Valentina has retreated to her bathroom, where she’s been for a long time. Is something wrong?
I quietly open the French door and re-enter her room.
"Valentina?" I knock softly on the door.
No response over the sound of running water.
Something's wrong.
I felt it the moment Alessandro knocked, beyond the panic of almost being caught.
Nothing good comes from having to have a discussion so late at night.
I press my ear against the door, hearing nothing but water running.
My stomach twists with worry.
"Valentina?" I try again, louder this time.
I should leave. Every minute I stay increases our risk.
Alessandro could return, finding me here.
Any of the household staff could walk in.
Discovery means my death.
Yet leaving her alone right now is impossible.
The water finally shuts off.
I step back from the door, relief washing over me before tension returns.
What has Alessandro said to her?
What new torment awaits her at Maksim's hands?
I've been trained to protect against physical threats.
But how do I protect her from her own family?
From the destiny they've chosen for her?
When the bathroom door finally opens, Valentina stands frozen in the threshold.
Her face is drained of color, eyes wide with fear.
"What's wrong?" I cross to her in two strides, taking her hands in mine. "Did Alessandro threaten you?"
She shakes her head. "Cristian. I'm late."
At first, I don't understand. Late for what? Then reality crashes over me. "Your period?"
"I should have started over a week ago." Her fingers tighten around mine. "I've never been late before."
The world tilts beneath my feet.
A baby.
