Page 17 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

“It’s nothing,” I lie, trying to bury those thoughts. He isn’t giving up that easily, though. No doubt sensing there’s more to the story than I’m offering up.

Reluctantly, I tell him all about Booker’s fraudulent activities while leaving out the part about my pregnancy. No reason to reveal such personal information just yet. As I turn over all the details of the elaborate scheme, I see anger flash across Alec’s face, but I don’t understand why.

“I’ve asked him to return the money,” I say, determined. “If he doesn’t, I won’t hesitate to go to the police. It’s a matter of doing the right thing.”

Before I can ask about Alec’s strong reaction, he abruptly excuses himself and leaves me standing on the dance floor. I’m confused and worried as I watch him disappear into the crowd. I want to chase after him, but I’m torn between my need to find him and my hesitation not to cause a scene during our foundation’s important event.

I wait and mingle a little more, pretending like everything is fine as I keep scanning the room for him, but he seems to have disappeared into thin air. My heart sinks, and I’m trying not to panic. Did my story about Booker make him want to leave? But why? And why did he get so angry?

As the music continues to play, my emotions whirl inside me. I don’t know where Alec went, and I’m afraid I might have missed my chance to tell him about the babies. My mind races with thoughts of what to do next, but I’m at a total, complete loss. This is supposed to be an enchanted evening, but it’s quickly turning into my own personal nightmare.

Chapter 8

Maksim

Istorm out of the ballroom furious and trying not to show it. Scum like Booker Carlson disgust me, preying on innocent individuals and taking advantage of their generosity. Taking advantage ofAbby.

He needs to be dealt with. To be taught a lesson.

And I’m just the man to do it.

I grab my phone and dial Alyosha’s number, my heart pounding with each ring. “I need you to get me an address,” I bark into the phone. “This can’t wait.”

There isn’t much more than a name to go on right now, but I know that’ll be enough for Alyosha to work whatever computer hacking magic he uses to get me the information I need.

“On it, boss,” he says. “I’ll call you back when I have something.”

“Make it quick.”

I hang up the phone and return to the ballroom, still so angry I can hardly see straight. Abby is standing not far from where I left her, her pretty eyes filled with concern and something else. Hesitation? There’s something she’s holding back, and I want to know what it is.

“Where did you go?” she asks, taking my arm. The tone in her voice is anything but casual.

“I had to make a phone call. An urgent one.” She deserves more of an explanation, but I can’t give her one. Not without involving her in something she wants no part of.

Just as she’s about to speak again, my phone rings, interrupting us. If it wasn’t Alyosha, I wouldn’t even think of taking the call right now.

“Sorry, beautiful,” I say, trying and failing to hide my frustration. “I know this isn’t ideal, but I need to take care of something important. I’ll make it up to you.”

“But, wait, we need to talk, Alec.” Her own frustration is showing, and I can’t blame her. Not even a little.

“We can talk later, I promise.” It’s the best I can do for now.

“What, next year again?” She looks disappointed, and I can’t stand the thought of her standing here for the rest of the night, sad and confused as to why I left.

I watch her for a moment, and then shake my head. I can’t just leave her here. “Why don’t you come with me? It won’t take long, and then we can find a quiet place to talk.”

She hesitates for a moment before nodding. “Alright, but what’s going on? Why the urgency? And the secrecy?”

I give her a reassuring smile, even though my mind is racing. “Just some business that unfortunately, can’t wait. Don’t worry, though. I promise everything will be okay.”

She’s clearly reluctant, but she agrees to come with me. We check in with her sister, then make our way outside. The event is winding down, but I don’t want to waste any more time. I lead Abby to my car and open the door.

She hesitates again.

I gesture at the passenger seat. “Come with me, or go back inside, beautiful. Your choice.”

She bites her lip, but then takes the front seat, and I hop into the driver’s side.

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