weak. He is a man much like me, a proud one. Let’s just say, I was not as strong as he is. I forced my Tati back to me, kicking and screaming, along with threats. I would never have let her go, even if I knew she would have been happier without me.”
I shiver at his words. My lips part in awe that he’s being so forthcoming. I have a feeling that this man does not talk candidly about his personal life often, if ever.
“So, all of that being said. You, krasavitsa, are no longer on my radar. Sebastian will not be a problem any longer. Live the life that you want, Stephanie.”
“He’s not…”
Kirill chuckles. “My statement still stands, dead men do not pay. But he is not free to roam around and cause problems anymore. Not until his debts have been handled.”
Without another word, I watch the tall Russian turn around and stroll out of the restaurant. Every patron’s eyes follow him, including mine. I can’t help but wonder what kind of life he leads. It must be packed full of action.
The thought makes my stomach clench. I don’t want that. It’s as if suddenly, the answer is right in front of me. It’s been there the whole time, I started the process days ago, and it’s never been more obvious that I was making the right choice.
I don’t want action, not anymore.
I want boring.
I want simple.
I want Ford.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
STEPHANIE
Damion arches his brow toward me as my attorney goes over the contract that I have with the studio. It’s pretty ironclad. I have to fulfill my promises, meaning I have to complete the last movie in the series that I have been in over the last few years and one more, the title and date to be determined.
They own me. Until they have a title they want me to be in, until filming starts on this last movie. Both of which could mean years. I could sell everything and live in Texas, but I would need to come back for filming, for months at a time.
I don’t know how Ford would feel about that, if he would be okay with it, and honestly, I don’t know if I want to do it. I feel that finishing up the series is necessary, but the last movie in my contract, I want it gone.
“What if I only promised to film the last in the series? How can I get out of the other movie?”
My attorney leans back, tilting his head to the side as he watches me. “Why do you want to? It’s a guaranteed paycheck.”
Nodding, I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to tell him to fuck off. It’s not his fault, and he doesn’t know anything about my situation. We are one hundred percent client and attorney. I don’t even know his first name.
“I’m quitting the business,” I state.
He blinks, his brows lifting high as he watches me. “Quitting?” he asks.
I hum as I nod my head. “I’m done. I want a simple life. I want to go back home, plant some roots.”
“You have roots here.”
Shrugging a shoulder, I shake my head. “I have a house here, but that doesn’t constitute roots. I’m ready to go back home.”
He grunts, obviously not impressed with my answer. “I think I can get you out of the last movie, as long as I promise the series completion. I can make them aware that this will be your finale?”
I think about his words. Finale is so… final. I’m banking on Ford wanting me with him. I’m banking on a lot, but it’s worth it all, even just for the chance to have a slice of happiness all for myself, something that I should have been happy with seventeen years ago.
Even if things didn’t work out with Ford, I’ve managed my money well enough to live the rest of my life, comfortably, without needing to work. So, if this movie is my last, then that’s fine by me. It’s a bittersweet thing to agree to, but I can’t deny that it feels almost freeing.
“It can be marketed as my final film,” I agree.
He nods his head. “Let me contact the studio, see what we can do. Also, do you want me to see if there’s a lockdown date for the final film in the series?”
“Please,” I nod.
He grunts. “I’ll call you when I hear. Answer your phone,” he barks.
The meeting is over. That’s the way he is. He’s issued his last words