45. Brooke
When I wake up, Lev is gone. But I half suspected he would be. The man is a workaholic robot with an inhuman stamina.
Last night he was incredibly gentle with me. I went into shock and was scared, and he was exactly what I needed to make me feel safe again. Even broke his own rule about staying through the night just so I would feel protected. Now that I feel much better, I want to show my appreciation by doing something nice for him. Maybe run into town and buy him something. Take the black credit card he gave me for a run. Yes, I know I’ll be buying him a present with his own money, but I’ll take note of how much I spend and the moment I start earning my own money again, I’ll repay him.
But what do you buy a man who has everything and can buy whatever he wants, when he wants?
I know he likes fancy cognac so maybe one of those bottles with diamonds all over it?
I take a shower and get dressed, and I find him in his office talking business with Feliks and Maksim.
Feliks wolf whistles when he sees me. “I swear you get more beautiful every time I see you,” he says with a big grin. He leaves his chair to greet me with an enthusiastic air kiss, which he uses to tease his cousin. He winks at me. “Is he watching?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Has he got a scowl on his face?” he whispers.
“Doesn’t he always?” I whisper back.
“You both realize I’m not deaf,” Lev says from behind his desk.
He gives me a look that tells me any teasing will be paid for in full later when he gets me in bed.
Feliks gives me another wink before returning to his seat. As I approach the desk, Maksim gives me a warm smile.
“I was hoping to run into town,” I say to Lev.
“Why?”
I don’t want to tell him that I want to buy him a present. “Can’t a girl have her secrets?”
“Not when she’s kidnapped.”
“Oh, you’re a funny man now.”
He must be preoccupied because he doesn’t push me for a more appropriate answer. “Fine, but you’ll take two of my men with you, plus Igor.”
“Two men?”
“Yes, or you don’t go.”
“Fine,” I concede.
“And Brooke…?”
“Yes, Dad?”
“No giving them the slip.”
I shake my head and give him a salute.
Because, come on… two bodyguards?
Maybe if I knew what was coming I wouldn’t think it was such overkill.
Instead of two bodyguards, I end up with one, a serious-looking man whose cargo pants, tight polo shirt, and dark sunglasses scream SWAT team.
Plus Igor.
Which kind of seems a little bit over the top for a visit to the mall. And I feel very self-conscious walking through the mall toward the Vintage Liquor store with Lurch and Military Ken towering over me like I’m some valuable gemstone. It’s almost suffocating. But if it’s what I have to do in order to get out of the house, then I can live with it. Besides, I kind of love Igor. He’s the gentle giant you want in your corner.
In the liquor store, it only takes me a moment to find the fancy cognac he likes. It’s in a glass cabinet under lock and key.
“Are you sure?” the cashier asks. “We don’t get too many people asking for this. She’s a beauty for sure but a little pricey.”
It is, and it’s going to take me a few pay checks to pay Lev back. But it will be worth it.
I show him the black credit card, and his eyes widen. “Don’t see a lot of these around. I’ll ring it up for you.”
“Thank you. While you do that, can you point me in the direction of the restroom.”
“Sure, the restroom is just down the corridor.”
“Thanks.”
When I move toward the corridor, Military Ken tries to follow.
“Listen, I’m going to the restroom. You don’t need to follow me.”
“The pakhan said—”
“And I’m saying no.”
Just as he’s going to protest, a little old lady knocks over a bottle of wine, and it splashes over his leg.
And while he’s preoccupied with assuring her that he is fine, I use his distraction to walk to the restroom before he can follow.
In the restroom stall, I let out a heavy breath.
Is this how it’s always going to be? Surrounded by bodyguards. Every move watched by a man with a gun.
It’s suffocating.
God, what would it be like if I had a baby?
Something in the back of my mind clicks, and I sit up straight.
A baby.
A strange feeling creeps into my gut.
When did I last have a period?
I start counting back dates, then weeks on my fingers.
Then months…
Holy fuck.
I haven’t had a period since before my wedding day.
Double holy fuck.
I quickly finish up in the stall and walk to the basin to wash my hands.
Am I pregnant?
And if I am… who am I pregnant by?
I grip the side of the sink in a sudden panic.
Oh God…
As I walk over to the paper towel dispenser to dry my hands, a young woman rushes in. “My baby. My baby. You have to help me.”
I swing around to look at her.
“What happened?” I ask, alarmed.
“She fell over and hit her head. She’s bleeding.”
She flies out of the bathroom and, caught up in her panic, I follow her just as quickly.
“Please help me,” she cries, grabbing me by the wrist.
“Where is she?” I ask as she starts to drag me down the corridor.
“Down here.”
“I can get help,” I say, trying to lead her the other way.
But she’s not listening. She keeps dragging me toward the fire exit.
“I have people with me who can help, but they’re back—”
“Please, she’s out here,” she begs.
She pushes down on the emergency door handle, and sunshine bursts into the corridor.
She leads me outside, but the minute I step into the daylight, I feel a blow to the back of my head, and everything goes black.