13. Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Talia

How dare he! He can't just toss me aside like I'm nothing. Unfortunately, my head and my body are disagreeing. I'm pissed off at him in my mind, but my body is still tingly from the best orgasm I've ever had. Flopping down on the bed, I clutch the soft pillow, hugging it close.

Nikolai stands in the doorway, looking as if he wants to say something but holding back the words. Finally, he clears his throat and says, "If you need anything, dial 0 on the phone, and Abram will bring it to you." Closing the door, he leaves me alone to sort through these conflicting feelings. I don't hear the door lock, but with all the security in the estate, I'm basically Aleksandr's prisoner.

Sitting up, I pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone. I dial Sandy's number, but the call doesn't go through. Damn it. How do I get an outside line? I try pressing nine before dialing Sandy's number, but that doesn't work either. I hang up the phone in frustration.

He's such an asshole! And the worst part is, he's the father of my baby. If I thought that telling him I was pregnant with his child would help me out of this situation, I'd tell him. Unfortunately, I think telling him will just make it worse. I do realize there is a crazy amount of chemistry between us. Still, I don't think springing a child on him is the best idea, especially since he has Sasha and Maxim to take care of. He never agreed to have a child with me, and I don't think he'd think of this as a happy surprise. Like he said, he needs to keep me around to identify Mikhail's killer. Once I do, he'll be done with me.

Sighing, I cradle my stomach, whispering to the baby. "It's okay, little one. I'll always be here for you and keep you safe. It's you and me, kid." Just then, my stomach rumbles from hunger. It's not dinner time yet, but the baby doesn't care. Picking up the phone, I dial 0.

"Miss Talia, what can I get for you?" Abram's voice is comforting and soothing. He's like the grandfather I never had.

"Can I have something to eat?" I ask.

"Of course. Would you like a snack or something more substantial?"

"A sandwich would be great." My stomach rumbles so loudly I wonder if he can hear it through the phone. "And maybe an apple. And if you have pickles, will you please add them, too?"

"I'll bring it right up," Abram replies.

I clean myself up in the bathroom before Abram brings the food. After wiping myself down, I select new clothes from the closet. Whoever picked them has good taste. I pair comfy grey sweatpants with a soft blue cable knit sweater.

Abram knocks on the door, brings a food tray, and places it on the table next to the chaise lounge. "Ring me if you require anything else."

"Thank you, Abram," I say sincerely. Just looking at the delicious sandwich makes my mouth salivate.

Settling on the white velvet chaise, I take a bite out of the sandwich and then the pickle. I contemplate my escape, trying to figure out the best way to leave the estate unnoticed. Once I have a plan, I'll get a phone and call Sandy. She'll know what to do after that. We can leave the city for a while and leave Aleksandr, Mikhail's killer, and all the drama behind. Once the coast is clear, we'll return and resume our lives as usual.

I was lost in my thoughts, so I didn't hear the door creak open. Sasha was standing in the middle of the room before I noticed her.

"Hi," she says sadly, looking down at her tiny feet. "Can I sit with you?"

"Yes, of course," I tell her, brushing sandwich crumbs from my fingers. "What's wrong?"

"My daddy died," she sniffles.

"I'm so sorry, sweetie. Can I give you a hug?" Nodding, she nestles into my arms, letting out a small sob. "Shh, it's okay." I run my hand down her soft blonde hair, consoling her.

"I lost my daddy when I was little, too," I tell her. She peeks up at me from underneath her lashes, her green eyes shiny with tears.

"You lost your mommy and your daddy just like me?" she sniffles.

"Yes, I did. But I didn't have an amazing uncle and brother like you do. Or the best nanny in the world. Everything will be alright. They'll take good care of you."

"You were all alone?" she asks innocently.

"At first, but then I met my sister, Sandy. We're not related, but we became as close as sisters." A soft smile hikes up my lips as I think about Sandy. "She looks out for me and takes care of me. She's the best sister I could have ever gotten."

"Where is she now?" Sasha asks, twisting the ends of my long hair between her delicate fingers.

"She's not far away, but I can't see her right now." A soft sigh escapes my lips, and Sasha looks up at me with concern.

"Do you miss her?"

"Yes, very much. I wish I could speak to her and ensure she is okay. But I don't have my cell phone, and the phone here doesn't work."

"I can get you a phone," Sasha whispers, her face lighting up enthusiastically. "Then you can call her."

"What do you mean? Get a phone from whom?" I sit up straight, anticipating her answer.

"Alyce, the maid. She cleans my room every day, and I know where she keeps her cell phone."

"Oh no, sweetie. I can't let you do that. You'll get in trouble, and then that would make me very sad."

"I can do it! She's cleaning the living room right now. I can get the phone and put it back when you're done." Jumping to her feet, she runs out of the room faster than I can stop her.

This isn't a good idea. What if Aleksandr finds out? He'll be furious. And I can't let him get angry with Sasha.

I'm pacing in circles when Sasha returns with the cell phone. "Sasha, you shouldn't have done that!" I grab her, hugging her tightly.

"Don't worry, I won't get into trouble. Uncle loves me very much. He said so." Her innocent little smile warms my heart. "Here." She thrusts the phone into my hand and stands guard at the door. "I'll let you know if anyone is coming."

I'm still not convinced this is a good idea, but the need to speak with Sandy outweighs my fears. I dial her number and then hold my breath until she answers.

"Hello?" Sandy answers. I release the breath and began speaking as quickly and quietly as I could.

"Sis, it's me. Are you okay? Please tell me you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm at the hotel with a very large man watching guard outside my door. Are you okay?" she asks quickly.

"Yes, I'm okay. Although I'm basically being held prisoner. Aleksandr won't let me contact anyone or leave the estate until he finds the man who killed his brother. I had to sneak this call without him knowing about it. Have you heard anything at work about the murder?" I chew on my bottom lip, pacing in front of the bed.

"I haven't gone to work. Dimitri said it was safer if I lay low until this was over. He said the killer might find out we're sisters and come after me to get to you. Can I be honest, sis? I don't feel very safe. This is the mafia we're dealing with. I'd rather figure out how to get you out of there so we can get out of the city until this blows over."

I hear the concern in her voice and decide she's right. I need to get out of this house and meet up with Sandy. "We can go to San Francisco and stay with Luke. I know he'll help us hide for a while."

"That sounds like a plan, but you have to figure out a way to get out of there first," Sandy whispers into the phone.

"I'll figure it out and call you back tomorrow with the details. Please stay safe."

"You too, sis," Sandy says, ending the call.

I rush over to Sasha and give her back the phone. "Thank you, Sasha, thank you so much. Now go and put the phone back. Hurry!" She gives me a quick hug and then scurries out of the room.

Taking a seat on the bed, I cradle my stomach. We have a plan, but now I must find a way out. I silently pray that I will figure it out by tomorrow.