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“No, you won’t pull that stunt again,” I tell her. “What was the purpose of kidnapping my wife anyway?”
“What was the purpose of your marriage?” Talia counters. “You haven’t found whatever it is that your wife is holding. I would have helped you find it if you’d had the sense to partner with me. Not an asset anymore, is she, Andrei? But she still could be. So my offer stands: a Reyes for a Reyes.”
“I won’t allow it,” I growl.
“I’ll go.” Paige’s voice is so soft I almost don’t hear her. But Talia does.
I face Paige, staring hard into her eyes. “Paige, you can’t. I won’t allow it.”
“Emma shouldn’t be involved in any of this.” Paige turns to Talia. “Stop talking bullshit. He knows you told me about the money. This isn’t about pride or marriage. It’s about money. It always has been.”
Talia looks at Paige in shock that she’s more astute than she realized. But Paige is wrong. Talia doesn’t want money. She wants power. These things she does are only to prove she can handle it too. Suddenly, I’m out of the conversation.
“And you didn’t leave him over that?” Talia asks after a pause so slight that it might have not happened at all. “Maybe you will when I send you your sister’s ear.”
Paige stands. “Don’t you dare hurt her. You’ll get what you want. I’ll go.”
I stand, yanking Paige into my arms. I hold her tight, refusing to let her go. Valeri smiles at the two of us, but when he sees Talia’s face, his expression changes to concern.
“No, you will return the girl,” I growl. “Without any more drama. It’s over, Talia. Every trick you play makes me despise you more. I saw your true nature long ago, and I still don’t want it.”
Talia shakes her head in disbelief. “What about your wife? She’s changed, Andrei. Not so weak as when she began. She’s learned a lot from spending time with you. I hardly recognized her when I walked in.” A cruel smile plays at her lips. “Why, it’s almost as if I’m looking at myself.”
“Get out,” I snarl.
Paige yanks herself out of my grip and points her finger at Talia. “If you hurt my sister, then no one will be able to protect you.”
“How original.” Talia laughs and Valeri joins in. “Like I haven’t heard that before.”
“Saying and doing aren’t the same thing,” Paige says coldly. “Don’t test me, you bitch.”
***
This time we don’t drive in silence. We argue the whole way home.
“You can’t take her place.” My voice is rough and loud. “Not in your condition. Not in any condition.”
“I’m pregnant, not ill.”
“I’m not risking my baby for anyone.”
“Ourbaby, Andrei. I’m not a walking womb.” She sighs loudly. “I don’t plan on risking our baby’s life either, but my sister is in danger.”
“I know where she is now. I’ll get her back. I got you back.”
Paige is quiet, and I can’t guess what she is thinking, so much is happening to us from all sides. I take my hand off the wheel and hold hers. “Paige, it’s hard, but it won’t always be like this.”
“Do you plan to give it up and become an insurance salesman? Out of the house at eight and back home by six. Leave your work at the office.”
I sigh as if the world has dumped its weight on my back. “I can’t even tell you that you knew what you were marrying.”
Paige sighs. “I did know. Natasha told me a smart woman would’ve run away from you. I can’t remember if that was before or after she told me I was lucky.”
“You had no choice, Paige.”
“I’ve had opportunities, but I stayed on the path of least resistance. I can’t keep making the easy choice, Andrei. The choice that won’t upset other people or make them not like me. I can’t be the good girl anymore. I have to save Emma. I’m her big sister. It’s my responsibility. And I will regret not owning up to it. I got her into this mess. Besides, I love her.”
The headlights of the Lamborghini are visible against the front gates in the distance, but I pull the car off the road and motion the Rovers to pass us. Yari slows down, but I motion for him to go. I watch the backlights until they disappear. The dark lane is a sphere of solitude where we can truly be alone and speak openly. I feel safe with Paige here.
