All this time apart, it never even crossed my mind that Nina might’ve been with someone else.
I made it very clear that she belongs to me. Surely she understands the consequences when she touches another man.
First and foremost, she belongs to herself. But we made a deal. I have a legal claim to her.
When another man touches her, he’s touching what’s mine.
When he puts a baby in her and abandons her, he is asking for a death sentence.
God, I hate surprises.
This is twice in a week that I’ve been blindsided.
First Vanya’s announcement sent me spiraling, and now I’m finding that I don’t know the fundamental facts of Nina’s life.
Despite the many precautions I’ve taken.
Ivan picks up on the second ring, his Russian accent thick.
“Boss? I have eyes on her, she just got home.”
“I know that,” I hiss. “What I want to know is how long you’ve known about her daughter.”
“Oh,” he clears his throat. “Ava. Well, yes, I’ve known about her for years.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
“Your instructions were very clear. You didn’t want personal information about her, unless it was something that would put her in danger.”
I did say that. I wanted to ensure her safety, not stalk her. Even if I’ve come close to the line.
Nina is mine, but I took her sudden departure as a sign that she wanted space.
I’ve been holding back.
“I changed my mind.”
Ivan is silent for a second. “I’ll send everything I have.”
“Tonight. As soon as possible.” My voice is sharp.
“As you wish.”
I pause before asking this, not sure if I want to hear the answer.
“Who is the father?”
“He’s not around. I’ve never seen her with a man since she moved to the city.”
“Find him.”
I end the call.
The child is not the issue.
The issue is that the father of Nina’s child is out there, somewhere, no doubt obsessed with her.
He is a threat.
