Page 42 of Triplet Babies
I try to avoid giving her the satisfaction of a response even as I stiffen. I keep my tone cool. “I’m being practical. This is a business arrangement, and we both know it.”
She steps closely enough that I can smell her expensive, cloying perfume that always makes me want to gag. “Business arrangements can be pleasurable too.”
I shake my head. “Leave before you make a fool of yourself.”
The words hit their mark. Katya’s smile becomes razor-sharp, with all pretense of seduction dropping away. “You’re making a mistake, Yarik. I’m not the woman you reject.”
Having made my decision, I don’t maintain any pretense when I stare at her. “You’re not the woman I want.”
She studies my face for a long moment, her gaze searching for something. Then she nods as if confirming something she already suspected. “I see. Well, then. I suppose we’ll have to find other ways to make this arrangement work.”
She turns and walks away from me, her movements fluid and predatory. At the threshold, she pauses and looks back over her shoulder. “Have a good afternoon, Yarik. Try not to think about what you’re giving up. I’ll let Father know you’re rescheduling the contract signing… again.” She hesitates. “After the engagement announcement, you can’t wait too long to sign.” There’s a note of warning in her voice.
The door closes behind her with a soft click, and I’m alone again. I wouldn’t touch her if my life depended on it when Sarah is the only one who’s ever made me feel the depths of emotion I do with her.
I return to my desk and pour another glass of vodka. The day is far from over, and it’s early for vodka, but I need it to fortify myself. The Nikitins are moving against us, Katya is plotting something, and Sarah is caught in the middle of it all. I need to find a way to protect her without destroying everything I’ve built, if that’s even possible anymore.
13
Sarah
Iwake to the sound of rain against my bedroom window, gray clouds blocking out what should be morning sunlight. The engagement party was two days ago, but I still feel that evening pressing down on me. Watching Yarik place that ring on Katya’s finger after the way he looked at me afterward, like he was saying goodbye, has all been replaying in my mind on a loop.
The morning sickness hits me before I’m fully awake, and I rush to the bathroom just in time. My body is changing faster now, and I’m running out of time before someone notices. I can already see the subtle changes in my reflection in the slight fullness in my face and the way my usual clothes are getting snug around my waist.
I dress in a loose blouse and cardigan, checking my profile in the mirror. Three more weeks, maybe less, until someone really notices. I can get away with looser clothes while working, but I won’t be able to hide my stomach from Yarik much longer. The thought makes my stomach knot with anxiety.
Nina knocks softly on my bedroom door. “Coffee’s ready.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there.”
I take one last look in the mirror, smoothing down my blouse, and join Nina in the kitchen. She’s already dressed for work, but she studies my face with concern. “You look pale.”
“I’m fine.” I accept the mug she offers, though the smell of coffee makes my stomach turn slightly. “Just tired.”
“Maybe you should take the day off.”
“I can’t hide forever.” I take a careful sip of coffee, willing my stomach to settle. “Besides, it’s better to act normal and get a day’s pay that I’ll soon need more than ever. Professional distance, remember?”
She doesn’t look convinced, but she nods. “Just be careful, okay?”
“I will.”
The drive to the estate is quiet, with rain pattering against the windshield while I try to prepare myself for another day of pretending everything is normal. Yarik hasn’t approached me in any way but professionally since the engagement party, so it seems like he’s silently reached the same conclusion I have. Our affair is over. It has to be.
I park in the staff lot and hurry through the rain toward the main house. Mrs. Nykova meets me at the side entrance, umbrella in hand. “Miss Clark, Mr. Barinov has a special assignment for you this morning.”
My stomach drops. “An assignment?”
“He needs you to check on a delivery at the greenhouse wing. Apparently, some supplies that were supposed to arrive yesterday never showed up, and we haven’t found another gardener yet. He’s hoping you can take care of it.” She hands me a clipboard with a revised vendor checklist. “He wants you to verify what’s missing and contact the suppliers directly.”
I take the clipboard, scanning the list of items. Garden supplies, pottery, and fertilizer. Nothing seems particularly urgent until you find yourself needing them. “I’ll take care of it.” It will be good to be back in the garden again, even if it is raining.
“Take the long path along the side of the estate. The delivery area is easier to access from there, and you won’t track mud through the main house.”
I nod and head back out into the rain. The greenhouse wing is at the far end of the property, past the pool and tennis courts. I pull my cardigan tighter and follow the winding path that skirts the edge of the estate grounds.
The rain has softened to a light drizzle, but the air is still heavy and gray. I check items off the list as I walk, noting what should have been delivered and what actually arrived. It’s mindless work, which is exactly what I need to keep my thoughts from spiraling. The path winds through a section of trees that creates natural privacy from the main house. It’s quiet here, peaceful even with the overcast sky. I’m almost enjoying the solitude when I hear something that makes me pause.
