Page 48 of Dark Seduction

"No, just business as usual."

Elena gives me a look that pierces right through me, as if she doesn't quite believe my casual dismissal, but she drops it with a shrug.

As we head inside, I notice that she's not alone—Yuri is with her. He stands up to greet me, his presence a familiar comfort, and plants a warm, brotherly kiss on my cheek. "Good to see you, Dalia."

Elena speaks up. "Lev insisted that Yuri came with me, as if I can’t handle myself." She rolls her eyes.

Yuri chuckles softly, his demeanor relaxed. "Don't worry, I wouldn’t dream of ruining girls’ night. I'll be over at the bar, still keeping an eye out, but out of your hair."

His assurance does little to ease the knot of anxiety in my stomach but I smile appreciatively.

Yuri saunters off to the bar as Elena and I find a quiet table near the back, the hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the air.

Yuri gives us a wave when he’s seated, letting us see that he’s nearby if we need anything. I watch as he slips out his phone and orders a cocktail.

Elena’s eyes light up with enthusiasm. "You have to try some of my favorite dishes here," she says, her eyes scanning the menu with practiced familiarity. "The patatas bravas are divine, and the gambas al ajillo are to die for."

A memory tugs at me. "This kind of reminds me of the Egyptian food that my dad likes."

Elena perks up at this. "Oh, that's no coincidence. There’s a strong Egyptian influence on Spanish cuisine, dating back to when the Umayyad Caliphate controlled the Andalusian Peninsula." She catches herself with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I’m kind of a history nerd."

I laugh, waving off her apology. "I'm always down for learning new things. Why don’t you order for us, since you know what’s good?"

Elena beams, pleased, and waves over the waiter. She dives into ordering with confidence. "We'll have the patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and let’s also go for the chorizo al vino. Oh, andwe must try the pulpo a la gallega."

As the waiter jots down our order, Elena then turns to the drinks menu. "And for the drinks, a glass of your finest Rioja for me, please, and a passion fruit mocktail for my friend here."

I pause when Elena orders the mocktail, suspicion flickering. As soon as the waiter's out of earshot, I fix her with a look.

"A mocktail? So, does that mean you know?”

Elena laughs, her delight unmistakable, and claps her hands together.

"Yes!" she exclaims, then quickly turns serious. "But don’t worry, I practically had to interrogate Lev to tell me. He’s usually locked up tighter than Fort Knox."

The news that my secret is out sends a twinge of anxiety through me, but Elena's warm grasp on my hand eases the sting. "We’re all thrilled, really."

"We?" I raise an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and a hint of annoyance flaring up.

"Well, it seems Yuri and Luk might have caught wind of it too." Elena's casual shrug tries to downplay the revelation, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Feeling exposed as a celebrity caught by paparazzi, I let out a low groan. "Great, so I'm basically naked here."

Elena's smile is sympathetic. "In the Ivanov family, secrets don’t stay secret for long. But think of it this way—you have a lot of support around you."

Her sincerity cuts through my irritation, melting it away as she squeezes my hand. "Congratulations, Dalia," she beams, and Ican't help but feel a little flutter of excitement.

Elena gives me a knowing look, her voice softening. "I know this might not be how you would've wanted your pregnancy news to get out, but you're in a family now that will give your baby so much love and both of you so much protection."

I give a small smile, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. "I know, and I'm grateful for that."

Just then, the waiter arrives with our drinks, and Elena raises her glass. "To the baby," she smiles warmly.

We toast, the clink of our glasses marking a tiny, perfect moment of solidarity.

After taking a sip of her cocktail, Elana leans in, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

"So, what does this mean for you and Lev?"