Page 110 of Vendetta Crown

She watches me with understanding eyes, her hands resting protectively over her enormous belly.

"I'm sorry I missed the baby shower," Vera says softly. "It's getting harder to move these days."

"It's okay." I manage a weak smile. "I completely understand."

We sit in silence for a few moments. I push the food around my plate while Vera sips her tea, her eyes never leaving my face. The twins tumble inside me, as if they can sense my anxiety.

"Something's bothering you," Vera finally says. Not a question.

I put down my fork. "Ruslan's gone to kill Semyon." The words taste bitter on my tongue. "He left just now with Artyom and the others."

"And you're afraid he won't come back," Vera finishes for me.

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

Vera reaches across the table and takes my hand. "I understand that fear better than most."

"You do?"

"After Slava saved me at the auction..." Her eyes grow distant with memory. "There were people who still coveted my family's money and properties. Men who felt cheated that they couldn't purchase me."

I squeeze her hand, encouraging her to continue.

"There were many nights Slava would leave our home to deal with these threats." Vera's voice drops. "I would watch him check his weapons, bid me goodbye, and wonder if that would be the night he wouldn't return."

"How did you bear it?" I whisper.

"I learned that my Slava is like the tide. Unstoppable, powerful, and always, always returning." A gentle smile touches her lips. "Sometimes bloody, sometimes wounded, but always returning."

"Ruslan's been shot before," I say, my voice cracking. "He almost died."

"And yet he came back to you." Vera's grip on my hand tightens. "These men of ours. They're survivors above all else. Ruslan will come back to you and your babies. He has too much to live for now."

I try to smile at Vera's reassurance, but my fingers nervously tap against the tablecloth. A tiny foot—or maybe an elbow—jabs at my ribs from the inside, as if reminding me that I'm not the only one waiting for Ruslan's return.

"You don't believe me," Vera says gently, misreading my silence for doubt.

"I want to believe you," I admit. "But last time I nearly lost him, I didn't even know I loved him. Now..."

Vera reaches across the table and covers my fidgeting hand with hers. "Maybe we should talk of happier things. Tell me about the baby shower. I heard Liliya came?"

I welcome the change of subject, grateful for the distraction.

"She did. She was wonderful with the girls. And the other wives came with such thoughtful gifts." I swallow hard as unwelcome thoughts intrude. "Tamara showed up too."

Vera's eyebrows rise. "Uninvited?"

"Completely. She brought this beautiful blanket that used to be Mikhail's." I stare at my plate. "And information about Semyon. That's why Ruslan left so suddenly."

I can't help wondering if Tamara deliberately set this in motion. If my husband is walking into a trap right now.

"I see." Vera's voice pulls me back from spiraling. "Well, I'm sorry once again that I missed the celebration. But I do have something for you and the babies."

She shifts in her chair, one hand supporting her back.

"Daria?" she calls. "Would you mind fetching something from my room? It's on the dresser."

Daria nods and disappears down the hall.

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