Page 111 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“No. I packed two suitcases before I left. Mom was my accomplice and snuck them out for me. Mind you, she thought I was going to Nathaniel’s house. I feel bad for deceiving her like that, but the less she knows, the better.”

“You’re a devious woman, Kaylani Mikhailov.”

“Apparently, it’s one of my best traits.”

“I beg to differ.”

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, but stopped myself before I kissed her. Her smile faded as I stepped back, and my mask slipped into place.

“Nathaniel is waiting for us.”

She gave me a single nod, and we walked toward the mansion, her heels clicking on the path.

Nathaniel was waiting for us outside, speaking on his phone, when we reached him.

“Goodnight, Cutter. Can I speak to your mother again?” There was a pause. “Yes, we are about to go in for dinner. I’ll call you before I board the plane. Love you.”

He ended the call and stuffed the phone into his pocket.

Kaylani grabbed his arm with a massive smile on her face.

“Look at you. All married and domestic. It’s cute and deeply unsettling.”

“I’m not domestic,” Nathaniel deadpanned.

She smiled wider, clearly enjoying his irritation.

“Right. You’re just terrifying in a more organized, sweet, and loving way.”

Nathaniel’s jaw twitched. It was like telling a tiger it was a cute little kitten.

“You and Savannah will be the next king and queen of the Mikhailov family,” she said with a cheerful laugh as we continued up the walkway.

I stayed a stride behind them, keeping watch for anything suspicious as I listened to their conversation.

“I think Ronan will have something to say about that.”

“We all know he doesn’t have what it takes to lead,” Kaylani countered.

“Maybe. But I don’t want to rule the family. I won’t let him turn into Father, though.

We stepped up to the entry, and Nathaniel pressed the bell. A soft chime announced our arrival.

Mr. Winterton Sr. opened the door with a smile.

“Nathaniel Mikhailov. Good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” Nathaniel said, shaking the older man’s hand. “This is my sister, Kaylani.”

“Nice to meet you, sir. Thank you for letting my horse stay here for a few days,” Kaylani said, her voice as sweet as homemade apple pie.

Mr. Winterton blushed as she gushed about how nice his house was.

I followed them inside and took up my position in the corner, checking the windows and doors for anything out of place.

Dylan waltzed into the room a moment later, announcing himself as if the night called for pomp and circumstance. When he noticed me, he smirked, then sat down beside Kaylani.

He was pushing. Testing. Watching to see who would flinch first.