Page 36 of Deadly Devotion
“A little, but it’ll get better.” I pat the bed, inviting them to sit. Sasha fluffs up the pillow next to me and makes herself comfortable. Maxim sits on the edge of the bed, keeping his distance.
“Did you almost die?” Sasha asks wide-eyed.
“No,” I reassure her.
“But Uncle said you got hurt really bad.” She sniffles and lays her head against my arm.
“Yeah, we heard someone shot you,” Maxim chimes in.
“Your uncle told you that?” I asked, surprised.
“Well…not exactly. We sort of heard him talking to Abram.” Maxim glances at Sasha and back at me.
“Ahh, you were eavesdropping,” I said, smirking at him. “Your uncle was telling the truth. Someone hurt me, but I will be okay.”
“What about the baby?” Sasha whispers.
My eyebrows raised in shock. How did they know about the baby? “Oh…um…the baby will be okay.” Clearing my throat, I ask, “How did you know about the baby?”
“We heard Uncle and Nanny Olga talking,” Maxim says sheepishly.
“I see,” I say gently.
“You have to eat. Uncle told Nanny Olga it’s important for you to eat and drink so the baby can grow.” Maxim pushes the tray of food closer to me.“
I picked up the sandwich and took a big bite. “This is delicious. Did you make it?”
“No, Abram made it. And he made the soup. But I added the fruit side.” Maxim grins, proud of his contribution.
“And I added the chocolate chip cookies!” Sasha giggles. “I bet the baby loves chocolate chip cookies.”
My heart warmed at their thoughtfulness. “Thank you both so much. This really means a lot.” I gave Sasha a hug and knuckle bumped Maxim.
“Talia, where is the baby’s daddy?” Sasha inquires. Maxim looks at me intently, also wanting to know.
“He’s here. Your uncle is the baby’s father.” I hold my breath, waiting for their reaction.
“He is?” Sasha squeals, her blonde pigtails bouncing up and down from excitement.
“Yes, he is.” I instinctively cradle my stomach.
“That’s awesome,” Maxim declares. “So, the baby is our…cousin?”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” It hadn’t dawned on me that the children were my baby’s cousins. Safe to say, I’ve been a bit preoccupied with everything else going on. “This baby is so lucky to have you two.”
I could feel their excitement bubbling in the room as their grins stretched from ear to ear. Maxim’s eyes focus on my belly. “Is it a boy or girl?”
“I don’t know yet. I’ll find out in a few months.” Hmm, boy or girl? It doesn’t matter as long as they are happy and safe.
“I’m going to have tea parties with the baby.” Sasha claps her hands in delight.
“Tea parties? That’s boring! I’m going to teach him how to play video games.” Maxim steals a cookie from the tray, breaks it in half, and gives a piece to Sasha. She nibbles on it gleefully.
“No matter if it’s a boy or girl, the baby will love everything you teach it.” I smile warmly at the thought of my baby playing with its cousins.
“Does this mean you’re going to stay with us forever?” Sasha hugged me tightly, her face full of hope.
My smile faltered. “I don’t think I can, sweetheart,” I whispered, my mind filled with conflicting thoughts. I would love to stay here with the children, but the best thing for me and my baby is to get far away from Aleksandr Avilov.