Page 39 of His Demands

Settling onto the sofa, I hold Julie's hand gently, grateful that she hasn't pulled away. Her presence, her touch, it's a calming lifeline in the chaos that's threatening to engulf us.

Her hand tightens around mine, her resolve clear. "Then I'm staying with you. Like you said, we’re in this together. We'll face this together."

The thought of placing her in the direct path of danger is unbearable. "No, Julie. It's too risky. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me."

She searches my face, her own determination matching mine. "And I can't bear the thought of being safe while you're here, facing this alone. We're in this together, Ivan. For better or worse."

Her words strike a chord deep within me. She's right—we're a team, in every sense of the word. But the thought of her in harm's way is agonizing.

I take a deep breath, weighing my options. "Alright. We'll go to the cabin together. It'll give us some time away from the city, away from prying eyes. We can plan our next move from there."

She nods, a small smile of relief crossing her lips. "Thank you, Ivan. That means everything to me."

"But first," I continue, "I need to talk to Fyodor. He's not just my brother; he's my closest ally. If anyone can help us navigate this situation, it's him."

Julie leans into me, her presence a comforting warmth. "Then let's do it. Let's talk to Fyodor and figure out our strategy."

I wrap my arm around her, drawing her close. In her embrace, I find strength. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way.

Chapter 25

Julie

I'm still reeling from the revelation that my husband—the man I'm undeniably falling for—has a past tangled up with the Russian mafia. On top of that, the news of my pregnancy has my head spinning.

With all that’s going on, all the danger that surrounds us, I’m wondering if now is the right time to tell Ivan that I’m pregnant.

Sliding into the passenger seat of the company car, a sleek and shiny BMW, I can't help but feel a twinge of unease. The driver, a suited, tough-looking man with sunglasses, gives me a brief nod before starting the car. He's the silent, stoic type, probably one of Ivan's security guys, his presence both reassuring and intimidating.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the thoughts swirling in my head. I need to pack for our unexpected retreat to the cabin, but first, there's a necessary detour I need to make. Despite Ivan's concerns for safety, I have to see Barb. I need the kind of strength and wisdom that only she can provide.

When we pull up outside Barb's place, the driver parks the car and exits with quick efficiency. Before I know it, he’s standing at my door offering me a steadying hand.

I nod, appreciating his vigilance. "Thank you," I reply, stepping out of the car. His presence is a stark reminder of the new reality I'm facing in a world where I'm whisked around by silent bodyguards and my movements are monitored for safety.

Barb's place is as welcoming as ever, her latest array of paintings adding splashes of color and life to the cozy apartment. She's surprised to see me, her artist's eyes quickly picking up on my unsettled state and the dark, silent man accompanying me.

"Julie, what's wrong, honey?" she asks, her voice laced with concern.

I spill everything without hesitation—the pregnancy, Ivan's past, the encounter with Boris. It all comes tumbling out in a rush. Barb listens intently, her expression shifting from shock to concern to that steely determination that I've always admired.

"First things first," she says, standing up. "You and that baby are the priority. If Ivan thinks this cabin is the safest place for you, then you should go. But" her eyes harden, "you make sure that man does everything in his power to keep you safe. And if he needs a piece of my mind to inspire him, he'll get it.

“Secondly, congratulations! I’m so excited to be a great auntie!” I nod, a grin breaking across my face despite the chaos of the day.

"Thanks. Can you believe it?"

Barb rushes over, enveloping me in a hug that's both protective and bursting with happiness. "This is wonderful news!" she exclaims, pulling back to look at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "A little miracle!"

I laugh, the sound mingling with wonderment and a touch of disbelief. "It's pretty crazy, isn't it? A month ago I was single with no prospects and now…”

Barb holds my hands, her own trembling slightly with excitement. "Julie, this is a blessing. I know things are complicated right now, but this baby is a sign of hope, of new beginnings."

We sit down together, the joy of the moment enveloping us amidst the uncertainty of the situation. "I can't wait to spoil him or her rotten," she says.

I squeeze her hands, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. "They're going to love their great-aunt Barb," I say, my voice catching. "And they're going to hear all about how you've been there for us, through thick and thin."

For a moment, we forget the looming threat of Boris, lost in the joy of the new life that is on the way. It's a brief respite, a cherished oasis of happiness in a desert of worry and uncertainty.

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