Page 69 of Disgraced (Russian Sinners 3)

“Where?”

“His office. Follow me.”

And I did. Sergei’s office was in the separate wing of the house, where I usually didn’t venture since my truce with Michail. I preferred to go outside, rather than roam the house. It made me feel free.

When we got there, Sergei was seated behind his desk and leaned against his chair, his eyes closed. He looked tired.

“Sergei, are you okay?” The words escaped me before I thought better of it.

His eyes shot open and he turned to me, his face back to the unemotional mask.

“Never better,” he replied.

“Did you take the medicine?” Michail asked.

“What medicine?” I asked, frowning.

“Yes, Michail, and it is nothing to concern yourself with, Scarlett.” He handed me his cell phone without another word.

Michail left and suddenly, the room seemed too small to be alone with Sergei. I eyed him warily, worried about getting too close to him. I knew it was stupid but it would seem I was stupid when it came to this man.

“Do you want the phone or not, Scarlett?” His deep voice was doing all kinds of deliciously horrible things to me. My body tingled in response, and my heart pumped with excitement. I needed a doctor to check if pregnancy hormones have a negative effect on me. Because it sure as hell felt like it.

I glanced behind my shoulder, towards the open door, tempted to bolt. But I’d never been the one to cower, so I wouldn’t start now. I took a step forward and took the phone from him, our fingers brushing together. A sharp exhale left my lips, and I quickly covered it by clearing my throat.

With slightly trembling fingers, I dialed my dad’s phone number.

Dad answered on the first ring. “Sergei.”

“It’s me,” I answered. “Scarlett.”

Duh, like he wouldn’t know. It was all Sergei’s fault. He made me all frazzled.

“Hello sweetie,” my dad’s voice instantly softened, “I missed hearing your voice. How are you?”

“I want to come back home,” I went straight to the point of this conversation. “I don’t want to stay here.”

“Did someone hurt you?” My dad’s voice took on a serious note, tension in his voice.

Yes, Sergei broke my heart.

“No,” I answered instead. I was aware of Sergei’s eyes on me. I wished he’d go away so I could have this conversation in private. “I don’t want to stay here and this is illegal.”

“What is?”

“He kidnapped me,” I spat out, agitated.

“No, daughter. He put you in a safe place. There were people that threatened you.” My father was delusional. I couldn’t believe he took Sergei’s word over mine.

“Well, I’m safe and I want to come back home. Your men can keep me safe.”

“Scarlett-”

“Dad, please,” I almost whimpered. “Don’t leave me here.”

“Can’t you give him a chance?” My father asked on a tired exhale.

“No.”

---