Morgan had never heard him talk this way, or sound this way, and her heart thumped uncomfortably and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear more, but there was no way she would stop him from talking.

After a long, uneasy moment Drakon continued. “I wasn’t able to make good decisions during this time, and I didn’t do what I should have done to protect my company, my future, or my employees. I was willing to lose it all. But Bronwyn refused to just stand there, a witness, as my company and life imploded.”

“So she took over,” he continued. “She stepped into my empty shoes and vacant office and became me … became president and CEO and no one knew it was Bronwyn Harper forging my signature, shifting funds, slashing spending, liquidating assets.” Drakon’s gaze met Morgan’s. “Not all of her decisions were the right ones. Some of her actions had negative consequences, but if she hadn’t stepped in when she did, there would be nothing here today.”

It was hard for Morgan to hear Drakon speak of Bronwyn so reverently, because Morgan wished she’d been the one who had been there for Drakon when he needed someone. “I’m glad she helped you,” Morgan said huskily. “Glad she was able to help you, because I couldn’t have, even if I’d wanted to.”

He looked at her, amber gaze piercing. “So yes, she helped me, but she was never more than a valuable employee. She was never your rival. I never once wanted her. I have only wanted you.”

“Then why fire her? If she was such a help, and you feel so grateful—”

“She wanted more than what we had.” His mouth curved but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “She made it clear she wanted more, that she was in love with me, but I didn’t feel that way about her. I loved you, and only you, and Bronwyn knew that.”

“But she stuck around all these years … she stuck around because she had to hope she had a chance.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Probably. But she didn’t. If I couldn’t have you, there wouldn’t have been anyone else for me. It was you or nobody.”

Morgan exhaled slowly, her head spinning. “She must be heartbroken right now.”

“She’ll be fine. She’s strong. She’s smart. She’ll have a better life now, away from me.” Drakon drew Morgan into his arms and pressed a kiss to her temple, and then another to her cheekbone. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

“You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Rowan hasn’t found your father yet.”

“But he hasn’t given up.”

“No. And Rowan won’t, not until we find your father. There is no one better than Rowan and Dunamas. They will continue looking for your father, until he is found.”

“What if it takes weeks … months … years?”

“Doesn’t matter. I promise you, we will never forget him, and never give up.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

THEY ATE DINNER, just the two of them, as Rowan was nowhere to be found, and then skipping coffee and dessert, they headed upstairs to Drakon’s room, where they made love, soundlessly, wordlessly, so quiet in the dark silent night.