I tighten my gaze. “And you agree with him? That my kids need a father?” I can already feel the annoyance brewing at his remark, like I’m a prize to be bought and sold to a man who wants a family.
Luka clears his throat. “I never said that. Those are his words. I merely think it might be good for you to be out from under his roof, raise the twins someplace outside of the city.”
“I thought you weren’t intending to marry me?” I can’t help but wonder if he’s trying reverse psychology on me.
“Oh, I’m not. I’m just stating the facts that Mikhail will always control you unless you get far from here, far from the compound.”
I hate that he’s right. I purse my lips and shuffle my feet. “Where am I supposed to go?” It’s not like I have a dollar to my name. My money is tied up and only released in small amounts with Mikhail’s approval.
Father didn’t do me any favors when he died.
“If it were me, I’d have asked the father of the twins for child support. Demand a lump sum and then get as far from New York as you can.”
This city is the only home I’ve ever known. Leaving without a job, a place to go, it’s terrifying. “And why would Antonio give me a cent?”
“You could blackmail him,” he says and shoves his hands into his pockets.
Did he seriously just suggest that I blackmail a mafia don? “You’re crazier than Mikhail.”
Is he trying to get me killed? I thought Luka and I were friends. At the very least, he’s always looked out for me and my best interests.
“What? He kidnapped you and your children. You could threaten to go to the police unless he gives you fifty thousand dollars.”
“That’s extortion.” I’m not the most innocent person, but I’m not going to threaten Antonio or his family. I’d more than likely end up dead or with my children ripped away from me.