Page 80 of Scarlet Secrets

“Just like that.”

“There are details you need to work out for me.” I’m not in the mood to tell him the finer points. Besides, he’ll know soon enough.

And it’s not like I’m planning to go through with it. I can figure out a way to void the marriage part and keep the rest intact, even if I have to kidnap some guy for her to marry. Because there’s no way it’s going to be me.

“But,” I add, “make no mistake, vengeance will be achieved.”

And then I sit back, close my eyes, and drink my drink.

What I want is my son.

And, shockingly, Erin.

When I get home,voices draw me to the living room.

I head there, hoping to find Sasha, which I do. He’s on the floor quietly playing but the thing that rivets me to the spot is Alina, crying in Erin’s arms.

“It’s okay,” Erin murmurs, “you went and I know Max—” She stops as she sees me but before she can pull away, I excuse myself and go to my study, pulling the door shut behind me.

I should be the one making Alina feel better. And I’ve tried but seeing her broken all over again almost destroys me. I’m shit with emotions, anyway, my father having beat the vulnerabilities out of me. So she’s better off with Erin.

Ilya knocks and we get to work. This is something I can do.

I don’t know how long we’re at it with the plotting and planning, the regular and mundane’s in there too. But when we’re done, I go in search of Alina, wanting to check on her.

“I won’t ask how the funeral went,” I say to her when I find her in the kitchen pouring a drink from a bottle of vodka. From the looks of it, she’s had a few and I’m not about to say a word about it, only get one for myself. “But I’ll ask how you’re doing.”

“Trying to reach numb oblivion.”

“I’m here for you.”

“I know, Demyan. And you’ve been wonderful. But I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay.”

“You will. One day.”

“That’s what Erin said.”

A jolt runs through me.

“She’s been a great help, Demyan. She knew him, really knew him, and I need that.”

I manage a grunt because I don’t know what the fuck to say.

“She’s a good person.” Alina bangs her glass down and pours another, swaying just a bit. “You probably want me to say she made a mistake, but she didn’t. She just did what she thought was right for Sasha. She doesn’t know you, and the idea of you is scary. But she’s not going anywhere. I offered to sneak her out.”

“You what?” A savage fury rips into me but it’s got nowhere to go because I sure as shit am not going to point it at Alina.

She gives me a slightly drunk, teary smile. “I wouldn’t have but she didn’t know. And you know what she said?”

“I’ll pack in five?”

“No. She said she was staying, that you had a right to be a father and Sasha has a right to get to know you. So stop punishing her. I know you think she fucked up, but you can’tpunish her forever and you can’t keep Sasha from her. That little boy needs her, loves her.”

“I didn’t say he didn’t. I just… she fucking lied. Hid my child.”

“And you’ve made her pay. Time is short, Demyan,” she said, taking a swallow of her vodka. “You’ve made your point, well and truly. Stop being a dick and move forward.”

“She’s allowed to see him, Alina,” I say, narrowing my eyes. Fuck, each word is like the lash of a whip.

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