Page 17 of Emerald Vices

His mouth turns down with guilt. “I’m sorry?—”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Misha. I’m the one who should be apologizing.” I squeeze his knee. “I didn’t leave because I wanted to. It just felt like the only way to protect the babies.”

“Babies?” Misha gasps.

“Twin girls.” I nod, giving him a bracing smile. But just as quickly, it fades. “Leaving everyone was harder than I could have imagined. Especially because it meant leaving you as well.”

He shifts in place, color rising on his cheeks. “You don’t have to say that.”

“I’m saying it because it’s true. I wasn’t lying earlier when I said I thought of you as mine, Misha. It’s just… You’re on your way to becoming a man, and I didn’t think you’d want to sign up for the kind of life I planned on living.”

His eyes crinkle at the edges as he frowns.

“I figured you’d be better off with Andrey. I was hoping you and Remi would take care of each other.”

Remi perks up a little when he hears his name. Misha strokes his head thoughtfully. “Do you still think leaving is a good idea?”

I had hoped to avoid this line of conversation, but now that he’s asked…

“Sometimes.”

He lifts his gaze to mine. “So you’re still thinking of going?”

I would love to tell him what he wants to hear. But I also don’t want to lie. “I haven’t made up my mind yet… but I’m leaning that way,” I admit.

He sighs, his chin drooping back down to his chest. “I was afraid of that.”

I force his gaze to mine again. “But Misha, this time, I can give you the choice. You’re under no obligation to, but if you really want… you can come with me.”

A ripple of pleasure flits across his face. But almost immediately, it dulls. “Do I have to decide right now?”

“No, not right now.”

He nods, clearly relieved. Then, as if he can’t help himself, he adds, “I’ll miss you.”

I lean in and wrap my arms around him. “You have no idea how much I’ll miss you.”

Remi whines for some of the attention to be directed his way. We break apart, both comforting the dog. It’s easier than comforting each other.

8

NATALIA

“Katya’s here.”

“Is she?” I shrug like I could care less. “You should let Shura know.”

Mila sighs. “She’s here to see you, Nat.”

My instinct is to go all snotty bitch on her ass. But the emotional upheaval of the last few days tempers my less-than-gracious nature. “Oh, fine,” I concede. “Let her in.”

Katya slips into my room a few minutes later with a nervous smile. “I’m so glad you’re alright, Nat.”

No thanks to you. But at this stage, I’m not even sure that’s true.

What kind of life would I be living now if Katya had listened to me? Sure, I’d have some money and a ticket out of this city. But where would I have gone? Who could I have relied on? I’m seven months pregnant with twins, and as much as I wish I could deny it, it feels more and more like Katya was the sensible one between us.

I’d like to say I’m evolved enough to let her off the hook immediately. But I don’t. Let’s blame it on pregnancy hormones.

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