Page 74 of Tied to Hope
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Rytsar told his men to continue under Maxim’s direction.
Following behind Brie, Rytsar placed his hand on her back as he looked down at Hope tenderly.
I will miss this…Brie thought.
Without speaking, Sir walked to the beach and headed toward the water’s edge, but Rytsar reached out and stopped him.
“Enough with the mystery. What is this about?”
“Anton, I believe you are being deceived.”
Rytsar’s eyes narrowed. “Why would you say that?”
Sir glanced at Brie briefly before looking Rytsar in the eyes. “There is reason to question whether the child is yours or not.”
Rytsar’s nostrils flared in anger. “Don’t do this to me! Don’t make me question this more than I already have.”
Pulling the tests from his suit jacket, Sir opened them, pointing to the results of each one. “These seem conclusive on their own, yes. But, I assume you did not have your brothers tested?”
“Why would I do that?” Rytsar shouted, looking at Sir as if he’d gone mad.
Sir was unaffected by his burst of anger and continued, “It’s possible one of them is a better match. Because the five of you have such similar genetics, it’s unreasonable to assume paternity based on your blood alone. Getting them all tested would prove conclusively whether or not you are the father.”
Brie could see the veins in Rytsar’s neck pulsing in rage. “Are you telling me that one of my brothers is trying to pass his bastard child off as mine?”
Sir shook his head. “I make no such claim. However, without a blood sample from all four, you will never know if this child is truly yours.”
Brie’s heart began to race. She wondered if it were possible.
Rytsar growled ominously. “I hope you are wrong,moy droog, because I cannot face another betrayal from my family. I cannot!”
Sir met his rage head on. “There is no point in speculating. Get the tests done so you can face the future with confidence.”
“Why did you have to bring this into question now?” he asked resentfully.
Sir put an arm around him. “I have felt unsettled about this whole situation, but it took looking at these tests to help clarify the root of my suspicions. I’ve spoken to several experts who agree that paternity testing between brothers is inconclusive without a comparison of the results. I know this is difficult for you but, as your brother, it’s my duty to make certain no stone is left unturned.”
Rytsar growled under his breath. “I cannot deal with the consequences if you are right.”
Brie clutched Hope against her and reached out to comfort him with her other hand. “We stand beside you no matter what the future holds, Rytsar.”
When Rytsar turned to meet her gaze, the torment she saw in those sad blue eyes just about did her in. He’d lost too much, been hurt by too many, to face the possibility of this kind of betrayal.
Looking up to the heavens, he cried, “Tatianna andMamulya, you know I accepted my fate. Icannotgo back to questioning everything again.”
Brie and Sir stood beside him in silent solidarity.
When Hope began to fuss, Rytsar glanced down at her and immediately ripped off his shirt.
“Your skin is burning,moye solntse,” he said in concern as he shielded her from the rays of the sun with his shirt.
Rytsar’s love for Hope was unquestionable. Because of that, Brie had been surprised when he’d mentioned not feeling an immediate attachment to the boy when they first met. At the time, she had discounted it, chalking it up to the shock of the situation.
Now, Brie wondered if Rytsar had instinctually picked up on the fact that the child was one of his brothers and not his.
If the boy isn’t his…Rytsar will have no reason to move.
It was a selfish thought and Brie quickly pushed it away. She understood the terrible betrayal Rytsar would face if the boy turned out not to be his. He didn’t deserve to suffer that level of treachery.
