Page 19 of Scarred Ruin

“What did you expect? That I lived in a cave? Yes, the house is a bit much for me, but I love the ocean. Ever since my father brought us to Sullivan’s Island not long after we moved to the United States, I knew I had to eventually buy a house.”

“I guess I expected a huge staff catering to your every whim and for your surroundings not to be touched.”

He blew out a deep breath. “I do have a landscaper as I definitely did not inherit the green thumb my mother has. I have two women who help with the house or I’d be living in an inch of dirt given my busy schedule, but they’re only here a couple mornings a week.”

“And you have a driver.”

Every time he chuckled was as if I was shocking the hell out of him. “Hudson does drive for me from time to time.”

“And men with guns securing your property.” I took a sip of wine without taking my eyes off him.

He leaned against the counter, completely at ease while I was freaking out. “I realize what happened was horrific, Isabel. The very first thing I should have done was to say thank you for what you did. Without you jumping in front of that car, I would likely be dead.”

I could see and hear sincerity. “What about your friend who was with you?”

Seeing his eyes clouding over indicated the man was more than just an associate.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. There was nothing either one of us could have done.”

“Why were you attacked?”

His eyes bore into mine and I had a sense that he wasn’t certain how to answer or to take me.

“Is that what you really want to know, Isabel? Who wanted me dead? Or would you prefer to ask me what’s really on your mind?”

“Which is?”

“Whether or not I’m exactly like what you’ve read about me on the internet? Am I a horrible monster who drags people including women and children into dungeons, killing them slowly to get my jollies? And afterwards I enjoy my kills by roasting puppies on an open fire. Is that what you want to know?”

“A little dramatic, don’t you think?”

“You’d be surprised what has been said about me. To weed through your curiosity, I will say I have done many things out of necessity you would consider a crime, but none nearly so heinous.”

The moment of silence was heavier than I’d intended, but he didn’t back down, never blinking as he waited to see if what he’d shared was acceptable. “People really say such horrible things.”

He glanced out the window briefly before taking a sip of his wine. “Yes, Isabel. They do.”

As I was trying to figure out anything to say that would clear the heavy air between us, another set of footsteps caught my attention. They were definitely lighter in weight and running very quickly in our direction.

A small body jumped into the room, stomping both feet as soon as she did. She threw her arms up with her small hands fisted, her tiny mouth opening. “She’s here!”

Mina.

Oh, my God. How had I not put two and two together?

While Maxsim broke into a fit of chuckles, Mina came bounding toward me, all but throwing herself into my arms. I’d barely had time to place my glass on the counter before she was right in front of me.

“Papa said I had a surprise and he’s terrible with keeping them. I asked and asked and asked and finally he told me you were visiting.”

Seeing that she was happy and healthy warmed my heart.

Knowing for certain she was Maxsim’s daughter brought a weight that felt strangely confusing. I crouched down so she could wrap her arms around me, squeezing my neck as if I was someone important in her life.

I lifted my gaze to find Maxsim studying us intently, his expression masked more than before. Yet I could tell very easily how important she was to him.

“It’s so good to see you,” I finally managed, although the sound of my voice was tight, even strangled. From emotions or shock? I wasn’t certain.

“Did Papa tell you we’re having lunch?”