Page 100 of Baby for the Bratva King

I click off the interview, scrolling through social media comments. Sandwiched between the troll comments are nice ones, which makes a change. I smile. Some people are finally starting to appreciate the art of pole dance. They don’t want to see my pussy. They want to see how I move into an ayesha from a twisted grip butterfly. They want combos to learn.

Maybe this could work…

I pop my phone into my purse, focusing on my surroundings. This area is particularly safe, but you never know what’s around the corner. I’m a big name at the moment, and hate crime is a real thing.

A message pings through from Felix.

FELIX POZHARSKY: We need to talk.

Yeah, not happening any time soon.

I’m shoving my purse back into my purse when I hear a rustling. I pause, searching the sidewalk. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Trees blow in the gentle breeze, casting shadows on the pavement.

After looking over my shoulder, I continue moving, picking up my step. The apartment block is at the end of the street, a minute away. I scramble for my keys, inserting the sharpest one between my knuckle just in case.

I reach the front entrance and select the right key. It’s an old building.

I step closer, ready to slide the key into the lock when a figure spawns in front of me. Pointed hood. Black cloak.

“It’s November the first,” I say, returning the key between my knuckles. “How do you know where I live?”

“I think you underestimate me sometimes, Saskia.”

My pulse spikes, all the usual symptoms coming out as I face my father.

I take a step back, even though I want to beg for his forgiveness. I fucked up on Halloween. Disappointed the shit out of him, and there’ll always be a part of me that wants to be good enough for him.

But times have changed. He’s painting me out as weak and using Felix as a scapegoat. Too much has changed, and I finally might be able to start living for myself. No more relying on rich men.

“Please move out of the way. You have no right to be here.”

“I have every right to be here, Saskia.”

“Great performance earlier, by the way. You really took the world by storm.”

“You won’t be keeping that man’s child.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m an adult. I can do as I please.”

“You’re bringing shame on the family.”

“We never had one of those to begin with.” I fold my arms over my chest, keeping the key between my knuckles. Shame Fleur is at work. I’m sure she would love to roast our father with me. “All this preaching about being a family man; the thanksgivings, helping those in need. You only care about yourself.”

“Not true,” says my father. “I care about you. Even without the costume, you looked drained.”

“And you look ridiculous.”

Anger courses through my veins, eradicating the pain. He took away my childhood. He left me waiting. I wasted years hoping, and then he enters my life two years later when I’m finally over his ass, suddenly pretending to give a fuck.

“Go back to Manhattan.”

“I see how well your videos are doing.”

“Much better than your reputation at the moment.”

“Oh, darling, that will all work itself out. I have people on Felix’s case, investigating those allegations.” He steps closer, cloak blowing behind him. “Of course, I’m wasting my breath explaining this to you. You already know who Felix is, and now you’re carrying his child.” My father shakes his head. “I had high hopes for you, my girl. You had potential.”

“And now what?”