The Devil's CrownPart Two - Monica James Page 0,55

as soon as you can, and then we can figure out our next move.”

I may have given up trying to figure out why they’re helping me, but I will never take it for granted. Without them, I’d be dead.

“I packed a few of Ella’s things. I didn’t have much time, but I grabbed what I could,” Willow says, gesturing to the black overnight bag by the bed. “It should be enough for a few days.”

The tremble in her voice betrays her anguish. The memories, memories I forced onto her, have resurfaced, reminding her of the ordeal she endured because of me. She knows firsthand because she was Ella once upon a time.

Leaning forward, I press a soft kiss to Ella’s brow. “You’re safe, красавица. No one will hurt you ever again.”

Coming to a stand, I realize there is something I must do before I leave. I need to say goodbye to Irina. My broken heart can’t take any more pain. But I must explain to her that I will be back. I just don’t know when.

“I’ll pack for you,” Willow offers, looking up at me with nothing but sadness reflected in those gentle eyes.

With caution, I cup her face and run my thumb along the apple of her cheek. “Thank you. You give me faith there is a God because only He could create something as perfect as you.”

Leaning forward, I kiss her temple, wishing to express my gratitude.

She leans into my touch without repulsion. I’ll never tire of her advancing instead of recoiling. “Go see Irina.”

Even without words, we’re in sync with one another. I truly have found my soul mates in Willow and Saint.

Without a moment to waste, I quickly make my way toward Irina’s bedroom. It’s late, which means she’ll probably be asleep. But I can’t leave without saying goodbye.

I quietly open her door an inch and peer in. Celine is sitting on the couch, watching TV. When she sees me, she jumps to attention. I make her nervous.

“Mr. Popov,” she whispers, walking toward me as I enter.

I’ve told her countless times to call me Alek, but Celine won’t hear of it. She is respectful and kind, which is why I know Irina will be safe with her and Willow watching over her.

“Irina just fell asleep. She had a wonderful evening helping Pierre in the kitchen.” A small smile floats across her lips. “Is everything all right?”

I wish I had the time to explain what’s going on, but I don’t. Time is the enemy, and the longer I’m here, the more of a chance it gives Santo to hurt Ella. I need to be quick, but how do you do that when you’re saying goodbye to your child?

It makes no difference that Irina isn’t my flesh and blood; family is what you make it, and Irina is my daughter. She chose me as her father, and that makes me the luckiest man alive.

“I have to go away for a little while,” I explain, peering over at Irina, sleeping soundly in her pink princess bed. “Saint, Willow, Max, and Pavel will remain here. Would you be okay with continuing your duties as usual?”

“Of course,” she replies, clearly concerned to why I’m fleeing in the middle of the night. “What should I tell Irina?”

Rubbing the back of my neck, I think of a suitable response as my cheeks billow. “Tell her I’ll be back soon.”

Celine nods, knowing better than to ask questions.

Walking quietly to the bed, I peer down at the little girl who has shown me how to love. I didn’t think I was capable of the emotion, but Irina proved me wrong. She’s taught me so much.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I run the back of two of my fingers across her warm cheek. “I’m so proud to be your папа. You are a gift. You give me a reason to go on. Be safe, little цветочек. I’ll be back soon. Папа loves you.”

Bending down, I kiss her forehead, which are wet with my tears.

Am I doing the right thing?

Leaving the ones I love seems so cowardly. If anything were to happen to any of them, I’d never forgive myself. But I have to do this because Ella…what I feel for her scares me. I don’t know what it is. Love seems so inept to describe how I feel when I’m around her.

Brushing the hair from Irina’s face, I promise to return and soon.

Wiping away my tears, I turn around and smile at Celine. “If