Page 58 of Imperfect Desires

The tremor in my hands worsens. “You know how.”

Viktor’s mouth presses into a thin line. His eyes darken dangerously. He pushes back from the desk and stands, the height of him towering over me.

“How could you?” His voice is sharp enough to cut through steel.

I flinch, looking away. My gaze drops to the floor. My throat closes painfully. A tear slips down my cheek.

“I didn’t plan this,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

Viktor’s mouth hardens into a brutal line. His hands press flat against the edge of the desk as he leans toward me. “And who—” His tone is low and lethal. “Who is the father?”

I can’t breathe. I don’t say a word.

Viktor’s gaze darkens. His jaw ticks dangerously. “Lev.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. A shaky breath leaves my chest.

Viktor’s mouth tightens. His knuckles turn white against the dark wood of his desk. “How long?”

“Three weeks.” My voice is thin. Weak.

Viktor closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them, they are cold and deadened.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I’m telling you now,” I say, my voice breaking. “And I’m prepared to face the consequences.”

Viktor’s gaze sharpens dangerously. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“I know exactly what I’ve done.”

“You think this will go away?” His eyes burn into mine. “That it won’t be a problem?”

I take a shaky breath and lift my chin. My hands tremble at my sides.

“I’m willing to leave the family,” I whisper. “If that’s what it takes.”

Viktor’s gaze narrows dangerously. “What!”

“I’ll go,” I say, my voice barely steady. “I’ll leave. I know it’s a disgrace for a Bratva princess to become pregnant outside of marriage. I understand it brings shame to the family.”

Viktor’s mouth tightens dangerously, and his chest rises and falls sharply beneath the fabric of his suit.

“You think leaving solves this?” His tone is sharp and unforgiving. “You think running away will fix this?”

“I’m not running,” I say, my throat constricting. “I’m doing what I have to do to protect your image.”

Viktor’s eyes flash darkly. “You think I need protection?”

I take a shaky breath. “It’s not just about you anymore. It’s about me having a baby outside of wedlock while under your watch.”

Viktor’s gaze drops to my stomach. His jaw flexes, and for a moment, a flicker of something human flashes beneath the cold steel of his expression.

“Does he know?” Viktor asks quietly.

My chest tightens. “No.”

Viktor’s jaw tightens visibly, his mouth pressing into a thin line. He steps away from the desk, turning his back to me, and stands in front of the window with his hands curled into fists at his sides. His reflection in the glass appears sharp and jagged.

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