Page 20 of Deadly Devotion

“Yes, I did. But I didn’t have an amazing uncle and brother like you do. Or the best nanny in the world. Everything will be alright. They’ll take good care of you.”

“You were all alone?” she asks innocently.

“At first, but then I met my sister, Sandy. We’re not related, but we became as close as sisters.” A soft smile hikes up my lips as I think about Sandy. “She looks out for me and takes care of me. She’s the best sister I could have ever gotten.”

“Where is she now?” Sasha asks, twisting the ends of my long hair between her delicate fingers.

“She’s not far away, but I can’t see her right now.” A soft sigh escapes my lips, and Sasha looks up at me with concern.

“Do you miss her?”

“Yes, very much. I wish I could speak to her and ensure she is okay. But I don’t have my cell phone, and the phone here doesn’t work.”

“I can get you a phone,” Sasha whispers, her face lighting up enthusiastically. “Then you can call her.”

“What do you mean? Get a phone from whom?” I sit up straight, anticipating her answer.

“Alyce, the maid. She cleans my room every day, and I know where she keeps her cell phone.”

“Oh no, sweetie. I can’t let you do that. You’ll get in trouble, and then that would make me very sad.”

“I can do it! She’s cleaning the living room right now. I can get the phone and put it back when you’re done.” Jumping to her feet, she runs out of the room faster than I can stop her.

This isn’t a good idea.What if Aleksandr finds out? He’ll be furious. And I can’t let him get angry with Sasha.

I’m pacing in circles when Sasha returns with the cell phone. “Sasha, you shouldn’t have done that!” I grab her, hugging her tightly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get into trouble. Uncle loves me very much. He said so.” Her innocent little smile warms my heart. “Here.” She thrusts the phone into my hand and stands guard at the door. “I’ll let you know if anyone is coming.”

I’m still not convinced this is a good idea, but the need to speak with Sandy outweighs my fears. I dial her number and then hold my breath until she answers.

“Hello?” Sandy answers. I release the breath and began speaking as quickly and quietly as I could.

“Sis, it’s me. Are you okay? Please tell me you’re okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I’m at the hotel with a very large man watching guard outside my door. Areyouokay?“ she asks quickly.

“Yes, I’m okay. Although I’m basically being held prisoner. Aleksandr won’t let me contact anyone or leave the estate until he finds the man who killed his brother. I had to sneak this call without him knowing about it. Have you heard anything at workabout the murder?” I chew on my bottom lip, pacing in front of the bed.

“I haven’t gone to work. Dimitri said it was safer if I lay low until this was over. He said the killer might find out we’re sisters and come after me to get to you. Can I be honest, sis? I don’t feel very safe. This is the mafia we’re dealing with. I’d rather figure out how to get you out of there so we can get out of the city until this blows over.”

I hear the concern in her voice and decide she’s right. I need to get out of this house and meet up with Sandy. “We can go to San Francisco and stay with Luke. I know he’ll help us hide for a while.”

“That sounds like a plan, but you have to figure out a way to get out of there first,” Sandy whispers into the phone.

“I’ll figure it out and call you back tomorrow with the details. Please stay safe.”

“You too, sis,” Sandy says, ending the call.

I rush over to Sasha and give her back the phone. “Thank you, Sasha, thank you so much. Now go and put the phone back. Hurry!” She gives me a quick hug and then scurries out of the room.

Taking a seat on the bed, I cradle my stomach. We have a plan, but now I must find a way out. I silently pray that I will figure it out by tomorrow.

Chapter 14

Aleksandr

The scent of fresh paint mingled with the faint aroma of cigar smoke lingered in the air as I gathered my seniorvorsfor a meeting in my art gallery. These are my most trusted men, my inner circle. It has been a long time since I called the council to discuss Bratva business. The low murmur of their voices echoed through the spacious gallery, each of them understanding the importance of this meeting.

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