bastard isn’t because he moved to another country, but because he’s already dead.
He was killed by this man. Kai. Somehow, that makes me see him in a different light. He’s the reason why she wasn’t scarred to the point of no return and I can’t help but respect him for that—regardless of his reasons for doing it.
“While I’m grateful for what you did for her in the past, she’s mine and I won’t allow you to get near her.”
“I’m not interested in her that way. She’s our princess and I’m merely her guardian angel—a fallen one, at that.”
“Where’s is she? Take me to her.”
“No need.” He sighs. “She went through all this trouble to get you out. First, she figured out Akira’s bids for his next business venture by playing that fool, Ren. Then she took it to your grandparents with the help of your uncle.”
“Naomi went to see my grandparents?”
“Yes, and she begged them to help you by blocking Akira’s investment from behind the scenes. Of course, your grandparents weren’t thrilled to have to pull out the big guns and wanted her to end your relationship, but she didn’t agree. Instead, she told your grandmother that they won’t lose you like they lost your father, and that was the deciding point for them. Once Akira’s plots were halted, he lost it and might have taken it out on Ren.” He pauses and smiles as if reliving an image. “Anyway, in exchange for her to stop blocking Akira’s projects, she made him agree to divorce her while remaining an ally to her father. She’s currently threatening Abe that if he uses her or you—or her sister—she’ll make Akira withdraw the alliance and all his funds. Among other things that she now has over him.”
My lips part as I listen to Kai’s retelling of the events. I can’t believe she did all of that on her own.
Naomi isn’t the same, after all. She was always strong, but she’s now a force to be reckoned with.
“Speechless? Good.” Kai grabs me by the shoulder hard. So hard that it feels like he’ll break my bones, then whispers in a low, calm but threatening tone, “You’d better remember her sacrifices until the day you die. Or I’ll be there to make sure you take your last breaths.”
“Sebastian!”
My gaze snaps to the flash of movement behind Kai. Naomi runs toward me, her fair cheeks flushed and her red lipstick making her appear paler, softer, and so fucking beautiful.
Her black hair flies behind her as she rushes forward and physically pushes Kai out of the way.
“Go away, Kai,” she tells him impatiently.
He steps back, then gives me one final warning look before he turns around and leaves.
Naomi grabs me by the arms, her gaze searching everywhere, for a wound, I suppose. The last time we were here, I nearly died. But I didn’t, because of her.
Seven years later, this one hell of a woman saved me for the second time. And I will make sure she doesn’t have to do it again for as long as we live.
“I’m okay,” I say softly, my voice full of emotion.
“Oh, thank God. When I saw you through the footage, I thought the bastards hit you or did something.”
“I’m really fine.”
She doesn’t stop touching me—running her fingers over my bicep, then up my side, chest, and shoulder as if she needs to make sure for herself.
“Nao.”
She’s focused on my torso, my hand, my arm. Anywhere but my face.
“Baby, look at me.”
She finally lifts her eyes and they’re filled with tears. They blur the dark color of her irises and then cascade down her pink cheeks.
I reach a hand out and wipe them away with a thumb, my palm lingering on the swell of her cheek. “Why are you crying?”
“Because you’re okay. Because it’s finally over.”
“Kai told me. I can’t believe you went to my grandparents and did everything in between. You’re so strong, so goddamn beautiful.”
“It was all scary, but I would do it all over again for you, Sebastian. I would go to hell if it means I get to be with you.”
“Good because I have a special spot in there.”
She smiles through her tears and it’s the most beautiful fucking smile I’ve ever seen on her.
“I’m free,” she whispers as if not believing the words. “I’m free of Akira. I’m free to be with you…I mean, if you…want to.”
“Of course I fucking want to. I needed to be with you a lifetime ago.”
Her own palm grabs my cheek,