"I don't know who to believe." I finally spoke the truth, my voice sohoarse it barely sounded like me. "Julian, these past few months...he's been good to me. He took care of me, protected me, and stayed with me when I was at my weakest. He was even willing to give Aiden a home..."
"Because he needed you to trust him," Kirill said. "A hunter always lets his prey relax before he strikes."
I shook my head, unwilling to accept it.
"You don't believe me, fine." Kirill stood up, leaving the envelope on the table. "But I hope you'll think it over. Whatever happens, I'll be nearby. Anything feels off, send me a message."
Then he walked out, leaving me alone in the café with a pile of evidence that made my skin crawl.
On the way back to the apartment, my brain was a tangled mess.
Julian's smiling face floated before my eyes—that gentle smile, those warm eyes, all that careful attention and thoughtful words...
How could he possibly be what Kirill said he was?
"A hunter always lets his prey relax before he strikes."
I found myself replaying the past few months, searching for any suspicious threads.
Were there any?
Julian never talked about his work, though he'd said once he was also in the mafia. Every time I asked for details, he'd brush it off vaguely, saying he was just bottom-rung, and those things were too boring to waste our time together.
Julian's phone was always password-locked. Once when I accidentally picked up the wrong phone, he'd practically snatched it from my hands, though afterward he laughed and said it was classified work files.
And then...
That night, I'd gotten up to feed Aiden and heard Julian on a call in the living room. He was speaking Italian, voice low, and the instant he saw me he hung up.
I hadn't thought much of it then.
But now, looking back, was something wrong with that call?
No. That'snot right.
I couldn't start doubting Julian just because of a few words from Kirill.
Julian had appeared when I was at my most desperate and given me a chance to start over.
But what if?
My steps slowed involuntarily.
Aiden was my only family in this world. I couldn't risk his safety on anything.
Even if there was only a one percent chance, I had to be sure.
When I pushed openthe apartment door, Julian was busy in the kitchen.
"You're back?" He poked his head out from the study, that gentle smile on his face. "I got your favorite tomato pasta."
I looked at his smiling face, a nameless emotion rising in my chest.
"Where's Aiden?" I asked.
"Sleeping in the nursery." Julian walked over and kissed my forehead lightly. "He was such a good boy today. Went right to sleep after eating."
The moment his lips touched my skin, I stiffened involuntarily.
