Page 78 of Disgraced (Russian Sinners 3)

He immediately pulled out a stack of bills. “Is that why you took so long? You should have asked me or Sonia.”

Woman’s eyes grew wide as Sergei handed her the bills.

“Thank you for your help,” I murmured. Sergei translated behind me although I was pretty sure the woman understood.

“Good luck,” she replied, smiling. Sergei frowned but I ignored it.

I smiled back. “Thanks.”

Tilting my head in goodbye, I headed out the store, Sergei right at my back. Sonia was waiting with Michail by the car and I couldn’t help but smile. She liked him, and I couldn’t blame her.

“Hey you two,” I greeted them. “We are ready.”

“Did you buy out the whole store?” Sonia teased.

“No, but I did get us a snack,” I pulled the bag of candy out and waved it at her. “Dessert.”

Sonia laughed. “Yummy.”

I gave her the bag of candy and we all got into the car, but this time Sonia sat herself next to Michail so Sergei sat next to me. His leg pressed against mine and it was the sweetest torture. I held the bag from the pharmacy close to me and focused on the sights passing me by out the window… familiar streets. And familiar buildings. No, it couldn’t be. I watched wide-eyed at Nevsky Prospekt street. I’d never forget this street. Sergei drove me through this street on our first date, showed me St. Petersburg at its most formally magnificent. It was the most famous street of St. Petersburg that cut through the heart of the city.

“We are in St. Petersburg?” I asked in shock.

Sonia gave me an odd look. “What?” I retorted defensively. “I was kidnapped, and we came in the dead of the night.”

I turned my head back to look at the busy street and magnificent building surrounding us on both ends. The images of my first week with Sergei flashed through my mind and it hurt like hell, like someone stabbed me through my heart.

I wished the memories didn’t matter. I wished I didn’t want him. Instead, I felt like I was being gutted alive. I dug my nails into the palms of my hands, as I kept my hands balled into fists. Physical pain was better than all this hurt inside.

Sergei’s hand covered mine. “Scarlett,” his voice was soft, but now I knew it wasn’t real. I wanted the old Sergei back… easy going, teasing and caring.

I pulled my hands away.

“Don’t touch me,” I whispered. Something flashed in his eyes but I couldn’t read what. I couldn’t allow his hands on me. If he touched me, I’d cave in. I knew I would. I yearned for him, for his love.

The rest of the ride was spent in an uncomfortable silence. Sergei sat stiff next to me and I stared out the window. As soon as we got to his compound, I went straight to my room and locked the door.

“Scarlett, where do you want the bags?” Sonia’s voice came through the door.

I completely forgot about them. “Tell the guards to just leave them in front of the door. I’ll get them later.”

I dug through my bag and opened the first test. Of course, the instructions were in Russian but the device looked like the ones I’ve seen at home.

“Can I help you with anything?” Sonia was still in front of my door.

“No, I’ll see you at dinner.” I needed to do this alone. Her footsteps echoed in the hallway as she walked away. I marched into the bathroom. I really never understood why they couldn’t come up with better pregnancy tests than peeing on the stick. As soon as I was done, I washed my hands and braced myself for the result.

I sat on the edge of the luxury bath and didn’t have to wait long. The faded plus already started to show in the window. I couldn’t say I was surprised, but the shock was still there. My hands covered my abdomen.

A baby.

I took a deep breath. The situation wasn’t the best and I felt tricked by Sergei. I remembered questioning him why he wasn't concerned about getting me pregnant. I guess now it made sense. Although I was to blame too. Instead of using protection after that first time, I didn’t. So really, both of us were to blame. I didn’t know who he was but I wasn’t exactly innocent. How many times did it cross my mind to stay behind with him? I even wished to get pregnant with Sergei so I couldn’t marry the man my dad promised me to. Of course, it would have been easier from the start if I knew they were one and the same.

My biggest objection to the arranged marriage was that it was to his business associate. I didn’t want anything to do with anyone dealing in illegal businesses. Yes, I grew up in it, but I wanted out of it for as long as I could remember. My mother wasn’t born in it and my grandparents had always been my window out to anormallife. They showed me a simple life; it was what I wanted.

I would have to tell Sergei about the pregnancy. It was only fair. We’ll just have to make the best out of it. When I met Sergei, he swept me off my feet. Now, it was time I got to know him. It would require talking to him. And if we married, I’d need to know the plans for the future and be part of the planning. No chance I would sit and let him decide our whole life.

Talk about extremes!This morning I screamed I would never marry him, and now, I was trying to figure out how to make the best of it.

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