Page 32 of Deadly Devotion
“Dimitri, stay here and watch over Talia,” I ordered. “Doctor, we can speak in my office.” Guiding her to my office, I closed the door behind us. “What is it?” I asked impatiently.
“Talia is pregnant.”
The world seemed to tilt on its axis.Pregnant.The word echoed in my mind, leaving me stunned and disoriented. “Pregnant?” I repeated my voice barely a whisper.
Dr. Daria nodded solemnly. “Yes. My educated guess is she is about two months along, but an ultrasound will be more precise.
“Did she know?” A steamy image of Talia’s naked body flashes in my mind. Fire burns in my eyes as I fantasize about gutting the bastard that got her pregnant. I wonder if it’s the asshole ex-boyfriend from San Franciso.
“I don’t know,” Dr. Daria replies. “She’s still unconscious.”
“I need to see her,” I hissed.
Dr. Daria nodded, leading me to where Talia lay, pale and fragile, on the examination table. I felt an overwhelming need to protect her and her baby. Shaking it off, I turned to leave. “Move her to my bedroom to rest.” Dr. Daria’s eyebrow lifted in surprise, but she didn’t utter a word. “Dimitri will help you.”
I left them to take care of Talia while I retreated to my office. I was determined to find out who ordered the ambush. My gut says it was Gio Lupani, but I must find out for sure. I made a few phone calls and announced that whoever brought me the information I needed would be paid handsomely.
Dimitri knocked lightly on the doorframe. “Brat, Talia is resting in your bedroom. Olga is with her. Dr. Daria will be back to examine her again tomorrow.“ He sits in the chair opposite me, running his fingers through his blonde hair and tugging at the ends. “Do you think it was Lupani who ordered a hit on Talia? Or possibly Adachi trying to take you out?”
“I think it was Lupani,” I respond, tapping my fingertips on the mahogany desk. “I made a few calls to our associates. Anyone that brings us information will be paid.” Crossing the room, I take a vodka bottle and two glasses from the bar. Setting them on the desk, I pour two drinks and hand one to Dimitri. “Call Boris. Ask him to pull the video from any street cameras near Sandy’s apartment. We might be able to identify the assailants as part of Lupani’s crew.”
“Got it. I’ll call him now.” Dimitri pulls out his cell phone but pauses before dialing.
“You might want to change your clothes. Walking around the mansion with Talia’s blood all over you will certainly frighten the children.”
I nod, leaving Dimitri alone in the office.
Chapter 21
Aleksandr
Olga sat in a chair next to the bed, watching over Talia. She had her prayer book open, mouthing prayers silently in Russian.
“How is she?” I inquired, peering at Talia resting in the king-size bed.
“She opened her eyes once but then closed them again.”
“Go take care of the children. I’ll sit with her for a while.”
Nodding, Olga patted Talia gently on the hand and then left to take care of Sasha and Maxim.
I sat in the chair for an hour, consumed with thoughts of Talia being pregnant and fuming with the need to exact revenge on the person who dared to harm her. Stretching my legs outin front of me, I stood up and began walking slowly around the room.
Talia slowly regained consciousness, her delicate features softening into awareness. Her eyes fluttered open, a mixture of confusion and fear swirling within them. Standing beside the bed, my gaze stayed steady upon her.
“Where… where am I?” Her voice was barely a whisper, raspy from sleep.
“You’re safe,” I replied evenly. “You’re in my home.”
Recognition flickered across her face, followed swiftly by alarm. Clutching her belly, she tried to sit up, then flinched in pain from her shoulder wound.
“Wait a minute,dushenka. Not so fast.“ I gently guided her back onto the bed, placing my hand on her arm.
“What happened?” she asked, studying the sling on her arm.
“You were shot in the shoulder. My personal doctor took care of you. She removed the bullet and stitched you up.”
“Your doctor examined me?” she asked cautiously.