What if he decides to take my baby, too?
“I… I’m scared,” I sob. It’s the only truth I can tell him—the only piece that won’t make him hate me. “I don’t want to lose him, Yulian. I can’t. Not to Brad.”
The second I speak his name, Yulian’s expression turns vicious. Like a wolf ready to attack. “He won’t get Eli,” he swears. “You have my word.”
“You can’t promise that.”
“I just did.”
“Yulian, please?—”
“Hush. Listen to me,kotyonok.” He tilts my head up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I have a friend. He’s the best lawyer in the city. He’ll fix this.”
“I c-can’t afford?—”
“No, butIcan.”
I shake my head frantically. “I can’t accept that. W-We’re not even together anymore, you don’t have to?—”
“Together or not, you’re my family now. You, Eli, and this little one right here.” As if on cue, the baby in my belly stirs, kicking lightly under Yulian’s palm. Yulian’s gaze darkens. Protective—possessive. “You’re mine. All of you. And I won’t let thatmudaktouch what’s mine ever again.”
I don’t deserve him, neither his kindness nor his protection. Not after I lied to him for the sake of the man he calls amudak,whatever the hell that means. From context, I’d guess nothing good.
Then I remember what he said at Brad’s place.
“Last time. Last fucking time I let him live.”
“Please,” I whisper. “Just promise me you won’t kill him.”
Yulian’s jaw flexes. He’s displeased with me, I can tell. But he gives me a curt nod anyway. “I’ll call my friend.”
“Thank you,” I croak.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Anything for you.”
I lift my head. He lowers his, lashes at half-mast, lips parted. He’s so fucking gorgeous, and I’m— I’m nothing.
I don’t deserve him.
But I still want him.
I lean in for a kiss. Because I’m weak, because I’m awful—a liar and a cheat and the worst person in the universe.
But right now, I need him. I need him so bad it hurts.
I tilt my head, brush my lips to his?—
DING-DONG!
—oh, comeon.
“If it’s more mail,” I whisper, “I’m smashing your doorbell.”
Yulian gives me a wolfish smirk. “I’ll get it. Don’t move.”
It’s exactly what I plan to do.
Until I hear it.
