Page 90 of Mafia Prince's Secret Baby

“I don’t have any friends here,” I admit quietly. “No one to talk to. No one to confide in.”

He nods, his expression understanding. Maybe he’s felt this loneliness too. For the first time, I realize that Aleks might be the only person in this house who truly sees me—not just as Igor’s woman, but as a person trying to hold it all together.

“I’ll listen,” he says after a moment, stepping closer. “I’m here for you. Not just today but any day. Whatever happens between you and Igor, you’re family now. You’re my sister, even if it’s just honorary.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head.

“What’s so funny?” Aleks asks, one brow quirking up.

“You are,” I reply, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the heaviness in my chest. “You’re Bratva, Igor’s top lieutenant, and yet, here you are. Strong, but also gentle. That’s rare in your world. How did you turn out so different?”

For a moment, his face darkens. He glances away, as though debating whether to answer.

“Igor’s a good guy,” Aleks finally says. “He hides his heart behind his arrogance, but you won’t find anyone more loyal or dedicated. As the oldest son, he carries the weight of everything—every expectation, every burden—so that I don’t have to. Igor’s the reason I get to live life the way I want.”

He leans his shoulder against the wall, arms folded across his chest. When he speaks again, his voice drops to barely a whisper.

“I had a girlfriend,” he says, his gaze distant. “I thought we’d be together forever.”

“Had?” I press softly.

He gives me a sad smile. “She died. Cancer. Eight years ago.”

The raw anguish in his eyes is enough to shatter me. It’s like staring into a storm—a swirling chaos of grief and memories that hasn’t quite settled, even after all these years.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“It was the worst time of my life,” Aleks admits. “When she got sick, I lost myself. And when she died, I went numb. Nothing helped. I tried to drown it out—drugs, alcohol, you name it. I didn’t care if I lived or died.”

I don’t say anything, letting him continue.

“It was Igor who pulled me out of it,” Aleks continues. “He stayed with me through the worst of it. Forced me to clean up. Got me through the withdrawals. He didn’t give up on me.”

“You two are close.”

“Not in the way you’d think.” He smiles faintly. “We don’t talk much about personal stuff, but he’s a good soul. And you—you’re lucky to have his heart.”

“Am I?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Katya,” Aleks sighs, running a hand over his jaw. “He loves you. Everyone can see it. Maybe he hasn’t said it yet, but it’s written all over him. And you—you love him too. Even if you’re not ready to admit it.”

“I wouldn’t call it love,” I say, but my voice wavers. “There’s a connection, sure. But…”

“But you’re scared,” Aleks finishes for me.

I laugh bitterly, gesturing toward the scorched remains of the room. “Is that unreasonable?”

“No,” Aleks smirks. “But don’t let it win. Igor’s not perfect—far from it. But he’d cut off his own limbs before letting anything happen to you or Sofiya. You’re safe with him. Safer than anywhere else.”

His words sit heavy in the air, sparking a flicker of hope in me.

“Tell me,” I say quietly. “Do you think this will ever end?”

Aleks doesn’t answer.

“This is my punishment,” I murmur, breaking the stillness. “For bringing Sofiya into this life. For letting Igor into mine.”

Whatever unspoken words linger on his tongue, he doesn’t let them out. Instead, he places a hand on my shoulder.

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