Page 57 of Wicked Knight 2

“I asked Maxim if you could help me get ready. He sent for you, and you never showed.” I cocked my head to look her in the eyes. When she made to leave, I gripped her elbow. “Something happened?”

“Nothing. It’s been so busy today with the dinner.” She yanked her arm away and scurried out of the room.

“What was that?” Maxim glared at Belinda as she rushed past him and almost ran into Tore and Ivan.

“I don’t know.” I dropped my gaze to the red wine in his hand.

“I had Galina bring in some of that wine you like.”

“Thank you.” I took the glass and sipped. “It’s delicious.”

“Better?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Let’s take our seats.” He nodded once in Papa’s direction. “Papa’s here.”

I let him escort me to my chair. My plan for tonight was to keep my head down. For Maxim’s sake, and mine, I couldn’t let on that I knew about Maxim’s amnesia or that I suspected Papa’s plans for him. As soon as we sat down, Papa strolled to the head of the table and raised his glass. “I spoke with Maxim earlier about taking over as Pakhan when I’m gone. He has agreed. And so, it shall be.” He pulled back his chair and sat. “Eat.”

Ivan’s cheeks turned bright red as he stared at his dad who was too busy congratulating Maxim to notice.

“I can’t say I’m surprised. Good for you, brother.” He dipped his head toward Maxim.

“Thank you.” Maxim raised his glass.

“Cheers, Boss,” Tore said. “Well-deserved.”

“You too.” Maxim exchanged a meaningful glance with Papa before he added, “When it’s time, we’ve decided you’re the best one to fill my shoes.”

“It would be an honor, sir.” Tore beamed at Papa and Maxim.

“Everybody wins.” Ivan drank from his glass, then cut into his steak. “So Maxim, how’s that baby project coming along?”

“Yes.” Papa chuckled. “I hope to have good news soon.”

“We’re working on it.” Maxim reached for my hand under the table and squeezed it.

I pierced a chunk of roasted potato with my fork and shoved it in my mouth. I knew better than to say anything that might upset Papa. But Maxim should know that we couldn’t bring children into our fucked-up situation. Ever. I quickly did the math on how many years I had left on my IUD. Was two years enough time to help Maxim find a way out of this made-up life?

The rest of the dinner, I managed to keep my head down and not shoot to my feet and scream at Papa that he couldn’t keep Luca because he didn’t belong with the Brotherhood. What would be the point? Maxim seemed content, excited even. Looking around the table, the men were genuinely happy for him, including Ivan.

When the meal was over, Papa announced the men were retiring to the library to have a round of drinks. As everyone filed out, I reached for Maxim’s hand and pulled him toward me.

“We’re going to talk about this, right?” When recognition didn’t register on his face, I added, “Babies?”

“Yes, we are.” He brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers.

“It would be insane.” I took his hand in mine.

“Donata, Papa is dying.”

“What?”

“He wants to make sure there’s a line of succession before he’s gone.”

“What for?” I stepped back. “If it mattered to him that much, he would’ve chosen his own son to take over as Pakhan. Why not give it to Ivan?”

“If you knew Ivan, you wouldn’t be asking that question.” He kissed my cheek. “We’ll talk about it upstairs.”

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