Page 59 of Imperfect Desires

“You are sure about this pregnancy,” he says after a long moment.

“Yes.”

“And the Cartel is coming in a few days,” Viktor continues, his voice calm and detached. “To negotiate your marriage.”

“Yes.”

Viktor’s gaze hardens toward the window. His shoulders tense beneath the dark fabric of his suit.

“It’s off.”

My heart stops. “What?”

Viktor’s gaze flicks toward me, sharp and hard. “The marriage is off.”

I blink. My chest tightens painfully. “But—”

“I’m not marrying you off while you’re carrying his child,” Viktor says coldly. “It would be an insult.”

Relief and panic crash into me all at once.

“What will you tell them?” I whisper.

Viktor’s mouth hardens. “They’ll understand.”

“And if they don’t?”

Viktor’s gaze sharpens. “Then we’ll handle it.”

I exhale shakily.

Viktor turns toward me. His gaze sharpens dangerously. “You’ll birth the child in Russia,” he says coldly. “Away from this base. Away from the prying eyes on my headquarters.”

My breath catches. “What?”

“You’ll stay there until the child is born,” Viktor says. “And you’ll raise it there. Quietly. Alone.”

Panic crushes my chest. “Viktor—”

His eyes darken. “You made this choice. You live with the consequences.”

A tear slips down my cheek. My hands press protectively against my stomach.

“And Lev?” My voice trembles. “What happens to him?”

Viktor’s gaze sharpens. The steel in his expression returns.

“I’ll find him,” Viktor says quietly. His tone is calm—too calm. “And I’ll deal with him accordingly.”

My breath stops.

“And the baby?” I whisper.

Viktor’s gaze doesn’t soften. “It’s your responsibility now.”

A tear slips down my cheek. My heart pounds painfully beneath my ribs.

Viktor steps closer, his gaze hard. His hand lifts—just barely—and for a moment, I think he might touch my shoulder.

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