Page 238 of Filthy Promises

In my rage, in my fear for Rowan, I’ve become exactly what he wanted—the cold-blooded enforcer he raised me to be.

“This was your plan all along,” I say slowly. “Lure me here. Make me choose. Force me to prove I’m still the monster you created.”

He straightens, adjusting his collar. “And you passed the test. Despite everything, you’re still an Akopov at heart.”

“You’re wrong.” I back away. “I’m something else entirely now.”

I hit Arkady’s number as I stride toward the door. When he answers, I don’t waste time with explanations.

“Get to Rowan. Now. Drop everything and get to her.”

“What’s happening?” His voice is instantly on high alert.

“I don’t know,” I say, breaking into a run as I exit the warehouse. “But my father?—”

“I understand,” he interrupts. “I’m on my way.”

I hang up and dial Rowan’s number next, my heart pounding as I wait for her to answer.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

Nothing.

I try again. Same result.

Fear claws at my throat, making it hard to breathe. I sprint the rest of the way to where Dimitri is waiting with a second car, throwing myself into the passenger seat.

“Home,” I bark. “Now. And call every man we have near the estate. I want them all there. Two minutes ago.”

As Dimitri peels away from the curb, tires squealing, I try Rowan’s number one more time.

Still no answer.

I never should have left her alone. If anything happens to her—to our child—because of my arrogance, my stubborn need to handle my father on my own terms…

I close my eyes, gripping the dashboard as Dimitri takes a corner too fast.

I’ve made my choice. Chosen Rowan over my father. Chosen her influence, her vision of our future, over the legacy he built. Chosen the life we’re creating together over the life I was born into.

And now, I might lose everything because of it.

The irony would be perfect if it weren’t so devastating.

Hold on, Rowan,I think desperately as the car races through the city.I’m coming. Just hold on.

70

ROWAN

ONE HOUR EARLIER

I’m still poring over the shipping consolidation documents when the first pain hits.

It’s different from the Braxton-Hicks contractions I’ve been experiencing for weeks. This is like the fist of God giving me the Heimlich maneuver. A tightening band of pressure that wraps around my entire abdomen, snatching away my breath and demanding my full attention.

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