Page 50 of The Arrangement

Irina shakes her head, mock disapproval written all over her face. "And here I thought I'd come back to a quiet house. Silly me."

Our banter is cut short by a strange noise—a soft thud, like something hitting the ground outside. "Hold that thought," I say, putting down the spatula. "I'll be right back." I cast a quick look upstairs, hoping the noise hasn't disturbed Tory's sleep. She deserves a few moments of peace, especially with the day we have planned.

As I make my way to the front door, the protective instinct kicks in, sharpening my senses. Adelina's laughter fades behind me, replaced by the quiet focus that comes with years of dealing with unexpected situations. Opening the door, I step out, ready for whatever or whoever might be waiting.

I scan the early morning quiet, finding nothing amiss. Yet, the stillness doesn’t reassure me. Something about it sets off an alarm in the back of my mind, a reminder that peace is often fleeting in my world.

Charlie and Nick, the new hire, the men part of my security detail, make their rounds, visible signs of the ever-present watch over my domain. They spot me and offer a casual wave. I don’t return the gesture, my mind too preoccupied with the heavier weights I carry.

Turning away from the door, my thoughts shift, unbidden, to the recent clash with Aleksey and the overhanging tension with my father. It's a thorn in my side, a problem that refuses to stay buried. Aleksey, with his ambitions and sharp tongue, has stirred the pot once too many, crossing lines that even in our world shouldn’t be crossed.

The meeting at my father’s, intended to clear the air, left more unsaid than resolved. My father, the old lion, still thinks he can command obedience and smooth over the fractures with a word. But some fissures run too deep, widened by betrayal and the harsh truths of power.

As I pull away from the window, the resolve settles in. This isn’t just about squabbles within the family anymore. It’s about protecting what I’ve built, what I cherish. Tory and Adelina represent a future I’m fighting for.

The warmth of the kitchen calls me back. For now, I’ll play the part of the doting father, the attentive lover, even as my mind works through strategies and plans.

In this world, you’re always playing the long game. And I intend to win, for their sake, for our future.

Chapter 26

Tory

Waking up, there's an undeniable grin plastered on my face, feeling like I've been wrapped up not just in these sheets, but in Maksim himself. It's kind of wild, the way his scent lingers, a comforting, strong embrace all its own.

Lying here, I can't help but replay bits and pieces, each memory sparking a fresh wave of butterflies. It's a new side of me, one that Maksim's somehow coaxed into the light, and I'm not mad about it. Not one bit.

I roll over, my hand instinctively searching for the warmth where Maksim lay just a short while ago. There's something about the residual heat that feels like a hug, a promise of his presence. I keep the dopey grin off my face, feeling every bit the love-struck fool. It's ridiculous, how much I want to stay tangled up in him, not just in these sheets, but in this life, in everything.

I shift, getting comfortable on my stomach, my gaze settling on the gentle dance of flames in the fireplace. The crackle and pop of the fire are soothing, almost hypnotic, providing the perfect backdrop for my thoughts to wander.

This weekend has been an eye-opener in so many ways, revealing layers of Maksim I hadn't dared hope to find. Seeing him with Adelina, witnessing the tenderness, the effortless love... it's confirmed so much for me.

I’d had this nagging doubt, this question mark looming over the whole situation with the baby. But now, watching the play of light and shadow, feeling the warmth of his bed, I know. I have to tell him. The fear of how he might react, of the potential perils his world could pose, is dwarfed by the certainty that he's a good man, a good father. And somehow, someway, we'll navigate this together.

The sounds of laughter and morning chaos drift up from the kitchen, Maksim, Adelina, and Irina all contributing to the symphony of a lively household. It's a music I'm growing fonder of by the minute, a total contrast to the solitude I'm used to. With a smile tugging at my lips, I dart into the bathroom for a quick shower, the warm water a welcome embrace.

As the steam wraps around me, my hand drifts to my belly, a gesture that's becoming more instinctual by the day. There's a surreal quality to it, this knowledge that I'm carrying a new life inside me. Excitement bubbles up, tinged with a healthy dose of fear. The reality of becoming a mom is daunting, thrilling, and a thousand other emotions I can't quite name.

Showered and dressed in a rush of newfound energy, I'm practically buzzing to get back to them, to immerse myself in the warmth of their company. But as I make my way downstairs, a draft catches my attention—the front door, inexplicably ajar.

Frowning, I approach, a sliver of unease slicing through the morning's joy. I push the door open wider, peering out into the bright day, searching for any sign of why it was left open. The quiet street offers no answers, just the peaceful hum of a typical morning.

With a shrug, I dismiss the nagging worry, attributing it to forgetfulness, maybe Irina or Maksim stepping out briefly.

Just as I step outside, soaking in the calm of the morning, a chill runs down my spine. Something's off.

Before I can turn, a hand like a vise clamps around my wrist, yanking me backward. Instinct kicks in—I try to pull away, but it's like being caught in a bear trap. I barely catch a glimpse of the assailant before his other hand slams over my mouth, and suddenly, I'm in a world of trouble.

My heart's pounding so hard I swear it might break through my rib cage. Panic's clawing at me, and I'm suddenly yanked out into the daylight that's become harsh and shadowy, making everything look sinister. The rough hand clamped over my mouth silences me before I can even scream. I'm fighting, kicking, and twisting, trying anything to get free, but it's like I'm battling a freaking iron statue.

Then, I'm off my feet, dangling in the air like some damsel in a bad movie, except there's no hero coming to save me. This dude's strength is just unreal. He's hauling me to a car, and I see the trunk open, ready to swallow me whole. Hell no. I'm not going out like this. I thrash harder, desperation giving me a boost of strength, but it's like trying to fight a tidal wave with a spoon.

Dumped in the trunk, the cold hits me hard, and that slam of the lid is like the final nail in a coffin. But I'm not giving up. Maksim, Adelina, the little life inside me—everything flashes before my eyes, and hell, if I'm not fighting for them.

The engine roars, and I'm trying to keep my cool, trying to think despite the fear. But panic grips me tighter than any physical chain could. I start kicking and punching the lid with all I've got, my screams tearing through the cramped darkness. For a second, there's this sliver of hope that someone will hear, that this nightmare will end as suddenly as it began.

Forced to face the reality that no one's going to hear me, I try to calm the storm inside. Deep breaths, Tory, deep breaths, I tell myself, trying to push away the terror. The car's moving further and further away from Maksim with every moment that passes.

---