“You think I can protect her.”
“It’s less about that and more about…” She shrugs and then looks elsewhere. “It’s because I trust you. I trust being here. I trust this place.” She shrugs again.
Zoya seems so out of place. Though she’s been around the place for years, her eyes observe the living room with renewed innocence, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen in her.
“You can’t harm her,” Liya whispers. “Don’t forget what you promised.”
I hold up my forefinger and retort, “I promised not to harmthe baby.”
“You said—”
“‘No harm will come to this child,’” I quote. “That was your order.”
Liya stammers over her response, cheeks flushing. Anger blooms in her eyes, and she frowns. “She’s myguest, Pavel. She’s undermyprotection. And I’m telling you not to hurt her.”
Such fire. Such commitment. She truly amazes me in every way.
But I don’t feel particularly excited that she’s doing this to protect Zoya.
I take a deep breath, nod curtly, and then turn to Zoya.
“Is this what you want, Zoya Kirilovna?”
Shock registers on Zoya’s face. Her mouth opens and closes quickly. She looks down at her trembling fingers that hold her stomach, and for a moment, I think she might reject the offer.
But the moment passes. “Yes,” she replies quietly.
I look at the two of them. “Very well.”
Liya stands tall next to Zoya. It’s strange seeing them next to each other like this. Even stranger seeing Zoya in a dress that is much louder and brighter than anything she would ever wear.
A dress that belongs to my wife.
My heart twitches in my chest. Feelings crash and ebb like a riptide preparing to take me out to sea. I’m fighting the current, disdain swirling with the mess over such a simple sight.
I clear my throat and pierce Zoya with my most alarming glare. “While you are here, you’re my wife’s guest. You are not to contact anyone else. You will defer to her at all times.”
Zoya quickly nods.
“You’ll disappear when my brigadiers enter the penthouse. We don’t need any more people knowing about your presence here.”
Liya steps forward. “Willow won’t say a word.”
I shoot her a harsh glance, one that’s angrier than usual.
But I hate being interrupted. And she knows that.
Looking at Zoya once more, I finish, “You will be a ghost. Understand?”
“I understand,” Zoya says softly. “Where can I, uh…?” She audibly gulps while glancing questioningly at Liya. “Where can I sleep?”
“Viktoria will prepare a room.”
Viktoria appears at the snap of a finger. I motion for her to walk with me, leaving both Liya and Zoya to themselves in the living room.
When we’re far enough away, I ask, “What have they said about me, Vikusha?”
Her dark chuckle sets me on edge. “That you’re a handsome pakhan, Pasha.”