Page 188 of Wicked Villain

I’ve been trying not to think about him. It hurts too much. Papa did a lot to me and our family, but knowing he helped the man who killed Gabrielle escape and kept him hidden all these years was the final blow. There is no forgiveness for that. None.

My father is dead to me. It was bad enough that he’d said all those cruel things a few weeks ago, but learning the depth of his selfishness erased every ounce of love I had for him as a daughter.

Now I just have to be strong for my mother. Mama is aware of what happened, and I swear telling her weakened her even more. That was two days ago. She still has that weary look about her, but at least I can take her home today, and we can grow stronger together.

We continue outside. Lev looks around. The chances of retaliation after what happened to Petr are high. I also know Lev has taken further steps to catch this Moretti person.

Ahead of us waits the private ambulance we’ll be taking. Mama’s doctors insisted she be able to lie down during the journey and continue receiving treatment. They also insisted on having a nurse and medical attendant with her. So, we’ll travel in the ambulance together while Lev joins the convoy escorting us home.

His brothers will be in the convoy, including Cassian, who returned from Morocco last night. They’ve also enlisted his Irish cousins. I can see them ahead, waiting by the black SUVs. Together, they look like a scene from The Godfather.

“So many people for me,” Mama mutters, glancing at them, too.

“For your safety,” Lev replies.

She looks over her shoulder at him and gives him a weak smile.

Silently, I pray nothing happens.

The ambulance attendant opens the doors and helps Mama stand. The nurse smiles and takes her bag. Once Mama is settled on the bed inside, the nurse gets in and sits beside her.

I turn back to Lev.

“I’ll be right behind you,” he promises, planting a light kiss on my lips.

“Thank you,” I say, and I mean it for everything.

He looks at me like he knows. Then he gives me another kiss, but on my forehead this time.

“See you at home, printsessa.”

I climb into the ambulance and strap in. The door slides shut, sealing me away from Lev.

“You’ll be home soon,” the nurse offers with a gentle smile. “If the traffic isn’t too bad, we should make good time.”

“I hope so,” I tell her, grateful for her assurance.

I’m sure she can tell, like everyone else, that I’m on edge. I glance at Mama, who smiles at both of us and rests her head against the bed.

Minutes later, we set off. Through the rear window, I can see the convoy of cars behind us. Knowing my husband is in one of them calms me.

“Would you like roast beef?” Mama says out of the blue.

I chuckle and stare at her. “What, Mama?”

She lifts her head. “I think we should try that roast beef dinner again. I think I owe it to you.”

“You don’t owe me anything, but I won’t say no to it when you’re well.”

She chuckles. “Okay, then. That sounds like a plan.”

“I suspect Zoya will want to spoil you. She loves cooking, so please let her take care of you.”

Mama nods. “Okay, cara mia. Yes, I will allow it.”

“I prepared a nice room for you. It’s right by the garden and has a balcony so you can sit out there in the mornings and relax. We set everything up with a TV and a mini fridge, but of course, you can roam around the house and do whatever you want.”

She laughs again. “That sounds wonderful, dear. I’m grateful, but I will try not to overstay.”