deep breath and let it out, “my father came to see me right away. He was so kind, so caring. He asked me what drove me to it. He told me I could tell him anything. That he would fix whatever the problem was. And I was fool enough to believe it.”
Suddenly, Annika launched herself up out of Kieran’s lap. He stood up too. She turned to look at him, and bitterness clouded her face. “I told my father what Mason had been doing to me. And…and…” Annika stuttered to a halt.
“He didn’t believe you--,” Kieran finished for her.
“He believed me…somewhat. It was his belief that I must have done something to lead Mason on. That whatever had happened, had been done with my consent.”
“Son of a mother-fucking-bitch.” Kieran’s blood was boiling. He was going to kill Mason, then her father…then go kill them both again.
Annika gave a bitter laugh. “That’s not all. He actually tried to talk me into marrying Mason. He said it would be appropriate since we were not related by blood.”
“I’ll kill them, Annika. I’ll kill them both for you,” Kieran vowed.
Annika reached up and touched Kieran’s face. Her eyes were so sad. “It’s ancient history now, Kieran.” She leaned up and kissed him chastely on his lips. “I’m telling you this because you need to know why I can never give you more than just sex. You saw how I just reacted. I can never be more than what I am right now. I only have my body to offer you, if you’ll have it. But do not ask for my heart. It turned to ash a long time ago.”
Kieran just stood there. He didn’t know what to say. He had never felt such sorrow for a person before. He had never felt such rage either. He was going to make Renard and Mason suffer for what they did to her. Then another thought occurred to him.
“Your charity…Saving Grace. Is Grace your middle name?”
Annika nodded with a half-smile on her face. “Pathetic that I would think helping other women might somehow save me, huh?”
Scrubbing his hands through his head, he struggled with words. Taking a deep breath, Kieran put his hands on her shoulders. “Annika. I am so sorry for what happened to you. I cannot even imagine the pain and betrayal you felt. You’re secret is safe with me and I will never tell another soul without your permission.” He pulled her close into a hug and to his surprise, she sunk into it. He kissed her on top of her head and then pulled back to look her in the eye.
“But we have a problem, Annika. I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but I am falling in love you. I can’t help it. And it’s not going to change.”
Annika gave him that slow, sad smile. “Oh, Kieran…you poor, poor bastard. Falling for a fuck up like me.”
Kieran smiled at her and hugged her again. “Yeah, but your my fuck up… all mine.”
Annika actually giggled with her face pressed into his chest. But then she was serious again as she looked at him. “I’m serious, Kieran. I have nothing good to offer you.”
“Don’t you worry. I’ll take what I can get and see if I can convince you otherwise.”
CHAPTER 17
Kieran was in his bedroom, packing for their trip to Balvraine. One bag had the necessary ingredients Annika needed for any potential potion she would have to make. The other some traditional Balvraine clothing. It held a mix of fashions, ranging from clothing of the poor to the wealthy. Kieran didn’t know what ruse they would have to use to get in the palace, so he wanted to be prepared for all situations that could arise. Annika was in Mary’s room, spending some time with her before they left.
“Getting ready to leave?”
Kieran turned to see Carrick standing in the doorway, leaning against the door jamb.
“Yup. I’m pretty much ready. Just waiting on Annika.”
“We’ll look after Mary. Don’t worry about her.”
“I appreciate it.” Kieran zipped up both packs and turned to look at Carrick. “Listen, I need a favor when we return. I’ll need you to talk to Ava about it.”
“Whatever you need, just name it.”
“I need to pay a visit to Myridian when I return. I would like Ava to go with me.”
Carrick raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
“I can’t tell you the why of it, but I’m going to issue a challenge to the death to Renard’s stepson, Mason. I need