Page 73 of Tied to Hope
“What are your plans, then?” Sir asked in an even voice.
“I don’t know at this point, but my continued absence only hurts the boy and it is starting to weigh on me.”
Sir nodded. “Does this mean you are ready to take on the father role?”
“No,moy droog, but I am willing. That will have to be enough.”
When Sir frowned at his answer, Rytsar asked, “What is wrong, comrade?”
“I want to fully support you, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. Do you mind letting me see those paternity tests?”
“Why?” Rytsar snarled. “The results were conclusive and there is no chance they all were tampered with. I made certain of it after what happened to you with Lilly.”
“Look, I don’t doubt the validity of the tests, but I would like to look them over for my own peace of mind.”
“Why do I get the impression that you are lying to me?” Rytsar growled.
Sir stared at him in disbelief, looking deeply offended. “I would never lie to you.”
Rytsar let out a ragged sigh, rubbing his head in frustration. “After learning that I am the father of a boy I never knew existed, it’s become hard for me to trust anyone.”
In answer, Sir commanded that Brie bare the scar on her wrist, as he rolled up his sleeve to expose his scar. Looking at Rytsar, he stated, “Youneverhave to doubt our intentions toward you.”
Tears flooded the Russian’s eyes. “I know this…forgive me.”
Sir put his hand on Rytsar’s shoulder. “You will never want for trust or support from us.”
Rytsar grunted in understanding, wrapping his arms around them both.
Because he had kept up an appearance of composure when confronted with this unusual twist of fate, Brie had failed to grasp how deep his foundation had been shaken.
Sir left Rytsar’s house to pore over the paternity tests. When Brie went to check on him, Sir informed her that he would be leaving and wasn’t sure when he would be back.
“What’s wrong, Sir?”
“I am taking Gray’s advice and making sure I understand the whole picture.”
When Sir returned hours later, he was adamant that they speak to Rytsar immediately.
“What did you discover?” she asked, now worried.
“There’s no time to explain.”
Brie quickly grabbed Hope and followed him outside.
Pounding on the door of Rytsar’s home, Sir waited several minutes before Maxim answered it. The inside of the beach house was pure chaos and poor Little Sparrow was running around the house, looking lost and afraid.
Rytsar was oblivious, directing his men, who were assisting the movers as they packed boxes and readied the furniture for the long trip back to Russia.
Brie’s heart skipped a beat on seeing the house in such disarray. It made the reality of this move more real to her. She looked to Sir, praying he had good news.
“What’s up, comrade?” Rytsar shouted above the din.
“We need to talk—privately.”
Rytsar furrowed his brow. “What…now?”
Sir gave him a look, then gestured to the door.
