Page 69 of Gilded Shackles
Me? Still not allowed past the gates.
"Thanks," I tell Natalia. "Just to rule it out."
She nods, and I pop another grape, pretending to focus on Pasha who's telling us about a Lego castle he's planning. But my thoughts keep circling back, tripping over that one word.
Pregnant.
The idea flutters through me like a secret I'm too scared to touch. Excitement, fear, disbelief. All tangled up like Christmas lights.
There's no proof yet. No confirmation. No reason to panic.
Tomorrow, there will be a test.
And one way or another, I'll know if life just threw me the biggest plot twist of all.
20
NIKOLAI
Uncle Viktor never invites me anywhere the polite way. No invitation, no given time slot. He summons.
And when he does, I go without question.
Which is how I find myself sitting in his office again when I'm supposed to be having dinner with my wife and kid, but he doesn't give a damn. He's behind his desk, sleeves rolled, sipping tea like he didn't ruin half the city today for sport. Because he can.
I brace for the usual. Some Bratva catastrophe, a mole in our ranks, or the inevitable lecture about how I "lack diplomacy." But instead, Viktor gives me that small, knowing smile that says I've already disappointed him and he's kind of proud of it.
"So," he leans forward on his forearms, "I hear you've been rather generous lately."
I keep a straight face. Trying to look like a man who hasn't been lying to the head of the Bratva for weeks.
I cock my head. "Generous?"
Viktor smiles. The kind that makes lesser men check for exits and loaded weapons.
"Interesting how Gayle suddenly became so reasonable, don't you think?" He taps a finger against his desk. "Almost as if someone paid the difference."
My stomach drops, but I don't flinch. "Uncle..."
"Don't." He holds up a hand. "The money transfers aren't exactly subtle when you know where to look. Your private accounts, Nikolai? The ones you thought I didn't know about?"
Well. Fuck.
I exhale slowly, surrendering to the inevitable. "I apologize for the deception."
"Deception." He rolls the word around like he's tasting a new vodka. "Is that what we're calling it when my own nephew gives away a small fortune to keep a woman he barely knows?"
I should've known he'd find out. Nothing stays hidden from Viktor for long. The man probably has a file on what brand of toothpaste I use.
"I did what I had to do." I lower my gaze. "I'm sorry, Uncle. I wasn't trying to interfere with your business."
I'm ready to take the consequences. Face whatever punishment comes.
He waves a hand. "Save it, Nikolai. Like you said. You did what you had to."
I look up, bracing for the gavel. Instead, to my complete shock, his face cracks into a genuine smile.
"You're not angry?"
