Chapter 20Jenny
CHAPTER 20
JENNY
I walk beside Andre toward the SUV after leaving the clinic, my newfound knowledge pressing down on me. The bustling city street seems surreal, a stark contrast to the life-altering news I’ve just received. I need time to process, to breathe, before I can even think about telling Ivan.
“I have an errand to run at the mall,” I say to Andre and Daniil.
“Of course, Ms. Graham,” says Daniil in his thickly accented English.
The drive to the mall is a blur of neon signs and honking horns. My mind races, replaying the doctor’s words over and over. Pregnant. I’m pregnant with Ivan Markov’s child. The knowledge keeps repeating, but it doesn’t feel entirely real yet. It inspires equal parts excitement and terror to contemplate.
We pull up to the upscale jewelry store on the mall’s perimeter. Its separate entrance is a small mercy; I’m not sure I could handle the chaos of the main mall right now. The cool air conditioning washes over me as I step inside with Andre lingering a few feet behind me. Soft lighting glints off display cases filled with precious gems and metals.
“Welcome back, Ms. Graham.” The sales associate greets me with a warm smile. “Your order is ready.”
I nod, forcing a smile in return. “Thank you.”
As she retrieves the watch I selected when shopping with my mom from the back, I stare at the displays. A delicate diamond pendant catches my eye, and I imagine a little girl wearing it—our daughter. The thought makes my stomach quiver.
“Here you are,” says the associate when she returns, presenting a sleek black box. “Would you like to inspect it?”
I open the box, revealing the platinum white-gold watch I picked out for Ivan nestled inside. It’s perfect—elegant and understated, just like Ivan. For a moment, I forget my worries, imagining the look on his face when he opens it on Christmas morning.
I check the inscription, which is accurate. “You’re unforgettable.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I used a phrase he uttered to me first. There were a host of things I’d wanted to put down, but none of them felt right since we haven’t really discussed feelings and a future. He expects me to stay with him, but when I ordered the watch, I wasn’t certain if I would. I just knew I’d never forget him.
Now, things have changed. Our lives will be inexorably linked forever, even if the romance goes sour—though I can’t fathom that. “It’s beautiful,” I murmur, closing the box carefully. “Thank you.”
Transaction complete, I turn to leave and step out into the chilly Atlanta evening, Andre right behind me. That’s when I see the baby store next door. My feet carry me to the window before I can stop myself. A display of tiny onesies and soft blankets fills my vision. My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach, and suddenly, the reality of my situation hits me full force.
This time next year, I’ll have an infant. Our child will be here, in the world. The thought is simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. I’m not ready to think about this yet.
“Everything all right, Ms. Graham?” asks Andre as he stands behind me, his dark eyes scanning for potential threats before arching a quizzical brow at the baby store window.
“Fine,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Just...admiring the display.”
He nods, but I catch the flicker of concern in his eyes. I wonder if he’s figured out between my clinic visit and sudden interest in the baby store that I’m pregnant. If he has, he doesn’t mention it.
We make our way back to the SUV, where Daniil waits, and my mind whirls with possibilities. How will Ivan react to the news? Will he be happy? Angry? Our relationship is complicated enough without adding a baby to the mix.
I slide into the backseat, cradling the watch box in my lap. For now, this is something I can focus on—a gift for the man I love, even if I’m not quite ready to tell him about the biggest gift of all.
“Home?” asks Daniil from the driver’s seat.
I nod, feeling warm at the word. Ivan’s penthouse has become a home despite my every effort to fight that. “Home.”
I grip the armrest tightly as Daniil prepares to ease the car into the chaotic mall traffic. My heart is still beating erratically occasionally as a dizzying mix of excitement and fear randomly overtakes me each time I suddenly remember again that I’m pregnant.
A flicker of movement catches my attention before Daniil pulls away from the curb. I turn my head, peering out the tinted window. A figure emerges from a nearby alley, shrouded in shadow. My breath catches when I watch him. He stands unnaturally still, and I’m sure he’s fixated on our SUV.
“Andre,” I whisper, trying not to move my lips too much. “Do you see that man in the alley?”
Andre turns his head toward to the alleyway behind the jewelry shop, scanning the area behind us. “Where, Ms. Graham?”
I point, my finger trembling slightly. “There, by the alley. He’s just...standing there.”
Andre shifts to the side, his muscular frame tensing as he follows my gaze. “I don’t see anyone, Ms. Graham. Are you sure?”
I blink, focusing harder on the spot where I saw the figure. The alley is empty now, with no trace of the mysterious watcher. I frown. “I... I could have sworn I saw someone.”
Daniil’s voice cuts through my confusion. “We’re clear to go. Holding up traffic here isn’t safe.”
I nod, and he pulls the SUV away from the curb, merging smoothly into the flow of vehicles. I twist in my seat, craning my neck to look back at the alley. Nothing. Just shadows and discarded trash.
My hands shake when I turn around, clutching Ivan’s gift like a lifeline. Was it real? Or is the stress of my situation getting to me?
“Are you all right, Ms. Graham?” asks Andre, his gaze meeting mine in the visor mirror. “You look pale.”
I force a smile, willing my whooshing heart to slow. “I’m fine. Just thought I saw something. It’s nothing.”
He nods, but I can see the concern in his expression. “If you’re sure. We can always circle back if you’d like to double-check.”
“No,” I say perhaps too quickly. “No, that’s not necessary. Let’s just go home.”
As we drive away from the mall, the city lights blur into streaks of color outside the window. I can’t shake the feeling of being watched, even now. The figure in the alley...was it Stephen? One of Alexei’s men? Or just a product of my overactive imagination?
I rest a hand on my still-flat stomach, the reality of my pregnancy hitting me anew. How can I bring a child into this world of danger and uncertainty? How will Ivan react when he finds out?
“Ms. Graham?” Daniil’s voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “We’re approaching the penthouse. Any stops you’d like to make before we arrive?”
I shake my head, realizing we’ve already traveled across half the city while I was lost in thought. “No, thank you, Daniil. Straight home is fine.”
As we pull into the underground parking garage, I exhale slowly, trying to center myself. The figure in the alley was nothing. Just a trick of the light, or a manifestation of my fears. I have to believe that.
The elevator ride up to the penthouse is silent, save for the soft ding of passing floors. Andre and Daniil flank me, their presence both comforting and suffocating. As we reach our floor, I straighten my spine, plastering on a neutral expression.
The doors slide open, revealing the opulent foyer of Ivan’s penthouse. Home, or at least the closest thing I have to it now. I step out. “Thank you both,” I say, turning to Andre and Daniil. “I appreciate your escort today. I’ll be ready to leave for the party in an hour or so, if Ivan isn’t home yet.”
They nod in unison, ever the professionals. As they retreat back into the elevator, I’m left alone in the vast, empty space. The silence is deafening.
I make my way to the bedroom, clutching Ivan’s gift tightly to my chest. When I set it down on the dresser, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I look...different. Scared, yes, but there’s something else. A glow, perhaps? Or is that just my imagination too?
I put my hand over my stomach again. I’m pregnant. With Ivan Markov’s child. The most dangerous man I know is going to be a father. I’m finally starting to accept and believe it.
A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat, and I clamp a hand over my mouth to stifle it. What am I going to do? How can I tell him? And more importantly, how can I keep this child safe in his world?
I sink onto the edge of the bed, my legs suddenly too weak to support me. I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. One problem at a time, Jenny. I need to tell Ivan about the pregnancy so we can figure out the rest together. Later though. First, I need to get ready for the Christmas party.
I stand in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing down the red velvet of my dress. The white faux fur trim tickles my skin. I look festive, which is a stark contrast to the nausea churning in my stomach. I’ve layered on makeup like armor, hoping to conceal the anxiety that threatens to bubble to the surface.
I reach for the locket Ivan gave me, but the color is wrong, and the style doesn’t suit this dress. At the last moment, I substitute a teardrop ruby necklace. It nestles perfectly in the modest décolletage of the dress and matches well.
My phone buzzes. I snatch it up, hoping to see Ivan’s name. It’s just an invitation to extend the warranty on my car. The silence from him only amplifies my unease. I type out a quick message: “On my way to the party. Wish you were here.”
I stare at the screen, willing a response to appear. Seconds tick by. Nothing. With a sigh, I tuck the phone into my clutch and give myself one last once-over in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looks confident, festive, and ready to take on the world. If only I felt that way on the inside.
“You’ve got this, Jenny,” I mutter to my reflection. “It’s just a party. Nothing to worry about.” I make my way out of the bedroom and down the hallway. The click of my white heels on the hardwood echoes in the empty apartment. As I reach the elevator, a shiver of dread makes me tremble. I shake it off, chalking it up to nerves.
When the doors open, Daniil and Andre are waiting. I step inside to join them, and the descent to the lobby feels interminable. When the doors finally slide open, I plaster on a smile and step out. The cheerful decorations in the lobby do little to lift my spirits. Tinsel and twinkling lights mock my inner turmoil. I’m halfway across the lobby when I see him.
Stephen.
He stands near the entrance, a predatory smile on his lips. I stumble, nearly falling. This can’t be happening.
“Jenny,” he calls out, his voice smooth as silk but dangerous. “Don’t you look merry.”
I freeze but my gaze darts around the lobby. Andre and Daniil step forward, standing on either side of me.
“Ms. Graham,” says Andre quietly but with urgency, “We need to get you out of here.”
I nod, unable to form words. We turn toward the back exit, but Stephen’s voice stops us cold.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
The sound of multiple safeties clicking off fills the air. Men in black tactical gear emerge from the shadows, weapons trained on us. Andre and Daniil move to shield me, but it’s too late.
Two sharp cracks split the air. Andre and Daniil crumple to the ground. I can’t tell if they’re breathing. My scream catches in my throat as rough hands grab me. The random thought flashes through my mind that I should have worn the locket. Now, how will Ivan find me? It’s obvious Stephen and his goons are going to kidnap me.
“Stop!” The doorman’s voice rings out. “What’s going on here?”
I lock gazes with him, seeing the phone in his hand. He’s calling for help, though he can’t see Daniil and Andre’s fallen forms from his vantage points. More gunshots could mean more casualties. I can’t let that happen.
“It’s okay,” I call out, my voice steadier than I feel. “Everything’s fine. Just...a misunderstanding.”
The doorman hesitates, his finger hovering over the call button. I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile and a small wave. He lowers the phone, looking confused. I have no doubt he’ll investigate and call for help as soon as we’re out, assuming Stephen and his goon squad don’t kill him too.
Stephen puts his arm tightly around my waist, pulling me close. His breath is hot on my ear as he whispers, “Smart girl. Let’s go for a little ride, shall we?”
As they drag me from the building, I cast one last glance at Andre and Daniil’s still forms. Please, let them be alive. The cold night air hits me like a slap, and I stumble on the sidewalk. Stephen’s grip tightens, keeping me upright.
“Watch your step, darling,” he says, his voice dripping with false concern. “We wouldn’t want you to ruin that pretty dress.”
A black SUV idles at the curb, its engine a low growl in the night. The back door swings open, and I’m shoved inside. As Stephen slides in next to me, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the tinted window. The woman staring back at me looks nothing like the confident one I’d created earlier. She’s terrified.
The door slams shut, sealing me in darkness with my worst nightmare.