Page 153 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

My brain clicks through recent conversations like a reel on fire.

“Natalia…” I whisper.

“Yeah?”

I bolt upright. “Wait…Sophie mentioned a name. Someone from her yoga class.”

For a second, the air in the car goes still, like even the city holds its breath.

I unlock my phone and scroll, fingers flying.

There it is. A text from Sophie.

Nati brought cucumber water again. I might be in love with her fridge.

“Nati.” My stomach turns.

“Nikolai, what if she’s with her? What if that’s…”

Nikolai curses low. “You think—”

“I don’t know. But if she is, then Sophie could be in serious fucking danger.”

I hang up and dial Sophie. Straight to voicemail. I try again. And again. Nothing.

My hands start to shake.

I press the call button yet again and whisper, “Come on,dolcezza. Pick up.”

Nikolai calls me back. “We’ve had eyes on Sophie like you requested. She checked in with one of my men this morning. She should be at the yoga studio. I'm sending your driver the location now. I’ll get my men there ASAP. But you’re closer.”

“Copy that.” Then I bark to the driver, “Change of plans, head to address Nikolai just sent you. Step on it.”

My blood’s rushing so fast I can barely breathe. My pulse thunders in my ears as the car cuts across traffic.

We’ll reach the studio in under ten minutes. My stomach drops, tightening like a fist.

What if she's not here? What if I failed her?

Fuck.

I have to find her. My stomach lurches.

Please let me be wrong. Please let her be safe.

But deep down, I know. My worst fear is already in motion. And I’m running out of time.

37

SOPHIE

I’m on my mat, arms shaking in downward dog, sweat slicking my spine.

Beside me, Nati flows through the poses like it’s second nature, like she’s floating. Her sports bra clings to her full breasts, her leggings hugging every curve of her hips and ass with perfection.

I shouldn’t be staring, but it’s impossible not to. I wonder if I’ll ever look like that again, tight, toned, and like pregnancy never touched her.

A bitter flicker of jealousy burns in my chest.

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