Page 44 of Tied to Hope
Sir hung up the phone and, when he saw the worry on her face, held out his hand to Brie. “I know you are concerned, but what he needs most right now is our support.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever this is, we’ll face it together.”
Brie nodded, taking comfort in his words.
As soon as she heard Rytsar knock on the door, she rushed to open it.
When Rytsar saw her, he walked inside, cupped her chin in his hand, and gently grazed her cheek with his thumb. There was a wistful look in his eye.
She had to swallow down the lump that was growing in her throat.
Rytsar smiled faintly, then turned to Sir. “It would be best if you both sit down.”
Sir gestured to Brie to join him on the couch.
Rytsar stood before them, clearing his throat as he prepared to share his terrible secret.
The serious expression on his face concerned Brie.
“As you may know, I was contacted by a sub I know in Russia…”
Sir nodded. “Yes, Brie told me.”
Rytsar took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly before he spoke.
Brie suddenly had the irrational hope that he was playing a trick on them, allowing his sadistic side to wreak havoc on their emotions. But, deep down…she knew whatever he was going to say was about to change all of their lives.
Rytsar rubbed the top of his head in frustration. “I never thought I would find myself in this situation.”
When he started to pace, it only served to heighten Brie’s level of anxiety, but she and Sir said nothing, giving Rytsar the time he needed to voice this terrible secret out loud.
Stopping, mid-stride, he suddenly turned to face them. “I found out that I’m anotets.”
Sir looked at him, completely stunned. “You’re a father?”
Brie couldn’t believe it. “But, when? How is that even possible when you’ve been away from Russia for so long?”
Rytsar met her gaze, his expression grave. “Lisichkahas been raising the child for two years.”
“Two years…” Brie gasped.
Based on Sir’s own experience with Lilly, Brie was not surprised when Sir followed her question up with a more direct one. “Are you certain the child is yours?”
Rytsar nodded, a pained expression on his face. “Three different tests by three different labs. All have confirmed that I am the father.”
He started pacing again, growling under his breath. “I have no idea why she kept the child’s existence a secret from me.”
“Didn’t she explain it to you when you talked to her?” Sir asked.
“Nyet,” he said, frowning. “She insists we meet in person first.”
Brie could barely breathe.
Rytsar was a father…
This new reality was going to rip apart the comfortable world they had just built.
Looking into his tortured blue eyes, Brie could tell he was struggling.
