Page 34 of Deadly Devotion
“Good,” I said, a flicker of ruthless determination crossing my features. “I want to know who orchestrated the attack. And I want to know who pulled the trigger.”
Dimitri hesitated, his gaze lingering on me thoughtfully. “Aleksandr, there’s more to this than revenge,” he ventured cautiously.
I scoffed, dismissing his words. “There’s only one thing on my mind right now—the safety of Talia and my child.”
He shook his head, the smoke from his cigarette swirling around him like a ghostly shroud. “What about your feelings for her?”
I waved my hand dismissively, my jaw tensing. “Feelings are a luxury I can’t afford.”
Dimitri’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he nodded once, acknowledging my resolve.
Resting my elbows on the desk, I lowered my voice. “I want Dr. Daria to perform a paternity test,” I stated firmly. “I need to know for sure if this child is mine, if this is my heir.”
Dimitri studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Are you sure about this,brat?“ he questioned.
“I’m sure,” I replied, my voice steady.
Dimitri stood, his cigarette now a stub in the ashtray. “I’ll arrange it,” he said quietly, his gaze lingering on me momentarily.
As he left the room, I thought about Otets and the fierce loyalty to his family that got him killed. The Bratva had rules-rules I’d bent before-but this was different. This wasn’t about Aleksandr,pakhanof the Avilov Bratva. This was personal. Whoever killed Mikhail tried to kill Talia, and I will stop at nothing to protect what was mine.
Chapter 22
Aleksandr
The morning light streamed through the curtains, creating a soft glow over the room. Talia is asleep in my bed. The frown lines etched into her forehead suggest she isn’t sleeping peacefully. Quietly, I tiptoed past her and ducked into the bathroom. I strip off the clothes I’ve been wearing since yesterday and turn the shower on. Steam fogs up the mirror as I examine the dark circles under my eyes. I didn’t get much sleep last night on my office sofa.
I stepped under the stream of hot water, placing my palms on the cool tiles, allowing the water to ease the tension in my shoulders. All night, I thought about the baby, wondering if itwas mine. Dr. Daria will be here soon to examine Talia, so we’ll find out soon enough.
When I finished showering, I dressed in my favorite blue suit and stepped quietly into the bedroom. Talia was sitting up, examining her wounded shoulder. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted me, blazing with defiance.
“Good morning,” I greeted calmly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“I’d feel much better if you’d let me leave this place,” she huffed.
I ignored that remark, not wanting to get into an argument first thing in the morning. “Are you hungry? I can have Abram bring you something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” she pouted, turning her face away from me.
“Talia, you must eat to keep up your strength and heal. Plus, the baby needs the nutrition.”
She peeked at me from under her long lashes. “I am a little hungry.”
I stood and walked toward the door. “Good. Abram will bring you breakfast.” Pausing in the doorway, I turned to face her. “By the way, Dr. Daria is coming this morning to examine you. And she’ll be performing a paternity test on the baby.”
“Oh no, she won’t!” she yelled. “I’m finished with you telling me what to do. This ismybaby, andwe’releaving right now!“ Sitting up quickly, she threw her legs over the edge of the bed. Before she could take a step, I was at her side.
“Talia,” I growled. “You’re going to get back in that bed, eat breakfast, and allow Dr. Daria to examine you.”
There is no way I’m letting this woman leave. The beast rose up in my chest, and fire burned behind my eyes.She’s mine.And she’s never leaving this mansion.
She shrunk back slightly, then squared her shoulders, leaving us staring at each other in a heated standoff. Reluctantly, she crawled back into the bed.
“Fine, I’ll let the doctor examine me, but just so we’re clear, Aleksandr, you don’t own me.”
“That’s what you think,” I replied through clenched teeth. “Nikolai!” I yelled.
Nikolai rushed into the bedroom, looking around for danger. His eyes landed on Talia, her face beet red with anger. “Pakhan?Is everything okay?“ His eyes darted from Talia to me and back again.