This is gonna be a shitshow. Guess we better get it over with.
Opening the door, the first thing I see is Callum holding Emily with Autumn in front of her.
Autumn has a couple of gifts in her hands.
“Here, let me take those,” I tell her, taking the items. “Follow me.”
I walk them into the living room where the tree is set up. Setting the gifts down, I turn, then freeze.
Behind Callum is his second in command, Declan, but that’s not what has my blood boiling. It’s the woman on his arm.
Nikita Smirnova.
“What is she doing here?” I glare at Declan.
He holds his hands up. “I was asked to bring her as my date, so here she is. Take it up with bossman.”
I swing my glare at Callum, but before I can say anything, Cleo walks into the room.
“Nikita. It’s so great to see you.”
I watch, stunned, as my wife walks over and engulfs the woman in a hug.
My fists curl with the urge to pull Cleo from her grasp, but the woman’s eyes meet mine.
She’s trying to appear strong, but she’s terrified. I don’t think she wants to be here anymore than I want her here.
So why is she here then?
“Cleo, care to explain?”
She turns to me and winces when she sees the look on my face.
I love my wife, and I would never hurt her, but fuck if I’m not angry enough for murder right now.
“You guys mingle. Autumn, the hors d'oeuvres are on the counter in the kitchen. Mind getting them? Callum, you’re on door duty.” Cleo hands out orders before coming to my side and pulling me from the room.
She waits until the bedroom door is shut before she starts talking.
“I know what you’re probably thinking, but I met her when I went with Autumn to Declan’s, and the girl is so lonely. I couldn’t let her spend the holidays alone.”
“Cleo, do you know who she is? Why she is alone?” I say through gritted teeth.
Her eyes widen. I rarely take such a tone with her, but I’m so fucking angry that I can’t help it.
“No. I don’t.”
I swallow hard. “She is the daughter of Vladimir Smirnov. He was a soldier for Ivan. He requested sanctuary within the city after turning on his leader and giving us all the information we needed to chase them from our city. I granted him asylum, but only if he provided collateral. He gave me Nikita. We cannot trust her, and now you have invited her into our home.”
Cleo moves closer to me, setting her hand on my chest.
“I didn’t know, but even if I did, I’m not sure I would have done anything differently. You say her father helped you. He’s already better than mine. If I were held for the crimes committed because of my father, I would already be dead. You looked past that, as does most of the city. Why is she not given the same courtesy?”
“Sometimes I forget how innocent you were when we met. Princess,” I caress her face, letting some of the anger seep from me. “Her father had the choice to offer me anything as collateral. I did not offer any suggestions. He offered his daughter up. Either he really doesn’t give a fuck about her, or she’s a plant here to spy on us. I would never take that risk with you or our family.”
She swallows hard. “I get what you are saying, but I could have been her, Kai. I hate that we aren’t even willing to give her the chance to prove she’s not what you say she is.”
I kiss her forehead. “Our life doesn’t allow that. You know that.”
