Page 35 of Never Distract a Biker

“Do you think the child in her belly is yours?”

“There is no doubt about it,” I nod my head.

“When did you sneak around with blondie behind our backs?” Lev asks.

“Didn’t know my sex life is any of your business.”

“We did not know you had one at all.”

“Now you know.”

“She must be protected at all costs,” Lev says, smiling. “I’m going to be one hell of an uncle.”

“I’m glad my fruitfulness meets your approval.”

Lev gives his usual rich laugh that always leaves me shaking my head. The contrast between his personality and actions never ceases to amaze me. While he is a jolly good fellow, he would never hesitate to put a bullet between an adversary's eyes or pull out an enemy's teeth one by one during interrogation.

“There is one problem, though,” The ever-sober and practical Zasha says. “Your sisters are asking questions already. They want to know who the strange girl in the safe house is.”

“I’ll fill them in myself.” I’ve already decided to tell them the truth. After all, they are going to be some child’s aunt.

As my two trusted men leave the office, I lean back in my leather chair and wonder what life now has in store for me. I have never given fatherhood a thought.

I stare at the darkened window, my reflection staring back, a man caught between vengeance and the fragile beginnings of something else. One thing is clear—Scarlett and the child will be protected. At all costs.

15

Viktor

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint scent of toast, grounding me in the quiet of the morning. I sit at the head of the long oak table, the dark liquid in my mug still steaming as I take a slow sip. My eyes wander to the frost-covered window, the city just waking beyond the glass. It’s the only moment of calm I’ve had in days.

The sound of footsteps interrupts my thoughts, and I glance up. Alina and Yelena enter, their movements synchronized in that twin way they can’t seem to shake. Their expressions are a mix of curiosity and concern, and I know this isn’t a casual visit.

"Good morning," I greet, my voice steady but devoid of warmth.

They nod in return, their gazes sharp as they take their seats across from me. Alina folds her hands neatly in her lap, while Yelena leans forward, her elbows braced on the table.

The silence stretches, punctuated only by the faint clink of my mug as I set it down. Yelena is the first to speak, and her tone is probing. "We need to talk about the investigation."

My grip on the mug tightens ever so slightly. Of course, that’s why they’re here. I meet their eyes, taking a moment to compose my thoughts. The heaviness of their presence and the weight of my responsibility settle like an iron chain across my chest.

“How is the investigation going?”

I set the coffee cup down, the faint sound echoing in the otherwise silent room. Yelena’s gaze burns into me, unyielding, her blue eyes demanding answers I don’t yet have.

"The lead at the strip club didn’t pan out," I respond, my voice carrying the hint of frustration I can’t quite suppress. "The person I suspected doesn’t seem to have any connection to our father’s death."

Yelena raises a brow, clearly unimpressed. "So, what now? Are we back to square one?"

I inhale deeply, forcing myself to remain calm. "Not entirely. I’ll retrace my steps and dig deeper. There’s something there—I just haven’t uncovered it yet."

Alina’s quiet presence anchors the room, but even she looks at me with concern. I hate this—being the one without answers. For years, I’ve prided myself on control, on knowing the terrain before I step onto it. Now, I feel like I’m groping through the dark, and it’s eating me alive.

Yelena exhales sharply, her frustration palpable. "We need answers, Viktor. Dad deserves that."

I nod, my jaw tightening. "And he’ll get them. I swear on his memory, I won’t stop until I find the people responsible."

As the words leave my mouth, the conversation shifts in my head to something else entirely. Scarlett. Her name crashes into my thoughts like a rogue wave, and for a moment, I lose focus.

---