Page 37 of Deadly Devotion
“Why not?” Maxim asked as his eyebrows pinched together.
“It’s complicated. I would stay if I could, but I don’t know if that’s possible right now.” I squeezed Sasha, hugging her gently. “But I want to thank you both. You two are the best medicine.”
Sasha climbed off the bed, stealing another cookie from the tray. “We have to go now. We promised Nanny Olga not to stay too long so you can rest.” Holding her arms open wide, she leaned in for a hug. Maxim stole a quick hug, too.
“Thank you both. I’ll see you later.”
After the children left, I lay back on the pillows, my mind racing. I allowed myself a moment of daydreaming about what life would look like if I stayed in the mansion. My baby would have wonderful cousins, and I would have a family. We wouldbe safe and protected. And if Aleksandr was a different man, we would be loved. But the reality is that he sees me as a burden. He doesn’t care for me at all. I’m only here to help him find Mikhail’s killer, and then he’ll discard me. I must get to San Francisco with Sandy.
With a determined sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, testing my strength. Slowly, I paced around the room, feeling the muscles strain in my limbs. I need to find a way to contact Sandy. Glancing out the window, I studied the massive estate. This isn’t going to be easy. Just then, the door creaked open, and Dimitri entered.
“Why are you out of bed? Come, come, you need to rest,” he tutted, getting me back into bed.
“I’m okay. I just needed to stretch my legs.”
He examined the half-eaten sandwich on the tray. “You need to eat. The baby needs to eat, too.”
“Is there anyone around here thatdoesn’tknow about the baby?“ I asked in a huff.
“I’m not just anyone,” he noted. “The baby is my blood; he needs to eat to get strong.” He sat in the plush chair beside the bed, crossing his legs from ankle to knee.
“You’ve already decided it’s a boy? Typical man,” I groaned.
“TypicalRussian.“ He let out a hearty laugh, releasing some of my tension.
“Why do you believe this is Aleksandr’s baby?Hedoesn’t even believe me.”
“You have been honest since we’ve met. And you are trying to help us find Mikhail’s killer. You have no reason to lie about the baby.” His smile was genuine. “Here,” he said, holding a cell phone, “call Sandy.” A hint of sympathy shone in his eyes.
“Are you serious?” I sat straight up, shock plastered on my face. “Does Aleksandr know?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“Yes,” he smirked. “He won’t let you leave the mansion right now; it’s unsafe. But he agreed to let you speak with her. He thinks it will help ease your mind and reduce the stress,” he explained.
I was speechless. My hands shook slightly as I took the phone from him. “Do you think he’ll let Sandy stay here with me?” Hope fluttered in my chest.
Dimitri let out a heavy sigh. “That’s not possible.”
“But I’m worried about her. What if she’s not safe? What if someone tries to hurt her because of me? I’d never forgive myself.” Horrible thoughts flashed in my mind of losing my sister, the only person that loved me. My chest squeezed tightly as panic gripped me in its icy fingers.
“Talia! Breathe…it’s okay.” Dimitri held me by the shoulders as I gasped for air. “It’s okay; everything will be okay. I will look after Sandy myself.”
He sounded so sincere and reassuring. Slowly, the panic attack passed, and my breathing returned to normal. He handed me a glass of water, which I sipped gingerly.
“I won’t let anything happen to your sister. Call her,” he suggested, nudging the phone in my hand. I looked him square in the eyes but didn’t see an ounce of deceit. I believed he wouldwatch over Sandy. “I’ll give you some privacy,” he said, walking away.
“I’ll be quick. I’ll call out when I’m finished so you can take your phone back.”
“It’s yours now,” Dimitri said simply. “A gesture of good faith from Aleksandr.” Then he left.
My emotions were a whirlwind. Could it be that Aleksandr isn’t entirely heartless? Maybe there is more beneath his harsh exterior. Relieved yet anxious, I dialed Sandy’s number. Her voice on the other end was like a lifeline.
“Talia, thank goodness you’re okay!” Sandy exclaimed, her voice filled with relief. “Don’t ever scare me like that again!”
My eyes welled up. “Are you okay? I’m worried about you.”
“I’m as good as can be. Dimitri told me that Aleksandr paid the rent for the apartment but insisted I stay at the hotel. He has a guard watching me at all times.”
“I think you’re safer if you come here, but Aleksandr won’t let you. I’m trying to figure out how to sneak out of the mansion.”