Page 92 of Twisted Pact
“What if something goes wrong? What if this is the last conversation we have?”
“It won’t be.”
“But what if it is? What would you want me to know?”
The question sits between us, heavy and real in a way that makes the bunker’s walls feel closer.
“That everything I’ve done has been worth it. Meeting you. Protecting you. Even the mistakes.”
She presses her lips into a thin line and nods slowly. “I want you to know something, too.”
“What?”
“I’m glad it was you. When this all started, I thought any man who would take someone’s freedom was a monster. But if it had to happen, I’m glad it was someone who saw me as more than just leverage.”
“You were never just leverage.”
“When this is over,” she says, “we’re going to have a lot to figure out.”
“You mean with the engagement?”
“Everything. The engagement. The baby. What kind of life we want to build.”
“Mila—”
“Just promise me you’ll remember that when you’re making decisions tonight. You’re not just fighting for my father. You’re fighting for our future.”
Before I can promise her anything, her face goes pale, and she grabs the arm of the couch for support.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Dizzy. Just need to sit down.”
She tries to lower herself onto the floor, but her knees buckle, and I lunge to catch her as she collapses.
“Mila!”
Her eyes roll back, and she’s not responding to my voice. I lower her to the floor and check for a pulse. Strong and steady. Breathing normally. But she’s unconscious.
I pull out my phone and dial Dr. Orlov.
“Emergency,” I shout when he answers. “Mila collapsed. Unconscious but breathing.”
“Any bleeding? Cramping? Signs of trauma?”
“No. She got dizzy and passed out.”
“Could be blood pressure. Could be stress. Bring her to the hospital right away. I’ll meet you there.”
I disconnect and gather Mila in my arms. Her body feels smaller and more fragile. Like something that could break if I’m not careful.
The rescue operation will have to wait.
Right now, nothing matters except making sure she and our baby are safe.
25
Mila
