“Do you blame him?”
“I haven’t done anything to warrant it.”
“Ah, but you have Papa’s approval, something neither of his children has,” she said lightly.
“What did your father do to me?”Mikhail asked, his tone brooking no refusal.
“He has pet scientists, and they’ve developed a drug that steals people’s memories yet leaves them highly functioning.It’s useful for people who see something they shouldn’t.”She made a scoffing sound.“You’re lucky they’ve perfected the drug.The earlier candidates didn’t fare so well.”
Mikhail stared in disbelief.He’d been right.Somethingwashinky in this house.“How is the drug administered?”He’d been careful with his food and the liquids he consumed.Nothing had tasted odd.He hadn’t even understood why he’d become suspicious.
“They knocked you out in the cafe and gave you an injection.You were unconscious for longer than they expected, and Papa thought they might’ve turned you into a vegetable, but when you came around, you seemed okay.”
So much to unpack in those few words.Was that why he had headaches all the time?They’d told him one pain pill a day was enough, but his skull felt like it was splitting open.He’d take another tablet once he got back to his room.
“You seemed okay,” she repeated.
Fury had him gripping his hands together when he wanted to wring her neck.“How long does the injection last?”
“Around a month.The scientists are working on refining the drug.”
Mikhail’s mouth twisted.“I see.”
Her gaze met his then, her eyes wide.“Your memory is coming back.”
“No,” Mikhail said, his tone hard.“But I’ve suspected something is amiss, especially since your brother makes it no secret he wants to get rid of me.”
“Pavel is an idiot.He cannot see the big picture.”
“And you do?How long did your father think he could control me?What did he think might happen after he died?Who will oversee my drugging?”
“Papa expects me to carry out his wishes.If I don’t, one of his friends will ensure I receive nothing from his will.”
Mikhail bit back a snarl and continued his questioning.“Did the scientists do other tests on me while I was unconscious?”
“Papa was worried you might wake up and find them poking and prodding you.He wanted you to think your injuries were minor.”That was something, at least, if she was telling the truth.
“Bridget, it’s time for honesty.I don’t want to stay here.The security guards are constantly watching me.Your brother wants me gone, preferably to my grave.I can’t trust you.Konstantine is teaching me about his business, gradually telling me insider details, yet I’m a prisoner here.Your father gives me tasks I can do here and gets other employees to do the legwork, which tells me he hasn’t worked with me long enough to trust me.He’s uncertain of me yet.”
“Aren’t you the clever one?At least he’s giving you the chance to learn the business.I’m the pretty trophy wife, expected to hang off your arm.”
“What happens if I demand you share my bed?Have you or your father considered that?”
Her expression turned wary, and she backed up a step.
“And if a child results?”
“I don’t want children.”
“They wouldn’t be legitimate.So many discrepancies in your story once I start to poke and pry for answers.”He still had so many questions.“What if the drug has long-term negative effects?”
“The scientists assured Papa the drug was quite safe.”
“You’d be happy to take the drug each day?”When she winced, he said, “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“What do you want from me?”
“The truth.For a start, is my name really Mikhail?”
