Page 46 of Unexpected Bratva Baby

I don’t respond, and we stand in silence for several minutes, watching the waves. Masha whines softly, sensing the tension.

Finally, I break the silence. “Tell me something true. Something real about yourself that’s not part of your cover story.”

Nastya hesitates, then nods. “My favorite color’s purple. Not because it’s royal or sophisticated, but because it reminds me of the wildflowers that grew near my grandmother’s dacha when Iwas a kid. We’d spend summers there, and I’d pick bouquets of those little purple flowers for her.”

Her voice softens, turning wistful. “She died when I was twelve. Sometimes, when I see something purple, I can still smell those flowers and hear her laugh.”

I glance at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her voice. It’s the most human I’ve seen her since I found out who she really is.

“Thank you for sharing that,” I say quietly.

She nods, still staring at the horizon. “It doesn’t make up for what I did, but I hope it’s a start, and I tried to tell you the truth as much as possible. Everything personal I told you was true, including about… Ivanna. Few know about her or my orientation. Being a lesbian would make it hard in this world with some Neanderthal thinkers among the ranks.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I genuinely am, and I don’t doubt her sincerity about this at least. “I don’t know if I can forgive you yet, Nastya. This is still a lot, but I appreciate the apology.”

She turns fully toward me. “I understand. I’ll respect whatever decision you make about our friendship, but I’m here for you, Phoebe. Not just as a protector, but as someone who cares.”

I nod, not ready to say more. She seems to sense it and steps back. “I’ll give you some space,” she says softly. “If you need anything, or just want to talk, I’m here.”

As she walks away, I turn back to the ocean, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Masha nudges my hand with her wet nose, and I scratch behind her ear absently.

“What do you think, girl?” I ask softly. “Can we trust her?”

Masha tilts her head, looking up at me with unconditional love. I wish I could see the world as simply as she does.

I think about Nastya’s apology, and her story about the purple flowers and about Ivanna. It seemed sincere, but can I really trust my judgment anymore? Everything I thought I knew has been proven false. Shaking my head, I resume walking the deck.

As I round a corner, I spot Mikhail talking with a crew member, and he takes a step toward me, his expression hopeful. I turn on my heel and walk away, Masha looking confused as she follows.

The day drags on, each hour feeling like an eternity. After exploring the yacht and accepting I can’t escape on my own, I end up on the sun deck, staring out at the endless blue horizon. Footsteps sound behind me, and I know without turning that it’s Mikhail.

“Phoebe,” he says softly. “We need to talk.”

I whirl around, all the pent-up anger and hurt exploding again. “Talk? Now you want to talk? After lying to me for weeks, after kidnapping me and holding me prisoner on this ridiculous boat?”

His jaw tightens. “I’m trying to keep you safe.”

“Safe?” I laugh bitterly. “You’re the reason I’m in danger in the first place.”

“That’s not fair. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“But it did happen, Mikhail. You lied to me. You made me fall in love with you, all while hiding who you really are.”

His eyes soften at my words, and I realize it’s the first time I’ve admitted to loving him. “Phoebe, please. Everything between us was real. I love you.”

“How can I believe anything you say?” I take a step closer, jabbing a finger at his chest. “You’re a criminal. How many people have you killed? How many lives have you ruined?”

“I’ve done what I had to do to survive and protect what’s mine.” He doesn’t even sound apologetic, just like last time he said something similar.

“And now I’m just another thing for you to own and control?”

His face darkens. “That’s not what this is about.”

“Isn’t it? You’ve taken away my freedom and my choice. You’ve put my life in danger because of your actions.”

“I’m trying to fix that.”

“By keeping me prisoner? By lying to me even more?”

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