by Brook Wilder
I roll her over and spread her legs with my knee, then ever so slowly fill her. Compared to last night, sex this morning is leisurely. Each kiss is drawn out as well as the gentle rocking of my body against hers. When her sudden gasp turns into a moan, only then do I pick up the pace and race to reach release with her. I hold her in my arms as I slip free and tell myself I can’t stay in bed all day.
She tries to pull me right back under the blankets, but I still have too much to take care of as far as my brothers are concerned. I kiss her once more, then reveal her belly just enough to kiss the skin there, too, and the precious life growing within her.
I’m still reeling at the fact that she’s pregnant and it might be a son. It might be our ticket out of this whole inheritance mess.
The second I think it, I curse, remembering the promise I made just last night.
Our baby will not be used as a pawn, and here I am already considering the possibilities of our future if our child is a boy. All I need is for Elena to have a girl and then the family business, Mikhail’s legacy, will be mine to control. And if Stella finds out exactly what I’m thinking, she’ll punch me in the face. I worry for one horrible second that to keep my promise of protecting Stella and our baby from our enemies, I might have to become exactly like my father. I might have to turn into a monster like the twins. To beat back evil, sometimes you have to become evil yourself. Saving Stella might mean losing her in the process.
Once I’m in my jeep and ready to head out, I punch the steering wheel in anger at the situation we’re in. This is not how I pictured our lives together. And now I have to visit Nadia because she requested an update on the hunt for more traitors.
By the time I pull up to the smaller Ivanov mansion Nadia’s been living in since Mikhail’s murder, I park and contemplate what I’m even doing here. Technically speaking, I answer to Lev, not her. I understand her desire to know who killed her husband, but there’s so much shit going on right now, I’m not certain I can handle dealing with one of her moods today. One way or another, she’ll find a way to remind me how she’s disappointed in my choice of wife.
I climb out of my jeep, and the guard at the front door lets me inside.
“Ah, there you are,” Nadia says as I enter the sitting room. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten about me.”
“I was out late,” I say, then lean in to kiss her cheek. She’s sitting on the floral-patterned settee and I choose the winged armchair across from her.
Even for just a meeting with her son, Nadia is dressed impeccably in a black skirt and matching blouse. Her hair is pinned back and she’s wearing at least five thousand dollars’ worth of diamonds as if she needs to remind me of her wealth. The wealth that I currently don’t have full access to thanks to Mikhail’s will. She offers me coffee, but I turn her down politely. There’s a strange glint in her eyes this morning, one that has me on edge. For a second, it’s like I’m looking at one of the twins. Then it’s gone, and she sighs.
“Any progress?”
“A bit,” I reply simply. “I have leads being run down. I’ve weeded out several more traitors. They’ve been dealt with accordingly.”
“Then you do not actually have any proof of who is behind his death along with Vlad.”
It isn’t a question, so I don’t answer. I know who’s behind Mikhail’s death, but there’s no point in telling her anything until I present my entire case against my brothers. They are her favorites. The moment I accuse them of treachery, there’s no telling what she might do. I watch her instead, wondering why she wanted me here in the first place. As the silence is filled by the annoying ticking of several loud clocks in the room, Nadia sets down her porcelain coffee mug and sits back. Her eyes narrow on my face, and I tense.
“And what of the documentary we all saw? Do you have any idea who’s behind it?”
“I have my men on it. Don’t worry, Mother, whoever’s behind it will be taken care of along with the traitors. I won’t let Mikhail’s legacy or the rest of the families be brought down by some damn movie,” I mutter.
Her eyes narrow and then she reaches for a folder I hadn’t noticed sitting beside her. “And if I told you I think I know who’s behind it?”
“I’d say you’ve been busy,” I say quietly with a frown. “And that it’s not your place.”
Her brow arches, but then she tilts her head. “How loyal are you to the family, Danya?”
I sit up straighter. “You know how loyal I am, Mother. Everyone does. Why are you even asking me that?”
“Because of what’s in this file. The photos are quite damning.”
An inkling of who exactly those photos are of starts in my mind. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You hate my wife this much you’re what, setting her up? You think she’s not loyal to me? Loyal to this family?”
“I’m not sure what she thinks. She is a Russo, after all. Bad blood and all that.”
“Bad blood?” I stand as I point at Nadia. “You will not speak about my wife in that way, you hear me? And I’ll not have you adding any stress to her either. I know she’s meeting with you and the other wives tonight. You will behave yourself, or you and I will have trouble.”
Nadia’s gaze turns calculating, and I mentally curse at what I just said. “Why are you so worried about Stella being stressed?”
“No reason at all except she’s my wife and that in itself is enough stress these days.”
I decide this meeting is over, and I don’t give a damn what Nadia has on Stella as I make for the front door. If she had solid proof Stella was behind the documentary, there would be men showing up at my door, not Nadia sitting here having coffee with me.
“Is she pregnant?” Nadia calls out, and I pause. “Ah I see. Interesting news.”
“Interesting?” I snap as I whirl around. “How about congratulations, son?”
She shrugs as she says, “I would be more inclined to say so if I was certain the child is yours.”
“Excuse me?”
She tosses the file folder onto the table. “Have a look, son. I’m sorry to say I don’t believe your wife is as in love with you as you are with her.”
Grinding my teeth, I stomp back into the room, snatch up the file folder, and flip it open. The first photograph is of Stella getting out of her Mustang. She’s somewhere in the city. I continue to go through the photos, my ire growing that Nadia has the nerve to keep tabs on my wife. I’m halfway through the stacks when the photos are no longer just of Stella, but of a man. I pull the first one free and study his face. It’s familiar, and after a second I realize why.
Jack Bennet. He’s a damn journalist who has his hands on almost every corruption story that breaks in the city. And Stella met with him. She looks anything but happy to be with him. Any idiot could tell they are not together to have an affair. I know why Nadia is trying to frame it that way, but luckily I know the truth. The intel Stella gave me, everything she found out about the twins’ involvement with the legislation and the De Lucas, it must’ve come from Bennet. I quickly flip through the rest of the photos, doing my best to curtail my annoyance and hint of jealousy at seeing Stella with another man. Not like she’s with Bennet in that way.
The final photo is only of Stella. Her eyes are cold like they were when we were told we’d be marrying each other. There’s no love in them, not a hint. Her words about finding a way out of this life come back to me and I curse as I slap the folder closed and toss it on the coffee table.
“Proves nothing,” I tell Nadia firmly. “Anything else you want to throw at me to try and make me distrust Stella?”
“You can’t trust her.”
“Says you.”
“Says everyone in the family aside from your father. God rest his soul, but Mikhail did not understand the situation he was placing you in when he told you to marry her.” Nadia stands and walks slowly toward me. She cups my cheek in her hand as she smiles. “She will lead to your downfall, my son. Listen to your mother. That
baby is not yours. The time has come for you to be rid of her.”
I back away as I stare in disgust at her words. “Stella is going to remain my wife, and that unborn baby is mine. You will keep your hands and your men away from her. Do I make myself clear?”
I don’t wait for an answer as I storm to the front door. When I reach it, she finally calls back, “You are not in control of this family, Danya. Perhaps you never will be.”
I slam the door shut behind me. Once I’m safely in my jeep, I let out a stream of curses at the mess Stella just keeps making larger in her wake. I didn’t intend to let anyone know she’s pregnant, but it’s too late now. Nadia will spread the news and as much as I don’t want to admit it, she’s right. I have no control over the family. Apparently, I have no say in what my wife does either. Just once, I wish she would listen to me. Just one fucking time, I would like Stella not to be so reckless.
Bennet. Why the fuck did it have to be him?
My cell goes off in my pocket and I read over the text from Lukas. They’ve brought in another man to interrogate. Good. I need to punch the living daylights out of something. When I get home later tonight, Stella and I are going to have a nice long talk on how our lives are going to work from here on out until I get this situation under control. The idea of putting her under house arrest crosses my mind, but I don’t have to think too hard to know what that would do to the trust we’ve painstakingly built back up together. If it keeps her safe, I might just have to take her anger and her hate. One day she’ll see it’s all been for her. It’s always for her.
Chapter 15
Stella
I check my cell again for the time. I’ve been at Nadia’s for over an hour and am more than ready to get the hell out of here. I feel her watching me constantly even as she chats happily with Camilla and, of course, Elena. I chime in every now and then, but for the most part, the three women carry on just fine without me.
I’m not stupid. I was only invited over out of necessity. Nadia said she wanted to meet with her daughters-in-law all together and see how we’re doing. It’s a bunch of bullshit, and I’m the only one apparently not falling for the friendly act. I can’t even drink, which makes the evening that much less tolerable. I let Nadia have wine poured for me anyway. I told Danya I wanted no one to know I was pregnant yet. I plan to keep the charade going as long as possible.
“The twins say Francesco is pleased with the new business deals they’re working on,” Camilla says with a coy smile.
I tilt my head, curiously studying her across the dining table. “And what might those be?”
“Good ones, I suppose, that will bring in more money for the families.”
“But you don’t know what they are,” I state, and all three women stare at me as they lower their wineglasses. Way to be a mood killer, Stella. Should’ve just kept my mouth shut.
“Why would I? That’s not my place,” Camilla replies.
“No? Then what the hell is it?”
Camilla bristles and squeezes her wineglass so hard in her hand, I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter. “To not question the actions of my husband. I support him as any good wife should do for her husband. I’m his right hand.”
“Except you’re not, not really.” I can’t stop myself from saying it and want to kick myself for starting this argument. I’m not sure what’s making me do it, but between the emotional fallout from my conversation with Danya last night and my nerves about being pregnant, the well-behaved Stella I promised to be just disappears. “I mean, do either of you even understand who you’re married to? Really?”
“Stella, that’s enough,” Nadia says stiffly.
“Why? Because you say it is? You might be a wife of the family, but what power do you have any more?” The second the question is out of my mouth, I realize I’ve crossed a line. Danya is going to kill me.
The smile that spreads across Nadia’s face is ice-cold as she taps her nails on the table. She’s never liked me, and now she looks eager to tattle on me to Danya. “More power than you, dear. After all, I am not a Russo. My blood is clean. I’m afraid whatever children you and my son have will be tainted. Shame, truly. My son deserves to have a loyal wife and a son to follow in his footsteps.”
I nearly say that I love Danya and am more than loyal to him, but decide arguing with her will get me nowhere. I stand slowly and offer an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid I’m no longer feeling well. If you’ll excuse me, Nadia, ladies, I’ll be heading home.”
None of them appear sad to see me go. Nadia’s smile remains, and a shiver races down my spine. I hurry to the foyer and am at the front door when a set of heeled steps hurries to catch up to me.
“Stella, wait,” Camilla says as she reaches me. “I just wanted to speak with you quickly about something.”
“I have nothing to say to you. I’m leaving.”
Camilla places her hand on the front door just as I open it and slams it shut. She squeezes herself between me and my way out. I take a large step back and fight the urge to place my hands protectively on my belly. None of them need to know I’m pregnant.
“I’m not sure what you’re thinking, but you might want to watch your back,” Camilla says quietly. “Or should I say, your front.”
I take another step back, trying not to give anything away. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“Oh, I think you do.” She reaches for me and grabs my shoulder, digging her sharp nails in. I gasp at the pain and then she presses her other hand to my stomach. How the hell does she know I’m pregnant? I try to get away, but she pushes me into the wall and holds me there. “You might be pregnant, bitch, but you’ll not be taking this family from my husband, understand me? Danya’s time is over. No matter what you have growing inside you, it won’t matter.” She grins darkly as she rubs my stomach, tilting her head as she glares at me. “Enjoy your happiness while you can. I’ll be sure to come and visit as soon as your baby’s born. Maybe even sooner.”
I snarl and shove her back hard enough to land on her ass with a yelp. “Don’t ever touch me again. Ever. Danya will—”
“He’ll what?” she cackles. “You think Danya will keep you safe from his brothers?”
Shaking out of fear and anger, I storm toward her, ready to stomp on her face, but I’m in a house surrounded by enemies. I stop short, turn sharply, and bolt out the door before she can grab for me again. When I reach my Mustang and get in behind the wheel, I sense eyes on me. Nadia stares at me through the front window. A second later, Camilla joins her. I start the engine and speed away from there as fast as I can, leaving my two bodyguards scrambling to keep up with me.
I park and slam my door shut as I rush for the front door. The only way Camilla could know I was pregnant was if Nadia knew. I didn’t tell her, which means Danya did, the bastard. Can’t even keep a secret from his mother.
The front door bashes into the wall, I throw it open so hard. “Danya!” I kick the door shut behind me and chuck my purse to the floor. “Danya, get your ass out here now!” I know he’s home. His damn jeep is in the driveway. “Danya, answer me right now!”
“Stella?” He comes around the corner, looking confused. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” I repeat furiously as I march toward him and poke him in the chest. “What’s wrong is someone told your mother, who told your brothers’ wives, that I’m pregnant. Why would you do that? Why would you let her know?”
“I didn’t have a choice,” he replies and catches my hand, his eyes cold. “She’s questioning your loyalty to the family. To me.”
“So what? You know where my loyalties lie.”
“Do I?”
I blink at him, confused. “Why are you pissed, huh? You weren’t just threatened with the life of your child by fucking Camilla. She threatened our baby, Danya, while your mother stood by and did nothing.” I tear myself away from him and pace angrily back and forth, running my shaking hands through my hair. With an aggravated yell, I kick out o
f my heels. I want to deck Danya, but Camilla’s threat comes back to me and fear for our baby overwhelms me. “This is exactly why I didn’t want them to know,” I whisper. “We can’t trust them. Any of them.”
“Funny. Nadia said the same thing about you this morning.”
“I already know she doesn’t trust me,” I say as I turn around. He hasn’t moved and his hands are clenched at his sides. “Wait, do you … you believe her? Seriously?”
“She asked me if the baby was mine,” he says, and my heart pounds in my chest as my anger threatens to explode all over again. “You want to know why she asked? Because she’s having you watched. Tell me, Stella, what’s the name of your source?”
I swallow hard and shake my head. “I can’t tell you.”
