“Did you ever tell anyone?”
“No. She was still my don’s wife,” Lida says. “I didn’t dare.”
I nod. Nausea roils through me. But this time, I know it has nothing to do with my pregnancy.
“I’m glad that Ms. Marina is no longer here,” Lida says, drawing herself up to her full height. “The whole staff is glad that you’ve replaced her.”
I stop short, surprised by that statement. “I, um… I’m not replacing anyone, Lida.”
She looks confused for a moment. “We know you’re pregnant, ma’am. We were told you’re moving in as well.”
“Well, yes, I suppose—”
“That makes you the new mistress of the house.”
I blink at her. “I’m no one’s mistress.”
Lida looks uncomfortable again. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, ma’am.”
“No. No, of course not,” I say quickly. “It’s just strange being in this house. Sometimes, I feel like she’s watching me.”
Lida frowns. “This house is safe, ma’am. Don Anton made sure of that. I’ve never seen so much security here.”
“Is that an inconvenience to you?” I ask, wondering if I’ve put everyone out.
She gives me a sympathetic smile. “No. I kind of like the extra security.”
“Yeah?”
“Sometimes, I feel like she’s watching me, too.”
I feel another shiver run down my back. “I’m not the mistress of this house, Lida, and I never will be,” I tell her. “But you can count me as a friend.”
She smiles. “I appreciate that, ma’am.”
“You really can call me Jessa, you know?”
“I’ll work on it.”
I give her a smile that comes easier than I expect. Then I excuse myself and head upstairs.
I walk slowly, taking my time as the light fades out of the sky. I expected Anton back at least an hour ago. It feels like I haven’t seen him in days.
What if something went wrong? What if Marina laid a trap for him? What if she killed him and she’s on her way here?
Horrifying scenarios play out in my head, new ones popping up before I can bat them away.
But Anton is stronger than she is. I repeat that to myself again and again. A mantra.
He’s stronger and smarter.
He’s going to corner her.
He’s going to end this.
I know the mansion is secure and that there are guards placed everywhere, but I keep seeing her shocking blue eyes in the tiniest refraction of every light. For the first time, I utilize the bolt on the bedroom door, sliding it into place.
And yet I still feel her presence behind me. I smell her perfume. I hear her laughter every time the wind whistles through the house.