Dealing Her Final Card(65)

Ten years ago, loving Vladimir had changed her. He’d given her a second chance at life. He’d shown her she could be something besides a poker-playing con artist with a flexible conscience. He’d made her want to be more. To be honest and true, not just when it was convenient, but always.

This was the woman she was born to be.

And she would never be anything else ever again. Not for any price.

Before the limo stopped in the courtyard, Bree had thrown open the door, leaving her duffel bag and valuables behind as she leaped headlong into the snow. Her puppy bounded beside her, barking frantically as Bree ran straight back to the only answer her heart had ever wanted.

She found him in his study, standing by the window that overlooked the sea.

“Vladimir,” she cried.

Slowly he turned, his handsome face like granite. It was only when she came closer that she saw the tears sparkling in his eyes.

He wasn’t made of ice. He was flesh and blood. And letting her go had ripped him to the bone.

Choking back a sob, she threw herself into his arms. She jumped up, hugging him even with her legs. Startled, he caught her, holding her against him.

“Are you really here?” he breathed, stroking her hair, as if he thought she was a dream. “You were free. You had the signed contract. Why did you return?”

Bree slowly slid down his body, her eyes wide. “You knew.”

Blinking fast, Vladimir nodded.

“Why did you do it?” she said. “Why would you set me free, when you knew you’d lose everything?”

His phone rang from his pocket, but he ignored it. He cupped her face, tracing his thumbs against her trembling mouth. “Because I knew I’d already lost everything, if you walked out my door.” He shook his head. “I had to know. If you really loved me. Or if you...didn’t.”

“And what did you decide?” she whispered through numb lips.

“I decided it didn’t matter.” He looked straight into her eyes. “I meant what I said. Whatever you do, I will love you, Breanna. For the rest of my life.”

She burst into tears, pressing her face against his chest. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed as her tears soaked his shirt. “I was wrong to think I could ever betray you.”

He stroked her hair gently. “Did my brother promise you money to pay off your old debts? Is that why you agreed to help him?”

“Help him?” Drawing back, Bree looked at Vladimir. “I had no idea he was behind us getting jobs in Hawaii. Not until he threatened me!”

Vladimir’s hand grew still. “He threatened you?”

“At the New Year’s Eve ball.”

He sucked in his breath. “Kasimir was there?”

“He found me on the dance floor when I was alone. Right after I told you I loved you—when you took off....”

“That was why you’ve been acting so distant?” Vladimir looked at her, his expression fierce. “What did he say to you?”

A lump rose in her throat.

“He’s married Josie,” she whispered. “He’s holding her hostage.”

“What?” Vladimir cried.

“He wanted to get back your family’s land, and it was the only way to break the trust. Josie agreed to marry him, because she thought it was the only way to save me.”

“From what?” he demanded.

“From you.” With a bitter laugh, Bree wiped her eyes. “Funny, isn’t it?”

His face filled with cold rage. His phone started ringing again. He didn’t move a muscle to answer. “Hilarious.”

“He said if I ever wanted to see her again, I had to bring the signed contract to his house in Marrakech before midnight tonight.”

Vladimir looked ready to commit murder. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m sorry,” Bree said miserably. “I was afraid you’d say it was Josie’s own fault, and that she should face the consequences.”

He scowled. “She’s just a kid. I never meant she should—” He broke off with a curse as, for the third time in five minutes, his phone started ringing again. He snatched it up angrily. “What the hell do you want?”

Then Vladimir froze.

“Kasimir,” he said quietly. “About time.”

Stricken, Bree held her breath, staring up at him.

His eyes narrowed. “She already told me. Your plan to turn us against each other didn’t work.” He listened, then paced three steps. “I am willing to make the trade.”

Bree covered her mouth with her hands, realizing that Vladimir was offering to give up his billion-dollar company to save her baby sister. Then he scowled.

“Kasimir, don’t be a fool! You can still—”