Turning to me, Mila smiled. “Yes, I have, but may I ask why you’re so interested in this woman?”

“Later, I’m sending you some pictures. Can you find out who these men are? I have a bad feeling about them.” I replied as I sat down.

Mila eyed me for a second and then returned to her laptop. Her fingers flew over the keys. She suddenly sat back and gasped. She looked like she had seen a ghost. Shaking her head lightly, her skin appeared to turn white as milk.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, walking to her side.

“They work for the Dubow Bratva, Konstantin.” She breathed out. “The two men in the picture.”

Staring at her screen, I felt my blood heating as I realized Dahlia could be in trouble. I was sure she didn’t know who she was working for. Grabbing Mila by the shoulders, I spoke, hearing the intense need in my tone. “What was the other news?”

Mila shook her head, glanced at the screen then back at me before she replied. “I searched for any documents, notes, and files on her. This woman you had me look into, she is pregnant.”

I stepped back, letting go of her shoulders as I tried to process what she said. Looking up, I noticed the way Mila was studying my reaction. Clearing my throat and straightening out, I spoke in a calm tone. “Can you tell me how many weeks or months?”

Mila studied me for a second before turning back to her laptop. She tapped the keys and then stopped. “According to this, she is about four weeks, I think.” Turning back to face me with raised eyebrows, Mila continued. “Can you tell me what’s going on Konstantin?”

I felt the blood draining from my face as I stared at her. The baby was mine. I was certain of it. Turning swiftly, I headed for the door. I heard Mila calling after me as I was about to step out. Turning, I smiled at her. “Later, I promise, but I have to go.”

I found out where she liked to go for lunch during my research, so I headed there. I needed to talk to her; I had to confirm it. I saw Dahlia sitting down with her friend from the bar as I arrived.

Getting out of my car, I felt my heart skipping a beat. Something about her made all my senses work overtime. As I walked over, I had to rub my hands on my pant legs, feeling the excessive sweat build up in my palms.

“Hi there, ladies,” I said as I stepped up to the table. The two women looked up. Dahlia was shocked to see me as her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. Her friend smiled but appeared uncomfortable with me there. “I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch, but Dahlia, I was hoping you would have lunch with me.”

She was about to protest, but I continued speaking as I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Please, I have something to tell you, and I can’t do that here. Please trust me on this.”

The two women looked at each other. I noticed the friend smiling and nodding her head towards me. Dahlia rolled her eyes before looking up again. “Okay, just this once.”

Feeling relieved I would have another opportunity to talk to her privately, I took her hand as she rose. “Thank you,” I said, glancing at her friend as we walked to my car. We drove in silence to my condo. I wasn’t sure how to start but felt it would be best to do it once we were both comfortable.

Dahlia spoke as we pulled into the parking bay. “I thought we were having lunch?”

“The information I have is sensitive,” I replied, getting out. Opening her door, I continued. “I thought it best to do it in private. But we will have lunch as well.”

As we headed up, I placed an order with room service. Not sure what she would like, I ordered a selection of dishes. “Can I get you a soda, tea, or coffee while we wait for the food?” I asked as we entered the condo.

“Fruit juice if you have it,” Dahlia replied, looking around.

“Have a seat, sugar,” I said, heading to the bar fridge. I decided I would wait for the food before asking her about the company she works for. There were two bottles of fruit juice inthe small fridge. Taking one and a glass, I walked to the sofa where she sat.

Handing her the glass and juice, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She appeared to be glowing. She was a vision I wanted to behold every day. I swallowed hard as I was about to ask her about the pregnancy, but then I heard the doorbell.

Opening, I allowed the waiter to push the trolley in. “Place it there by the sofa, thanks,” I said. The young man smiled and nodded. I tipped the man as he left and went to join Dahlia. Taking a seat on the opposite sofa, I lifted the lids and placed them on one side.

“So much?” Dahlia asked as I held out a plate to her.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted,” I replied, smiling at her. She was so innocent. I couldn’t see how I wasn’t the father of her baby.

I watched as she dished up and sat back. “Dahlia,” I said softly. As she looked at me, I felt my stomach making wild turns and tumbles. “Is the baby mine?”

Her eyes widened as she stared at me. She returned the plate to the trolley and shifted on the sofa. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said, staring at the trolley between us.

“I know you’re pregnant, and I’m positive I am the father. I just want you to be honest with me,” I added, pushing the trolley to the side.

The look in her eyes as she glanced at me was unsettling. There were tears in them but also determination. I wanted nothing more than to pull her into my arms and let her know everything would be fine.

She shook her head, cleared her throat, and spoke harshly. “Yes, but you don’t have to worry about anything.”