Page 28 of Deadly Devotion
“I don’t have feelings for Talia. She’s only here so I can protect her until she identifies Mikhail’s killer,” I reply adamantly.
Dimitri sighs and shakes his head. “Whatever you say,brat. Try to get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow.“ With that said, he leaves the office.
I pass by Talia’s door on my way back to my bedroom. Putting my ear to the door, I listen for any sounds of movement. There’s nothing but silence. I’m tempted to go in and wrap her up in my arms, but that is a temptation I cannot afford.
I stand there, inches from the polished wood, imagining her on the other side, sleeping soundly or perhaps haunted by her own demons. My resolve hardens, and with a sigh, I turn away.
Alone in my room, I sit at the edge of the bed, my thoughts a tumultuous sea. The night is filled with regrets and desires that cannot be. Tomorrow will come with its own battles, and tonight, I will wage war against the shadows of the past in solitude.
Chapter 19
Talia
The morning light filtered through the kitchen window as I sat at the table. Nikolai sat in his usual place in the corner of the room. He picked up a newspaper and looked over the black-and-white print while sipping coffee.
“Good morning,” Abram greeted. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, thank you,” I replied, comforted by his grandfatherly demeanor. I barely slept last night, consumed by my thoughts of Aleksandr and the baby. I need to speak with Sandy. I told her I would figure out how to escape the mansion, but now I have second thoughts. Maybe there’s a chance that Aleksandr will be happy about the baby. Maybe we can be together.And maybepigs can fly.I know it’s a long shot, but don’t I owe it to my baby to have their father in their life?
I grew up without a father, and I don’t want that for my baby. My father was killed in prison when I was three years old. I don’t remember him, but I went to the library years ago and found newspaper articles about him. He found out my mother was having an affair with the next-door neighbor. When he confronted the neighbor, they got into a fight, and my father beat him to death. He went to prison and was killed by another inmate not too long after that.
The neighbor’s wife accused my mother of being the reason that she lost her husband, and her son lost his father. She was able to turn most of the people in town against my mother, which led my mother to start taking drugs. Between the betrayal of my father and the guilt of the neighbor being killed, she became a full-blown addict. She died of an overdose when I was five years old.
I know what it’s like to grow up without parents and be bounced around from foster home to foster home. I want my baby to have the life they deserve-full of love and contentment.
As I dwelled on memories, Abram placed a plate of scrambled eggs and fruit before me. Then he brought me a cup of freshly brewed coffee. They sure do treat me nicely for being locked up in this mansion.
“Thank you, Abram. It smells delicious.”
“I’m glad to see you’re feeling better today.” He smiles kindly and then leaves me to enjoy my breakfast.
The tranquility of this moment was interrupted by a faint rustle that drew my attention. Turning my head, I found Sashastanding at the kitchen entrance. She held out Alyce’s cell phone with a mischievous grin playing on her lips. Tucking it into her pants pocket, she waltzed into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Sasha,” Nikolai greeted. “Are you behaving this morning?” He winked, causing her to giggle.
”Ialwaysbehave,“ she replied firmly. “Except when I’m getting into trouble!” She grins from ear to ear and plops down in the empty seat next to me.
“Whatcha eating?” she asks, licking her lips.
“Eggs and fruit. Would you like some?” I push the plate in front of her. She picks out a juicy strawberry and takes a big bite.
“Mmmm, that’s good,” she says. Strawberry juice dribbles down her chin as she takes another bite. “I have something to show you in your room,” she says, blinking and patting her pocket.
“Why are you blinking?” I whisper.
“I’m winking at you,” she whispers back.
“Ohhh, I see. We’ll go to my room as soon as we finish eating.”
Abram places a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of Sasha. She shovels the eggs into her mouth, chewing and swallowing quickly. After a few bites, she puts the fork down. “I’m finished,” she announces, jumping up from her seat.
Grabbing me by the hand, she pulls me to my feet. “Come on, let’s go!” she whisper yells.
Nikolai follows us back to my room. Sasha puts her hand out and stops him in the doorway. “No boys allowed,” she declares.
He nods and leaves us to enter the room without him. Pulling the cell phone from her pocket, she thrusts it into my hand. “Here, you can call your sister now.”
“Sasha, you shouldn’t have taken the phone. You can get into big trouble with your uncle.”