Page 211 of Toxic Temptation
Derek’s face remains carefully calm. “You didn’t know? The complaint was filed this morning. An anonymous allegation that she’s been trading sexual favors for hospital donations.”
My vision goes red around the edges. “Who filed it?”
“Anonymous means anonymous, Mr. Krayev. But the timing is rather convenient, don’t you think? Coming right after your very generous donation to the pediatric wing?”
“Anonymous” in this case can only meanIhor.That fucking snake was at the hospital today, almost certainly coordinating this exact attack with Jeremy Fleming. While I was playing house with Vesper and Luka, my enemies were plotting to destroy everything.
“This changes nothing,” Derek continues. “In fact, it might work in our favor. It shows that opposing counsel is desperate, willing to make nasty, false accusations. The judge won’t appreciate that.”
Nor will I. But?—
Breathe, Kovan.
Inhale. Exhale. Focus. Plan.
I open my eyes. “What if the investigation finds something?”
Derek shrugs. “Then we deal with it. But I’ve had my people look into Dr. Fairfax’s background. The woman is practically a saint. Never so much as a parking ticket.” He leans forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Speaking of the relationship, though—any chance of a ring in the near future? Because an engagement would essentially guarantee custody in your favor.”
A ring.
Marriage.
Six months ago, the mere idea would have had me reaching for my gun to blast a hole in whoever was dumb enough to suggest it. But sitting here, thinking about Vesper, the idea doesn’t feel like a death sentence.
It feels like fuckingtangible.
I can picture it—Vesper in a white dress, tears in her eyes as I slide a diamond onto her finger. Luka as our ringbearer, grinning like Christmas morning. A real family. A real future.
The fantasy is so vivid it takes my breath away.
“We’re done here.” I stand abruptly, the chair scraping against the hardwood floor.
“Mr. Krayev, we should discuss?—”
“I said we’re done.”
I’m out the door before Derek can finish his sentence, leaving him sitting behind his expensive desk with his expensive smile and his expensive advice that’s worth exactly nothing.
Because he’s wrong about one thing.
My relationship with Vesper isn’t PR. It’s not a calculated stunt or a convenient lie.
It’s the only real thing in my life.
And I’ll burn the whole world down before I let anyone take it away from me.
“Ihor was at the hospital today.” I collapse onto the leather couch in my home office, exhaustion settling into my bones. The meeting with Derek left me feeling like I’d been through a blender, and the day isn’t even close to over.
Osip looks up. “You saw him?”
“Vesper did.”
The can of beer in Osip’s hand slips, foam spraying across his shirt as he catches it. “Fuck. Did she ask questions?”
I drag my hands down my face, feeling every one of my thirty-five years. “Of course she asked questions. She’s not stupid. She knows something’s wrong.”
“What did you tell her?”
