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“I know, Cee. I’m so sorry.”
“What have you gotten yourself into? Why are we here?”
“The guards warned me she’d be a chatty one,” Catherina says from the doorway. She leans against the frame casually, her arms crossed over her chest. “You’d better learn to keep your voice down while you’re here. Otherwise, they might slap some duct tape over your mouth.”
My first and only instinct is to run at her. I can’t take on the guards, but I won’t hesitate to knock Catherina on her ass. We’re more of an equal match, and the resentment I feel toward her has only been stewing since the villa.
“Youbitch—” I raise my hand to slap her across the face.
Unfortunately, a nearby guard catches me by the wrist. He refuses to let go, keeping my arm suspended in the air.
“Let go!” I shout at him before glaring daggers in Catherina’s direction. “Tell me what’s going on. Why did you sell us out like this? Why are you pretending to be kidnapped by Konstantin, too?”
“There are greater plans at work here, my dear,” she says casually. “I don’t expect you to understand. All you need to do is be good, sit in this room, and letmetake care of the rest.”
I scowl at her. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Nothing will happen to you and your friend as long as you obey.”
“Fuck you, Catherina. We’re not dogs you can order around.”
“Don’t you want to see Mikhail?”
I freeze when I hear his name. My heart sinks. “He’s coming?”
“Konstantin’s men have eyes at JFK. He just boarded a plane.”
Dread claws through me, leaves my insides hollow. “Why would you do this to him?” I demand, horrified.
“Misha is destined for greater things. He has climbed to the top of the tech industry, but what good is that in the long run? My son was always meant to rule.” She takes a deep breath, something wistful clouding her eyes. I won’t pretend to know what’s going on inside her head. “Now, take a seat, or you will be made to sit.”
I sneer. “Excuse me?”
“The doctor is here,” Catherina explains pointedly. “We are going to determine if the Antonov Bratva can expect yet another heir.”
A shiver snakes its way down my spine, a chilling realization suddenly taking hold. Oh, God. It’s starting to make sense, yet nothing makes sense. It’s obvious now that Catherina is obsessed with reclaiming her former glory, chasing after the power and prestige she once held. If Konstantin is looking to take Mikhail under his wing—by force, it would seem—then Catherina would have everything she wants. He’d be welcomed back into the Bratva, and, therefore, so would she.
She doesn’t give a rat’s ass what Mikhail wants. Her selfishness knows no bounds. AndifI’m pregnant with Mikhail’s child, that would only secure her place for that much longer.
The doctor steps in. He has a gaunt face with deep, dark circles beneath his eyes. If I didn’t know any better, I would have mistaken him for a crypt keeper. He says something in Russian quickly before reaching into his bag to pull out a sterile cup. He gives it to me with a forceful shove.
Catherina tilts her chin toward a door near the back corner of the room. “That’s the bathroom. Go on. Don’t keep us waiting.” Charlotte moves like she wants to come with me, but Catherina snaps her fingers. “You. Stay.”
She’s already treating us like dogs.
I give Charlotte a little nod. “It’s going to be okay, Cee. I’ll be right back.”
The bathroom, much like the bedroom, is spacious. The walls are covered in a maroon floral wallpaper, the molding boasting intricate filigree. I’m not here to admire the decor, however. I have far more pressing matters on my mind. Like how the hell I’m going to get out of here. If Mikhail’s coming, maybe we can figure out a way to escape together and leave this madness behind.
I let the water run. Nature calls. It bothers me to no end knowing at least ten different people are waiting on the other side of the door. When I finish, I wash up and leave the stupid little cup on the bathroom counter.
I come out with an indignant huff. “Let’s get this over with.”
Charlotte scoots over on the edge of the bed and pulls me down next to her. We hold each other’s hands tightly, the only comfort we can find given the circumstances. The doctor enters the bathroom with his bag, returning a few long minutes later.
“Chtozh?” Catherina snaps impatiently.
The doctor simply nods. It’s all the answer I need.
