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“Did they go out to murder someone?” I ask softly.
Natasha pulls her hands away. “No,” she pauses. “Not tonight. They have other business.”
“Why didn’t you go with them?” I ask.
“I thought you might need me more.” Natasha is on her feet, pulling a thin cigarette from the pack she keeps in her back pocket. “I’m going for a smoke.”
Just like that, she leaves the room before I can respond.
Liar.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, trying to empty the dizzying thoughts that whirl around my head. I must be stronger. I must be smarter. I must protect Emma, no matter what.
This isn’t good, this isn’t healthy, and this is certainly no place for my little sister.
Or my baby.
I stand up slowly and lock the door, catching my reflection in the grand mirror beside it over the carved console. I gaze at my frightened expression and contemplate everything happening in my life.
I used to simply be going along and marking time until I was suddenly dragged into his world.
My face twists in anger, and I slap the mirror as if I’m slapping myself. It vibrates but doesn’t fall off the wall. I raise my fist to give it another blow, but hesitate as I stare at the hatred reflecting back at me.
I could be what Andrei wants, but can I live with it?
Lowering my hand, I sigh and shake the anger off. Everything is confusing and infuriating. I care about Andrei, but I’m also terrified of him. It seems like no matter what I do, I just can’t win.
If Andrei had told me he loved me last night, I wouldn’t be doubting myself today. I’m in over my head, and I can never get out if Andrei doesn’t send me away.
But I’m determined to do whatever it takes to keep my baby and my sister safe. That’s the one thing I’m sure I have to do. My father—he’s on his own. I think about our conversation. How his sickness made him say things to hurt me, things that make me wonder if I’m a good person.
How can I be when he’s the one who raised me?
Maybe I do belong here in this cruel world. Maybe my destiny was always to be Andrei’s wife.
I look at my reflection one last time and then turn away. No matter what happens, I’ll stay strong. I’ll keep Emma safe, and I’ll keep my baby safe. They are the only people that matter now. I won’t let Andrei or anyone else drag either of them into the Bratva.
And just then, a plan enters my mind. Like an answer to my prayers, I see a way out.
Chapter 31
Andrei
Dimitri and Viktor stride confidently into the Pravda Club, strutting behind me. The guards’ shadows follow us along the walls, barely visible in the strobing lights from the packed dance floor. The exclusive club is where the Barinov Bratva relaxes away from our enemies.
My soldiers do it in style, sitting on barstools and sipping top liquor in their finest clothes. Every drink they down, every woman they take to bed, and every word they speak is an act of defiance against our enemies.
We live the good life tonight, not caring if we die tomorrow. But the club is popular in its own right. Wealthy patrons pretend not to notice what goes on in here and take discreet glimpses as we pass by. The music pounds in sync with the beat of our steps, and before I reach my private booth, a buzz starts that I’m back.
We’re surrounded by people dancing and enjoying themselves, oblivious to my somber mood. Despite their curiosity and admiration, I feel uneasy as we move deeper into the pulsing throng.
Something is off.
I can sense the whispers, wondering if I’m still on top. I’m here to show everyone that I’m not backing down. And I’m here to prove something to the woman I left at home.
Paige can’t change me.
We make our way to the VIP section on the upper level. My eyes sweep the club from the balcony, taking in the flashing lights, revealing scantily clad girls as they grind and writhe to the live music.
