Page 123 of Wicked Villain

Mama stands when she sees me approaching and rushes to greet me. It was the maid who let me in.

Mama hugs me and I hug her back.

“Are you okay? God, I’ve been so worried.”

I can’t tell her I’m fine. I’m not and I don’t feel like lying today. “I’m here. Are you okay?”

“I’m better for seeing you, cara mia.” She cradles my cheek. “I didn’t mean to call the house. I just needed to speak to you.”

“I understand.”

“Thank you for coming. I have something important to talk to you about.” She glances to her left then right, checking to see who’s watching. “I needed to see you in person.”

“I don’t want to talk about Papa.” I tug nervously on the hem of my camisole top.

“This isn’t about him. It’s something else. The answer to everything.”

I narrow my eyes. What could this be?

“Come and sit.” She gestures to the wicker chairs under the gazebo.

We walk over and sit opposite each other. She does that nervous thing. Glancing around to see if anyone is watching us.

“The guards are at the front, Mama,” I say, hoping to ease her mind.

She leans forward, resting her hands on the table. “Listen, child. Lev has two more guards to our left, watching from across the estate. Don’t look.”

A chill runs through me. I keep my eyes on her. “Have they been here the whole time?”

“Yes. They’ve been here since you were taken. They change out every few hours. They’re watching your father. There are more around, but I’m not certain where they are exactly.”

I already guessed Lev would have people watching the house and my father, but knowing my assumptions were right makes me feel uncomfortable.

“My sources say they can pick up conversation from a mile away.”

“So they can hear us?”

“Not here. Water distorts the signal.” She glances at the water fountain across from us. “I’m just nervous.”

“Mama, what do you have to tell me about?”

Her hand balls into a fist on the table and she exhales slowly. “Leaving.”

My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

“Leaving for good.”

My mouth falls open. “What?”

“You heard me.” She blows out a ragged breath. “It’s something I should’ve looked into long ago.”

My heart stills, slowing its beat to a stop. “Mama, it’s too… dangerous. And what about your treatment? We can’t put your health at risk.” Her doctors specifically told us the specialist unit here in New York was the most equipped to treat her condition.

“I can have my treatment elsewhere.” She straightens and swallows hard. “I’ve been looking into it for a while.”

“Have you?”

“Yes. My dear daughter, your father has allowed things to get too far. He has gone too far. The other night was truly awful. He was despicable to you and though I may have sat there, and it appeared like I wasn’t doing anything, I was. I was planning. Planning to take my daughter away from this mess.”