Page 57 of Forgotten Vows
“You’re unaware whether he’s alive?” he pressed.
“I hope he’s dead.” That was a strong statement, but I didn’t stutter.
He pursed his lips and seemed contemplative for a long moment. “You haven’t reached out to anyone from the Petrov organization in all these years?”
I shook my head.
“Not even this number?” He slid a piece of paper across the desk. Without needing to hold it up close, I saw the highlighted number in the call log. I wasn’t shocked that they’d tracked my phone use.
“That’s for my distant cousin, Kalina.”
“I thought you said you haven’t reached out to anyone in the Petrov family.”
“I haven’t. She is a distant cousin from my mother’s side.”
“Why would you contact her now, so close to the timing of showing up here and so soon after you claim to have killed two Rivera trespassers in your home?”
“She didn’t just claim it,” Alexsei butted in. “You know that our men have found the bodies.”
I glanced at him, grateful for the backup. Having the proof of those two men supported my story. “I called Kalina in hopes that she might be able to help me. Because I believed that Ivan wanted nothing to do with me from how he’d left me years ago, I was desperate for someone to help me. She was the only person I thought of, even though it’s been forever since I last saw her.” I shrugged, hating how much a frown tugged at my lips. “For all I know, she’s dead too. The number is never answered.” Unlike my reaction to the possibility that my father could be dead, I wished Kalina well.
“Understand this, Raisa.” Luka sat up straighter. “I am not opposed to changes within my family. But I have never trusted Konstantin, and I don’t knowyouto determine whether I should trust you or not.”
“You’re being awfully harsh on her,” Alexsei chided. “With all that we’re finding that matches what she’s been telling us, you’re not being very open-minded.”
Thank you.
“You’re being an ass about this,” Gabby added. She chimed in with that sassy tone of hers. Without raising her voice to wake the sleeping baby boy slumped against her chest, she stared her husband down. I didn’t expect her to come to my defense, but I appreciated that she was. Maybe I wasn’t so alone in this world after all.
“You’re out of line to be this judgmental with her.” Gabby lifted her chin defiantly.
“Remember, wife of mine, that you were not born and raised in this world.” He gestured at me, not losing that stern glower. “Raisa recalls. She’s at least aware of how the Dubinins have never been fond of the Petrovs. Konstantin was the sole source and cause of many fights. He instigated numerous feuds and attempted too many failed power grabs. None of which I have any patience for ever again.”
Gabby huffed, standing with athletic grace so as not to jostle Andre napping. “And you need to remember, husband of mine,” she bit out. “That not every woman can be or should be defined by her father. I’m an example of that mistake, am I not?” She arched her brow, impressing me with her stubbornness.
I couldn’t begin to summarize how grateful I was to see that not everyone was against me.
“I am aware of that,” Luka told her. “Which is why I have been gracious to allow her and her son to stay here. But I will not slack in seeking more trouble with Konstantin if he is still alive.”
“Fine. But letting her know that you don’t seriously think she is a spy or a gold-digger would be a good start,” Gabriella insisted.
“I—” Luka raised his brows as Allan entered the room again. Cut off by the hurried appearance of his personal assistant, he paused.
Allan came to stand next to the Boss. Luka watched him expectantly. But I was the one he looked at directly.
“We’ve received word that men had invaded the school.”
“No!” I shot to my feet, panicking immediately.
Lev had to be safe.
I brought him here to be protected!
“Lev has been targeted in a kidnapping attempt and men are on their way there now.” Allan didn’t cringe or wince. He didn’tdo anything of the sort, staring at me with a seriousness that chilled me. I buckled to the floor. Terror consumed me as I had to accept that my worst fear was happening.
Lev.
The only bright ray of sunshine in my existence.
