Page 171 of Cashmere Cruelty

“Security footage shows April walking out with Petra and the twins,” Grisha says, rushing back. “Found our men knocked out in the broom closet.”

“Blyat’,” Yuri curses. “You don’t think Petra…?”

“There’s nothing else to think,” I grit. “It was Petra. She took April.”

Everything inside me is raging: the man, thepakhan, all of me. Right now, that separation is gone. All that’s left is bottomless fury and the urge to scorch the earth.

And something else, too, that I don’t dare name.

April’s in danger. My child is in danger.

If I can’t find them?—

That’s when I feel something under my bleeding hand: a pamphlet.

I pick it up and turn it over. It’s the Mallard Expo, the fashion event June was going on about earlier. On the front, a diamond-studded dress with a sparkling tiara.

The winning piece will be on display from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on the day of the exhibition.

Then I remember something else. Something Petra said before storming out this morning.

“‘I’ll makevoron my terms,’” I whisper, pieces finally falling into place.

Yuri frowns. “What was that?”

“I know where April is. I know where they both are.” Everyone in the room turns to me. “Grisha, stay on damage control. Keep thevoryoccupied and unaware. Yuri, with me.”

“Yes,moy pakhan,” they both reply in unison.

As I’m striding out, I hear someone call out to me. “Wait!” June rushes up to join us. “You’ll bring her back safe, won’t you? You’ll bring them both back safe?”

I don’t even give myself time to think about it. “I give you my word.”

And this time, I won’t break it.

53

APRIL

The car ride to the expo is… awkward, to put it lightly.

I’m squeezed between Petra and one of the twins. I can’t tell which one it is, only that her face is a mask of guilt and shame. Her loose grip on me feels like a constant apology.

When we get there, Petra barks, “Julia, you’re on camera duty. Loop the footage, then scrub us out. Lena, you’re on getaway.”

They both nod. The twin at the wheel—Lena, I assume—stays put, while Julia escorts me out of the car. She’s incredibly careful, watching my belly all through my climb out, as if to make sure I don’t bump it by accident.

But there’s no such care in Petra’s grip. Her hand locks like a vise around my arm, almost trembling with rage.

She’s not herself. The awareness sinks into me more and more with every step she forces me to take.She’s not just furious—she’shurt. Lashing out like a wounded animal.

I wonder, not for the first time, what the hell happened with Matvey. Why would he break off their deal? After everythingthey’ve been through, why would he suddenly refuse to marry her?

Aren’t you glad?a selfish voice chortles inside my mind.Isn’t a part of you secretly happy about this?

Feeling guilty, I chase those thoughts away. Then I turn to my captor. “What’s my role in this?” I finally ask. “What are you expecting me to do?”

Petra’s poison smile is as sweet as ever. “You’re a woman of many talents, April. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

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