From Protector of the Grey House:
“Natalia.”
She drew in a deep breath and turned at the sound of his voice. He frowned slightly at the look on her face. She did, in fact, look remorseful. “Hello.”
He moved a few steps into the room, closed the door and continued closer to her. Natalia watched his movements, and tried to read his expression. Her own thoughts crowded in and she decided to wait for his words rather than try and decipher his mood.
Vincent’s movements took him to the bed, to lean against a post. “I have made a decision regarding all this. Have you?”
“I have options?” She sounded off and he did not like it.
“There are always options. Tell me, in your words, what happened.”
“I thought that was for Anthony to decipher?”
“He did. But I want to hear it in your words, with your voice.”
She shook her head and looked away as her entire body seemed to sag from exhaustion. Natalia leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “I’ve lived this enough. I don’t want to relive it again.”
She gasped as he was suddenly before her. His hand was on her chin, guiding her face to look into her eyes. “Tell me.”
“If you hadn’t stopped me in time…”
He inhaled sharply at the devastated look in her eyes. His eyes narrowed a touch as he caressed her cheek. He had never seen her this distraught. Vincent’s own expression grew soft as he drew her into his arms. He kissed his woman and held her tightly to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. After a moment he pulled away and whispered into her ear.
“Tell me you’re still mine.”
“Yes.”
He shifted a bit, then, “Tell… tell me I’m still yours.”
Cat Stark 