Page 20 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

She’d wait, but she would have her revenge against Nicolai; it would just take a little longer than she’d planned.

CHAPTER5

Nicolai’s injuries were painful, but just superficial. They looked terrible, but wouldn’t hinder him with his plans.

He was released from the hospital two days after the incident and headed directly to the palace. He went to Reina’s sitting room and walked in without knocking.

Reina was sitting there, her sword sheathed across her lap. “I’ve been waiting for you since my agent in the hospital called to say they released you.”

“I should have known I couldn’t take you by surprise.” He approached her cautiously. “I have a proposition, Reina.”

She calmly lifted one brow. “What could you possibly offer me?”

He moved even closer, his eyes narrowed. He pulled his goatee to a point, as he liked it. “How about the lives of your children?”

She barely moved. Only a single blink even indicated she’d heard him.

“Don’t you care about your children? Shall I start with Catherine, the eldest here in Batrovia? Or perhaps Gregory, the youngest?”

She lifted her sword and pointed it at him. “You’re an evil bastard, Nicolai. How can I believe you actually have anyone? Gregory is here with me, so I know you don’t have him. What proof can you show me you have Catherine?”

“This.” He laid a ring on the coffee table in front of her and then stepped back.

She picked it up. It was Catherine’s wedding ring. Airk would go insane right about now.

“What do I have to do to save my children?”

“It’s very simple. You marry me and I become king.”

She barked out a laugh. “Are you really so stupid to believe that marriage to me would make you king? Alex is king, and has been since Gregor died. He’ll be home soon to make you pay for what you’ve done.”

“And what is it you think I’ve done, Reina?” He stood with his hands on his hips.

Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. “I know you killed Gregor. Or, more precisely, had him killed and made it look like an ambush. You even had them wound youa little,so it would fit your story. But you can’t hide the truth from me.”

He stepped closer.

She jumped up and extended her sword.

“I’ve already had the girls taken to a place where they will be held until you marry me. If you continue to refuse, I will kill them one at a time, starting with Gina. I’ll hold off on Gregory for now. I might yet need him.”

Reina’s sword arm was steady. She wouldn’t be able to resist him much longer.

“If you’d rather, you can watch.” He crossed an arm over his middle and rested the opposite elbow in that hand as he pulled on his beard. “Yes, I think that would be best. You’ll watch as I slaughter your children. You know I will, Reina. There is a solution. All you have to do is put down that sword and marry me. And if you think to kill me, I have instructed the men holding them to kill them if I do not return within the hour.”

“I have no choice. I won’t risk my children’s lives.” She sheathed the sword with her bloodless fingers and then sat on the sofa.

Nicolai sat beside her and put an arm around her shoulders.

She punched him hard in the stomach with her elbow and moved away. “Don’t touch me. Don’t you ever touch me.”

He doubled over, and when the pain stopped, he stood. “You just agreed to marry me. Oh, there will be touching, my darling. You can count on it. I’ve waited too long for you.” He turned on his heel and left her.

I’ll have her under my thumb with the threat to her children, but I have to stop Alex from coming home. Even after I marry his mother, he will be a problem. And he will be king. He can nullify the marriage and have me arrested for murder. I can’t have him removed before he arrives, but after he’s here…there is nothing and no one to stop me.

* * *

July 5th