Page 4 of Captive Union
Maxim rubs the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t say that.”
“Well, what you’re saying doesn’t make sense.”
“Maybe we should calm down,” Nik interjects.
“Nik, stay out of this,” Elena snaps at him.
“No, Nik is right,” Alexei says. “I love family drama, but you two are just going around in circles.”
“And since when do you care about this family?” Elena says.
Alexei blinks. “Ok, one: ouch. And two: you know I’ve been trying to be better.”
Elena deflates a little. “You’re right. I’m just being a bitch.”
“Well, that’s nothing new.”
Elena rolls her eyes as Alexei smiles.
“So, are we done arguing?” Maxim asks Elena.
“Yes,” she grumbles. “But just make sure you ask Kira’s opinion about who she’d like to marry before you go and decide that for yourself.”
“I will do that.” Maxim turns to me. “Kira, I promise. I’ll do that.”
I just give a small smile, wishing for all this attention to be off of me.
Arina exchanges a look with Maxim. “And on that note, there’s something we wanted to share with you guys, the reason for this party.”
Maxim nods at his wife.
Arina smiles so brightly that she can literally light this entire building. “We’re going to have a baby!”
There’s a moment of silence before everyone starts clapping and expressing their joy. Well, everyone except Mom, who barely manages to smile through her Botox.
“About time,” Nik mutters.
Maxim shoots him a look before smiling at Arina. “We took our time, what with me needing to get this business in order. But now that things are calm, we decided it’s the perfect time to start a family.”
Alexei places a hand on Maxim’s arm. “I happy for you, brother. Truly.”
Maxim nods his thanks.
“I can’t wait to be an aunt,” Ana says. “A little one to play with will be so much fun.”
“When are you two going to have children of your own?” Maxim asks.
“Hopefully soon,” Ana responds as Alexei says, “We’ve got time.” They share a look, and Ana clears her throat. “Alexei wants to wait a little bit longer, but I’m ready for children.”
“And what about you two?” Arina looks at Elena and Nik. “Any possible future we’ll see babies of yours running around?”
Elena huffs. “You wish. I’m not going to ruin my body with pregnancy. But … I’m open to surrogacy.” She lifts a finger. “But don’t expect anything. All right?”
Arina nods, though a little smile remains on her lips.
“Congregations,” Elena says. “Arina, you’ll make a great mom. And Maxim, you’ll make … a decent enough father.”
Maxim lifts his champagne glass to her. “I’ll take the compliment. I know it’s the best you’re ever going to give.”
