corrado’s princess has become something more to me. Something more that I can’t shake, or bleed from my mind.

I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed to go out for the day. I’m making an early start because I’m going to be in Chicago. I’m discussing the new contract for Igor’s newest business venture.

It’s the first time I’ve had such an opportunity but I would’ve preferred to stay home.

Stay home in bed with my wife.

I’m used to getting what I want, but since becoming Pakhan and CEO of the company, I’ve learned that I can’t always get what I want when I want it. I’d piss off too many people I need and end up becoming the lone wolf Father warned us about.

The sun brightens, kissing my wife’s cheeks the way I want to. She stirs, brushing her hair out of her face.

She’s left-handed.

I noticed that the other day when I watched her sketching. My mother was left-handed, too.

Caught in the realm of dreams, Gabrielle continues moving her hair, and I spot her little birthmark just above the nape of her neck.

She settles back to sleep quickly, as though she hadn’t moved at all. I’m glad she’s sleeping better now. After her nightmare, she had a few nights of restless sleep.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

I grab it. There’s a text from Cassian.

I open it and read.

Got a lead. Moretti has been spotted here. The guys and I are following up. Not sure if he’s still here, but we can see why he was and follow the trail.

I’ll report back as soon as I can.

Cass.

That’s the closest we’ve come so far. I know there’s no certainty but I still hope the lead pans out.

I message back telling him thanks and that I’ll be in Chicago, just so he knows.

After I send the message, a few seconds barely pass before there’s a knock on the door. That’s going to be Zoya, but she never disturbs me up here unless it’s important.