Page 101 of Brutal Promise

“Llea, Alexsei’s wife, wanted her son to take over. She had a mole inside the Irish clan and ran her own game plan with Tito. He’s the money and tech guy for the bratva. He was tracking the laptop I was given, remember? He was spying for her. He spied on everyone. He was happy to give up everything Llea did to find you. We think someone, maybe James, saw you in the city. It was a green light to set things in motion. James is the only one who knew you existed. He knew your name and where you lived. From there, you were trackable.

“I’m not sure if the Russians or the Irish obtained more information from him. We may never know. Llea was bitter as your father always loved your mother. I assume that’s why the Moretti’skilledyour mother off years ago. It put to rest the need for anyone to look for her. You were her secret. When she ran away, she had enough money to change her name. She did a good job of disappearing as long as no one looked for her. James was her undoing. Without James, no one would have found you because no one knew you existed.”

“That had to be so tough on Mom. No wonder she was lonely. She left behind her siblings and her parents. Maybe her dad mistreated her, too. There could have been pressure inside the home that made her decide to leave.” I process this information, and it’s surreal.

“What will happen to them? Llea and Tito?”

“Llea, you won’t have to worry about it. I’m sure Alexsei’s men will handle her. And you were right about Ivan. He placed the bomb, and his phone matched the messages on Llea’s burner.”

“So my dad was targeted as well. How did he not know?” I look to my husband for answers.

Dmitry is quiet. He shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t know, my love. All I know is that you and our baby are healthy. I’m sorry about the argument.”

“Thank you.” Maybe my beast has another side to him that isn’t so beastly after all.

“What day is it?” I ask.

“The day after our wedding, why?”

“I wanted to know how long I was out,” I reply. “Is the baby okay?”

“Yes.” Dmitry pours water for me and lifts it to my lips.

I sip.

Natasha walks to my bed.

“I’m so sorry you didn’t think I liked you at the rehearsal dinner. The fact is, I miss my husband. I wish he were here.” She pauses, then takes my hand into hers. “Your wedding reminded me of when I was your age. Welcome to the family. And I can’t wait to see this love child.”

I quickly glance at Dmitry. “The doctor spilled the beans. They apparently gave you a pregnancy test due to medications or something.” He chuckles. I know he’s really not all that sorry. But he is beaming with pride.

“Alena, are you okay?” My friend comes to my bed.

“I’m great. You gave us a scare, but the worst is over,” she breathes. “Now I can escape house arrest.” She smiles, and I wonder how long she will stay in London.

“I hope we’ll be able to spend some time together before you head home.”

“I’d like that. Your house is large enough for one more,” she teases me.

“You saw our house?”

“Well, I saw pictures of it. What about a honeymoon? I never asked you if you were taking one. I mean.” Her eyes dart around the walls and to the bed. “This isn’t a honeymoon.”

“I don’t …”

“Yes, I planned a week in Bali. I thought you’d like to see another country.”

“Bali? That’s incredible.”

“Wow, lucky girl,” Alena says. She squeezes my hand. “I’m so happy everything worked out.”

“Me too.”

Natasha and Alena head out for lunch, and Dmitry gets me out of bed. I walk out of my room, and there are bobbies standing guard.

“What’s that for?”

“Someone tried to kill you and your father,” he whispers. “I’m not sure they’ll ever figure it out.” We head down the hall to my father’s room, which is also guarded.

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