Silence settles over our small group; several worlds crashing all at once. It is Yulian who speaks first.
“Pakhan, I- I am so sorry. I had no idea Annika could be so irresponsible,” he apologizes. “But I promise you she’s not normally like this. And this alliance…it’s important to us. We can’t afford to lose it. I beg you to have your brother reconsider-”
“No,” I say, not letting him finish the sentence. “After how my brother behaved, he doesn’t deserve to marry your daughter. But we will work something out.”
Yulian gives me a helpless look.
“Not Valya,” he begs. “She’s too young. She’s not like her sister, she doesn’t understand the responsibility of all of this.”
“No,” I quickly assure him. “Rest easy, friend. That is not what I’m suggesting. I think I should have a talk with Annika myself. Find out more about her situation.”
“I don’t know,” Yulian says warily, “She doesn’t know you. You could scare her, and her condition…”
“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “I won’t upset her, and I won’t take long. Why don’t you have the nurses tell you what the care plan is while I go back?”
Though Yulian still looks unsure, he nods.
“Take me to her, would you, doctor?” I ask. Though, it isn’t really a question. I’m going back there whether they like it or not. I have to know. Have to find out for sure.
As if finally understanding that I'm not a man to be questioned, the doctor nods, and leads me to Annika.
Chapter Nine
Annika
“Is it mine?”
I look up from my stomach, still in disbelief at the news. I immediately meet my mystery man’s eyes, and feel a tremor of recognition go through me. I still can’t believe it. Of all the people that cab driver could have been, how is it possible that I was withthe Pakhan?
I didn’t know who he was that night, but I certainly know now. Kirill Bogdanov Pavlovich. The ultimate boss of the entire Russian mafia. And…the brother of my betrothed. If, that is, I am still betrothed.
“Pakhan,”I whisper, trembling with fear and shame. I bite my bottom lip to keep it from wobbling. “I’ve caused great disrespect for your family. I’m so sorry-”
“Hush,” Kirill states, his tone soft but commanding, “And answer the question, Annika. Is. It. Mine.”
“Yes,” I breathe.
Heat pours into my cheeks as our eyes stay locked.
“I don’t…I don’t go out often, and if I meet a guy Ialwaysuse a condom. I never forget, I don’t know why I did that night, I’m so sorr-”
“Enough, Annika,” Kirill states.
He pushes away from the door to walks into my room.
I can’t help but notice the powerful, authoritative steps, the tilt of his proud chin- and even, the utterly alluring way his muscles moved even in the black tuxedo.
To my surprise, thePakhantakes a seat on the edge of my bed, and reaches for my hand. I flinch, even though it feels warm and safe.
“Do not be afraid of me,” he tells me, stroking his thumb over the back of my hand. “This is just as much my fault as it is yours. I don’t do one night stands either. I don’t know what came over me that night. But I will make it right.”
I feel my brow tense.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
Kirill’s eyes dip to my stomach, and though I’m still new to the idea of being pregnant, I instinctively pull my hand from his and cover my stomach with my arms. My fingers still tingle from the warmth of Kirill’s touch, and I curl them as they cool as if to try to retain some of that heat.
His eyes flick back up to mine, as if he’s offended by the protective gesture. He clears his throat, stands, turning his back to me.
