Page 114 of Sinful Lies

I can’t shake the thought that I’ll end up hurting Zara and our baby, just like my father did to my mother and brothers.

My phone flashes again, and I groan.

It’s clear that whatever Alexei has to say can’t wait.

“What is it, Alexei?” I put the phone on speaker.

“I’m just about to board the plane to head back to New York.”

“Well, safe travels,brat.” I just want to end the call.

“I’m not calling just to inform you of my travel updates. You’re not my fucking secretary,” he snaps.

I huff a laugh. “I’m not your wife either, so go and bother Bianca. I’m sure she misses your annoying voice.”

“Oh, she misses much more than that.”

“You know what, I think you should stay in Russia a while longer. It’s been peaceful without you.”

“It’s not going to be when I get home, that’s for sure,” Alexei mutters.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I sit up straighter, my eyes flicking to the photo on my desk. “What did you find out?”

Alexei is quiet for a moment, and all I can hear is the bustling sounds of Moscow airport in the background.

“Rurik was right to send me over here in person. This information can’t get out. I should really wait to tell you in person.”

“You’re about to board a ten-hour flight.”

Alexei groans. “Which is why I called. I can’t sit and ruminate on this for the next ten hours because I will lose my mind.”

I brace my arms on my desk and take a deep inhale. “Hit me with it.”

“We were only half right about the stillbirth. Igor did use it as a cover up when he found out our father was the one to sire the child.”

“I don’t understand.”

“He paid someone off to record it as a stillbirth, but the child survived.”

“Fuck.” I run a hand through my hair. “So, you’re telling me that we’ve had a half-brother out in the world this entire time?”

“Yeah, but no one has any idea who or where he is.”

“This isn’t good.”

“No, it’s not. This can be used against us if played correctly. We need to find out where the hell he is before anyone else does.”

“Do you want me to tell Mikhail and Danil?”

Alexei sighs. “No, I should be the one to tell them.”

For once I don’t argue with my oldest brother.

“Let me know when you land, and we can tell them together.”

As soon as Alexei hangs up the phone, I lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling.

My brain feels as if it’s about to explode with all the thoughts that are swirling around inside it.

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