Page 126 of Hidden Empire

I exhale and type.

Me

I’m pregnant.

It’s better to rip off the bandaid this way, right?

He replies before I can add more.

Apollo

Jade.

Me

It’s okay! I mean, it wasn’t planned obviously. But I’m okay, really.

Apollo

Remind me to take your promise privileges away.

I let out a nervous laugh. I don’t know whether he’s upset about the pregnancy, but I know he’s definitely kicking himself for this secret.

Apollo

Does anyone know?

Me

Just the father, and um, his brother.

Apollo

And who, pray tell, is the father? I have a ledger to draft his name into.

I suck back a gasp, not knowing whether he’s being serious.

Me

Absolutely not!

Me

No way, you’re on my side, you promised! My side very much wants him alive.

Apollo

I can maim him without ending his life. It’s quite easy, I assure you.

I let out a frustrated growl, wishing he could hear it.

Me

Seriously, Apollo. I love him, and we’re going to get married. We’ll go through all the proper steps. I just need you on my side, I don’t want any of our family to hurt Dmitri.

Apollo

Dmitri Morozov?