Page 98 of Velvet Chains
Misha sighs, and I can practically hear him rolling his eyes. “We’ve got a problem, boss. Vasiliev’s been moving his operations. Closing down businesses, relocating his people.”
I curse under my breath. We’ve been planning our attack for days, ever since that fucking ambush. No way in hell are we letting that suka get the drop on us again.
“He’s running scared,” I growl, my hand tightening on my phone. “Knows we’ve got his ledger, knows we can bring his whole fucking empire down.”
“Or he’s regrouping,” Misha counters. “Getting ready to strike back.”
I know he’s right. Vasiliev’s a snake, but he’s not stupid. He’s not going to just roll over and die.
“Double the patrols,” I order, my mind racing. “I want eyes on every single one of his known associates. The minute that mudak sticks his head out, I want to know.”
“Got it, boss.” Misha pauses, and I can hear the hesitation in his voice. “And the exchange? With the ledger?”
I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. The ledger. Our one bargaining chip, the thing that’s supposed to get us our cargo back and give us the upper hand.
But it’s also the thing that could bring everything crashing down if it falls into the wrong hands.
“We proceed as planned,” I say finally, my voice hard. “But triple the security. I’m not taking any chances.”
“Understood.” Misha clears his throat. “And Victor… be careful, yeah? With Ksenia, with all of it.”
I snort, shaking my head. “I’m always careful, Misha. You know that.”
But even as I say it, I know it’s a lie. Because if I was careful, truly careful, I wouldn’t be feeling this… this whatever the fuck it is for Laura.
I wouldn’t be risking everything just to make sure she’s okay.
I end the call, leaning my head back against the seat. Ahead of me, the restaurant looms, gleaming glass and polished stone.
I can feel Igor’s eyes on me in the rearview mirror, but he knows better than to say anything. He just pulls up to the curb, the car gliding to a smooth stop.
I take a deep breath, straightening my tie. Time to face the music.
I stride into the restaurant, ignoring the startled looks from the staff. I’m sure I make quite the picture, all dark suit and darker scowl.
But I don’t give a fuck. All I care about is getting to Laura, making sure Ksenia hasn’t ripped her to shreds.
I push open the door to the private room, ready for anything. But the scene that greets me is not what I expected.
Laura’s sitting there, her eyes wide and startled, water dribbling down her chin. Across from her, Ksenia looks like the cat that caught the canary, a picture of smug satisfaction.
And Eli… Eli’s giggling like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever seen.
“What the hell is going on here?” I demand.
Three sets of eyes snap to me, surprise and something else flickering across their faces.
But before anyone can answer, Eli pipes up, her voice bright and cheerful.
“Tetya Laura is pregnant!”
The silence that follows Eli’s announcement is deafening. I can hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, feel the blood rushing to my face.
Pregnant? Laura’s… pregnant?
I stare at her, my mind reeling. She’s not looking at me, her eyes fixed on the table, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
I open my mouth, but no words come out. What the hell am I supposed to say to that?
