Page 48 of Deadly Devotion
“Mmhmm. Nice and attractive,” I teased.
“He’s a very good-looking man,” Sandy admitted. “I like talking to him when he guards me.”
“Well, maybe when this is all over, you can go on a date,” I suggested.
“I don’t know, sis. I don’t see him being in my life when this is all over.” Sandy sighed quietly.
“You never know where it can lead. For example, Aleksandr knows he’s the baby’s father.” My heart skipped a beat, and I held my breath, waiting for her response.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, the silence heavy with anticipation. The reality of those words still felt surreal, like I was living in some kind of dream.
“Whoa,” Sandy exhaled, the surprise evident in her voice. “How did that come out?”
“It was inevitable,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Dr. Daria found out when she examined me after I was shot. She told Aleksandr, and he insisted on a paternity test. The results were positive; he’s definitely the father.”
Sandy was silent for a moment, processing this new information. “And how’s he taking it?”
I hesitated, trying to put my chaotic thoughts into words. “Surprisingly well. He’s been… supportive. Caring, even. It’s confusing.”
“Confusing how?” Sandy’s tone was gentle yet probing, encouraging me to open up.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, gripping my hair in frustration. “He’s this powerful, intimidating man, head of a Russian mafia family, and yet… he cares for the children and looks out for me. Family is everything to him. He’s insisting I stay here and raise the baby here with him.”
Sandy’s voice took on a knowing lilt. “Sounds like someone’s falling for the big bad mafia boss.”
I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn’t see it. “It’s not like that, Sandy. I just think it might not be a bad idea to have the baby’s father around.”
“Sure, Talia. Keep telling yourself that.” She laughed softly, but I could hear the concern in her voice. “Just be careful, okay? Mafia life isn’t easy or safe, as you already found out.”
“That’s true,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “But, I’m safe here. Sis, thanks for always being there for me and understanding.”
“Always,” Sandy promised, her voice filled with warmth. “Take care of yourself and that baby. We’ll sort everything out once you’re out of mortal danger.”
“I love you, sis. Be safe.”
We ended the call, but her words lingered in my mind, stirring up a tempest of emotions. Was I falling for Aleksandr? It seemed ridiculous, yet the thought wouldn’t leave me. I knew the darkness that surrounded him, the danger that came with his world. And yet, the way he cared for those close to him, the way he was with the children, tugged at something deep within me.
Unable to quiet my restless thoughts, I wandered down to the kitchen, hoping a snack might distract me. The mansion was eerily quiet at this hour; the only sounds were the distant hum of the refrigerator. The grandeur of the place still took my breath away, the luxurious furnishings, the intricate details in the woodwork, the opulence that seemed to ooze from every corner.
On the way back to my room, I passed by Aleksandr’s office and noticed the door was slightly ajar, the light spilling out into the dark hallway. I paused, drawn by the low murmur of his voice from within.
“Vic wasn’t at the warehouse near the docks,” Aleksandr was saying, his tone clipped and hard. “And he hasn’t been there all day or night.”
I pressed closer, my heart pounding in my chest. The hallway seemed to grow colder, the shadows darker, as I strained to hear more.
“I don’t care what it takes,” he continued, his voice seething with anger. “Speak with Tommy again. Turn the city inside out. Anton, do whatever you have to do to find him.”
The call ended, and I stood there, frozen. A shiver shot down my spine. It was clear that Aleksandr wouldn’t stop until he got his revenge.
Gathering my courage, I knocked lightly on the door, and after a moment, he called, “Come in.”
I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Aleksandr was pouring himself a glass of vodka. He glanced up, his eyes softening when he saw me. “Can’t sleep?”
“No,” I admitted, feeling a bit foolish. “Just needed a snack. Iameating for two,“ I chuckled.
He gestured towards the chair across from him. “Join me?”
I nodded, sitting down as he poured me a glass of club soda. The office, filled with dark wood and heavy leather furniture, was a stark contrast to the rest of the mansion. It commanded respect, a reflection of the man who occupied it.