"Rivals?"
"Yes, my rivals. You're a smart girl." His eyes don't leave mine. "I'm sure you've figured out that I'm involved in more than just art."
"You think I set you up?" My voice rises an octave. "Seriously? You're the one who begged to 'fuck me raw.'"
Adrian doesn't flinch at my crude language. "I think your brother set us both up."
I laugh, clutching my ribs in pain. "I love my brother, but that requires a level of skill he doesn't possess. He didn't know about the gala, and I didn't even know who you were until about ten minutes ago. I simply thought you were some rich guy at the bar."
I close my eyes. "I had one night of irresponsibility. I didn't expect it to change my life like this." A tear slips out, and it takes everything in me not to completely break down. I sniffle slightly, looking up at Adrian.
He reaches out to me, and his warm hand cups my cheek. "I need to ask you something, Seraphina." His voice is rough. "And I need you to answer me truthfully."
His thumb strokes my cheek, and I nod.
"Would your brother sell you to save himself?"
I hesitate.
Adrian's expression darkens. "I think he led Dimitri right to you."
"You don't know that."
"Don't I?" He stands, pacing now.
"Why would Gabe want me attacked? I can't pay off his debts if I'm dead."
"The Morozovs peddle flesh." He reaches out, tracing a line down my cheek. "And you are so lovely, Seraphina. You'd fetch a pretty penny."
"Absolutely not." I shake my head. "I know you're looking for some connection here, but honestly, I think it's just bad luck." Really fucking bad.
Adrian drops his hand from my cheek, and I miss his warmth. "He sold you to save his own ass."
"No." But the word lacks conviction.
Because it makes a horrible kind of sense. Gabe desperate. Gabe cornered. Gabe making one more bad deal to try to save himself.
I feel sick.
"Where is he?" I ask. "You said you know where he is."
"I do."
"Is he alive?"
"For now."
The words chill me. "What does that mean?"
"It means your brother is a problem. One I'm deciding how to handle." Adrian studies me. "But that's not our immediate concern."
"How is my brother not an immediate concern?"
"Because right now, we need to discuss the baby."
I inhale sharply.
"I'm assuming the baby is mine."
