“Exactly.”
I say nothing for a long moment, running through scenarios, calculating risks.
“I’m going to put you in touch with Alexei. Set up a meeting with Max. I want to see him as soon as possible. I’ll discuss everything with Thea. He’ll want to see her, too.”
“Gabriel—”
“What?”
“Just be careful. Max isn’t exactly known for his restraint or for keeping a cool head. If he decides to act, it might not be subtle. Just make sure that you’re ready for any and all contingencies. And start thinking about exit strategies.”
“I know.”
“Do you? Because from where I’m sitting, you’re about to introduce your pregnant girlfriend to one of the most dangerous men in the game. And you’re going to instigate a war, if you can’t handle Kolya before then.”
Another good point. But then I think about the ultrasound image, about December 15, about the world I want my son or daughter to grow up in.
“It’s a risk,” I say. “But some things are worth such a risk.”
“You’re betting everything on this, Gabriel. Just be careful, alright? See you in a few.”
The call ends and I sit back in my chair, my thoughts instantly returning to Thea. Specifically, I think about the way she looked this morning when I brought her coffee—decaf now—sleepy and rumpled and absolutely beautiful. I think about how I made her laugh, and she instinctively pressed her hand to her belly.
I think about the future we’re building together.Ourfuture.
I pick up my phone and call her.
“Hey, you.”
“Dinner tonight.”
She chuckles. “Are you asking or telling?”
“A little of both.”
There’s a pause. “Dinner, as in dinner out?”
“That’s precisely what I mean.”
“Are you sure about that? I mean, Kolya?—”
“I’m sure. I had my people make a sweep of the restaurant I have in mind. It will be a private table. Guards will be surrounding us but out of sight.”
Another pause. “It sounds lovely. But I figured that I’d be the one begging to go out. Wasn’t expecting to hear it from you.”
“I wanted to do something special for you, to celebrate the baby in style. Before everything gets even more complicated.”
“More complicated? How much more are we talking?”
“A lot.”
Silence. “Should I be worried?”
“You should be prepared. I’ll explain everything at dinner.”
“Alright.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “What should I wear?”
“Something that makes you feel beautiful.”
