He remembered every moment. His father’s blood. His mother’s screams. The terrifying silence, and the way the men in the car stared at him throughout the long drive.

“She sold me to them,” he said. “She was given money to disappear in exchange for my service to the family. Everything she’d ever wanted.”

“Oh my God. And she took it?”

His sweet Cassie. So genuine and forthright. Had she been put in the same position, he had no doubt she’d have fought tooth and nail to free herself and her son. “In truth, she had no choice. I would be theirs either way. She could walk away from me and live, or insist on keeping me and die. It was that simple.”

He gave himself a moment to let the emotions pass, wiping his palms along the outer edges of his thighs. “Sergei helped me keep tabs on her until she died five years ago. She was a husk of a woman. Went through her money in very little time and died mostly alone.”

“And what about you?”

“I was a part of a family—the same as Sergei’s led by a man named Anton—but I was never allowed into the inner circle. My father’s betrayal was a stain I could not erase.” The peace that always came when he thought of his brothers settled inside his chest. “But then Sergei befriended me. He, too, was a misfit. Was brought into Anton’s family when he was very young and withstood many trials from others who’d been born into the life. He stood by me when most would not trust me.”

“That’s why you came here with him?”

“Yes. And for what he has done for me, he has my complete loyalty.”

She studied him for long moments, those insightful, curious eyes of hers processing any number of thoughts and theories. “Why are you telling me this? Not the story, but why are you telling me today?”

There it was. The opening he’d created. An opportunity to change the past and share his own truth.

He stood, took her hand and guided her to her feet. Let the feel of her tiny grip in his ground him. “Today, when you owned our relationship, you chose honor. Even when it meant the loss of your job.”

She ducked her head, but he guided her face back to his with a gentle nudge beneath her chin. “I understand you’re hurt. I understand not liking the way you went out, or wondering what people will think. But what difference do they make in our life? The life of a reporter will always be in conflict with how we live. You are happy with our family. With us. You have a chance to do what you really love.” He cupped the side of her face. “Let me give you that. Let go of what was and take what’s right in front of you.”

He studied her face. Searched her gaze and prayed his words would take root. “Choose me, Cassie. Take the risk. Accept me. Accept us all. Be mine and all that comes with it.”