Page 71 of Devil's Bride

“What is he doing here?” I ask.

Nikolai brings the car to a stop right across from Matteo’s car and turns off the engine. “I called him. He works for the Phoenix. We needed to know if he knew where they took Irina.”

“What did he say?”

“He had no idea she was kidnapped. Looks they went against whatever agreement he had with them.”

I unbuckle my seatbelt and step out from the car.

Matteo does the same. He walks to me. His face is bleak and it looks as though he hasn’t gotten a wink of sleep for days.

I don’t trust him, but I know he cares for Irina, he won’t let them hurt her. “What do you want?”

He clears his throat. He looks more sober than I’ve ever seen him. “I heard what happened. Are you okay?”

“Is that you pretending to care about me?” I tilt my head. “If so, then I’m not in the mood for chitchat. I’m sure you heard the people you work for took her, and I need to get her back.”

“That is why I’m here.” He peers around uncomfortably. “Can we talk inside?”

I don’t answer, but he follows me when I enter the mansion and walk to my study. “Make it quick.”

He pulls out a flash drive from his pocket and holds it towards me. “Take this. It’ll help you take down the Phoenix.”

I glare at the flash drive. “What is that?”

“The top dog in the Phoenix operates anonymously, but there you’ll find a list of all the politicians who’re members and their illegal activities.”

I take the flash drive from him. “I have no idea where they took her.”

“I will find out.”

“How?”

“That flash drive contains a tracking app,” he explains. “You’ll be able to track my location when I get to wherever they took her. Get your men ready and attack. Promise me you’ll save Irina no matter what happens.”

The desperation in his voice melts away some of my anger. “I love your daughter. I will gladly lay down my own life for her.”

He nods repeatedly. “Good. That is enough for me. I’m sorry we never got to be friends, I hope we can straighten things between us when all of this is over.” He slaps my shoulder gently. “Thank you.”

I clutch the flash drive tight because Irina’s life depends on it. “Why are you helping me?”

Matteo’s lips part into a sad smile. “You’re not the only person who loves Irina, Alexei. She’s my daughter.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Irina

It’s been three days since I was kidnapped. I’ve barely had anything to eat, but not because Paulo didn’t offer. I can’t manage to keep anything down. Now that I think of it, my breasts have been swollen and sore for a while now, and my period has been overdue for days.

My chest heaves as realization hits me. I could be pregnant. Not could, I’m definitely pregnant. How did I miss the signs? Tears fill my eyes and I don’t stop them from spilling. A mixture of excitement and sadness overtakes me.

Alexei will be happy to know we’re expecting a baby, but it will break him if anything happens to us. He’ll blame himself for it.

I don’t have time to gather my thoughts when the door opens. Paulo walks in with Igor trailing behind him.

I quickly wipe away my tears. I can’t let them suspect I’m pregnant. It will only make things worse, and Alexei would be more desperate to save me if he knew. He’s alive so I know he will, I just don’t want him to do the wrong thing.

“Our sleeping beauty is finally awake,” Paulo says, clearly mocking me. “You look prettier when you’re sad and disheveled, darling. Has anyone told you that?”

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