Page 14 of Deadly Vows

Nikolai considered my words. “If you can convince Dimitri, then Dimitri will convince thepakhan. As his brother, he knows how to convince him of things.”

A spark of hope ignited within me. Dimitri was one of the few people Aleksandr trusted implicitly. If I could get him on my side, I could see Sandy and clear my head. I needed her advice, her support. I absently rubbed at the wrist tattoo connecting me to Sandy.

“Thanks, Nikolai,” I said, feeling a glimmer of determination. “I’ll figure something out.”

I took some crackers out of the cabinet and finished my coffee. As I munched on the crackers, a plan began to form in my mind. Convincing Dimitri wouldn’t be easy, but I was willing to try. For me, for my baby, for the chance of a future with Aleksandr.

When I finished eating, I made my way back to my room. The plan played out in my mind, and I knew I had to approach Dimitri carefully. I needed him to see that my request was reasonable and that seeing my sister was essential for my well-being and, by extension, the baby’s. Dr. Daria keeps saying I need to stay stress-free. After everything, including being kidnapped, I could use some chill time with Sandy.

I decided to approach Dimitri later in the day when he would be less likely to be busy. I distracted myself with various activities around the mansion. Still, my mind kept drifting back to Aleksandr and our conversation. His refusal to admit his feelings gnawed at me, but I couldn’t let it consume me. Not now.

I knew it was time when the afternoon sun began to dip behind the mansion. I found Dimitri alone in the office, going over some documents. I took a deep breath and knocked on the doorframe.

“Dimitri, do you have a moment?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He looked up from his work and nodded. “Of course, Talia. What’s on your mind?”

I entered the room and sat down across from him. “I need your help,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I want to see Sandy. It’s been too long, and I think it would do me and the baby good.”

Dimitri’s expression remained neutral, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. “And you want me to convince Aleksandr to let you go?”

“Yes,” I admitted, peeking at him from under my lashes. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need this. Sandy is my only family, and I need her support.”

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered my request. “You know how protective he is of you and the baby.”

“I know,” I said, my voice softening. “But I won’t be gone long. Just a day or two. Please, Dimitri, I need this.”

He was silent for a moment before he nodded. “Alright, Talia. I’ll talk to Aleksandr. But I make no promises.”

Relief flooded through me, my smile big and genuine. “Thank you, Dimitri.”

Somehow, Dimitri convinced Aleksandr, and by evening, I was packing to visit Sandy. His agreement was reluctant, but it was a victory, nonetheless.

As I prepared to leave the following day, I felt excitement and nervousness. As I zipped up my small bag, Aleksandr entered the room. His presence filled the space, and I turned to face him, my heart pounding.

“You’ll have Dimitri and Nikolai with you,” he said, his tone firm. “And Ivan is already with Sandy.”

“Thank you,” I replied, meeting his gaze.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. “This doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, Talia. I need you to stay safe. You know that, right?”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “I know.”

He gently cupped my face causing goosebumps on my arms. “Be careful,” he whispered before leaving the room.

The drive to Sandy’s apartment was uneventful, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Nikolai and Dimitri were with me, their presence reassuring yet a reminder of the world I was entangled in. When we finally arrived, Sandy greeted me with open arms, her smile warm and welcoming.

“Sis!” she exclaimed, hugging me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” I said, feeling a sense of peace for the first time in days. “How did you convince Aleksandr to leave the hotel and come home?”

“I told him he didn’t have a choice,” she winked.

Linking her arm in mine, she led me to the sofa. We spent the afternoon catching up, talking about everything and nothing. It was a much-needed escape from the tension building up inside me. As the sun set, we sat on the balcony with Dimitri standing guard. The brisk autumn breeze reminded me that winter wasn’t far behind.

“I talked to Dimitri,” I told Sandy, recounting the events that led to my visit. “And he convinced Aleksandr to let me come.”

Sandy smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “You’re stronger than you think. And smarter, too.”

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