“Has Simon found any more on them yet?” The case was ongoing, and that hacker didn’t give up. None of us would.
“He’s still looking for them, but since I spoke with him earlier this morning, he made it sound like he’s under the impression that Erik and Yusef are hiding with them.”
Ivan laughed wryly. “Or the Riveras are pissed and holding them hostage for fucking them over in a deal.”
I shrugged. “That’ll just make it easier for us to kill them all at once.”
“Will you move her into your place now?” Emil asked.
“I would advise against it,” Luka said. “I’m more than happy to see you two getting along and back together. But with these threats…”
I shook my head and crossed my arms. “No. She seems content here with the other women.” I furrowed my brow. “But it’s up to her. I think she will be reasonable about staying here with the multiple layers of security. If and when she wants to come to my place—or look for a new one—then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
They all agreed that was likely the best. What sounded like the “best” to me was making sure Kalina knew she still had control over her fate. Over what we’d do as a couple. A family. I wouldn’t coerce her into being trapped after all she’d gone through.
I left the study and sought out the woman who was making my dreams come true.
Her love.
This new baby on the way.
A mother for Misha.
A partner to enjoy by my side no matter what we faced.
Right now, we’d need to face the real dilemma of killing all the men who’d dare to control her, harm her, or try to kidnap her.
Once all that was over, though, it was time to focus on the happily-ever-after we’d both collaborate on. The one we all deserved.
28
KALINA
When I went to Alexsei’s room to tell him that I was pregnant, I really had it in my head that I’d address this news on my own.
I hadn’t been prepared for his heartfelt apology and promise to protect me.
His sweet declarations of steadfast love.
Most of all, though, I was stunned by how the entire family rallied behind our being a couple. Our sticking together.
Theyallhelped me adjust, but thanks to Gabriella, who made sure I wasn’t pushed or overwhelmed at all, I didn’t feel controlled or ordered around. That woman was far too sassy and opinionated to ever let anyone walk all over her, and when she suspected that someone was speaking to me with too much persuasion, she defended me and warned everyone to back off.
It was… sweet.
She had the kind of gumption and resilience I wanted to find and grow.
Gabriella, as the woman of the house, was instrumental in helping me get settled in. I officially had decided to move in with Alexsei rather than stay on the opposite side of the mansion. His private wing was enormous, and it was where Misha’s room was too.
He told me about the properties he owned, though, and I wondered if we’d move soon. Now that I was pregnant, I wanted to prepare as materialistically as I could, as in securing a crib and all the things a baby could need.
Raisa and Sadie helped me with that, though. A room in Alexsei’s wing would work as a nursery, and it was fun to preoccupy myself with all the things he wanted to buy for the baby.
“I don’t like just taking charity, though,” I told them as we browsed through websites and flipped through catalogs.
“Oh, I hate this brand,” Raisa said about a breast pump.
Gabriella glanced over and made a face. “Hard pass.”
