36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Aleksandr

Dr. Daria's voice echoed in my mind as I paced the sterile corridor of the hospital. "Talia is well enough to leave," she had said, her tone as clinical as the environment around us. Relief mixed with apprehension in my chest. She had pulled through the worst, but the danger was far from over.

I took a deep breath, readying myself for the confrontation ahead. Sandy stood at the end of the hall, her arms crossed and eyes fixed on the floor. I knew she wouldn't be happy with my decision, but it didn't matter. Talia was coming home with me, and there was no room for argument.

"Sandy," I called, approaching her with deliberate steps. She looked up, her eyes weary but defiant.

"Aleksandr," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice. "What's the plan now?"

"Talia is going home with me," I stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation. "She'll be safer at the mansion. I won't risk her being out in the open."

Sandy's eyes narrowed, concern etched into every line of her face. "You think it's safe to bring her there? With everything going on?"

"I'm going to find Vic and end this once and for all," I said, my voice hard. "Until then, the mansion is the safest place for her."

She studied me for a moment, her gaze piercing. "Do you even care about her, Aleksandr? Or is this just about the baby?"

Her question hit me like a punch to the gut. I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came. How did I feel about Talia? The answer wasn't clear, even to me. I cared for her, yes, but love? That was a different beast entirely.

"I care about her safety," I said, skirting around the real question. "And the baby's."

Sandy shook her head, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "You're a complicated man, Aleksandr. Just... don't hurt her. She's been through enough."

I nodded, unable to promise more. She sighed and returned to Talia's room, leaving me to my thoughts.

Talia is the first woman that ever made me think about marriage and family. She's beautiful, intelligent, and strong. And she's carrying my baby, my heir. But I've always avoided relationships, having one-night stands with women and never being with them again. It was easier that way, given my lifestyle. Being pakhan of a Bratva family held many responsibilities. I have allies and enemies who wouldn't think twice about using the people I love against me. The thought of Talia or the baby ever getting hurt because of me was enough for me to dismiss the entire thing. I can't be in a relationship with her. The best I can do is keep her close and keep her safe.

Dimitri approached silently, his presence a solid anchor. "We need to talk about Vic," I said, leading him to a quieter corner of the hallway. "Tommy gave me three possible locations where Vic might be hiding. I need men at all three places. I don't trust Tommy's men to handle Vic. Stake out the locations and notify me immediately when they find him."

Dimitri nodded. "Consider it done."

"Take Sandy to the hotel and make sure she is safe. Talia's been through enough, and I don't want her worrying about Sandy's safety."

"I'll guarantee she'll get there safe and sound, brat ."

I watched Dimitri leave, his strides purposeful. My mind churned with the details of our plan.

The paperwork was signed a while later, and Talia was officially released from the hospital. Despite her earlier reservations, Sandy agreed to return to the hotel under Dimitri's watchful eye. I assured her it was for her safety, and Dimitri assured her he would keep her safe.

The drive back to the mansion was quiet. Talia rested in the passenger seat, her face pale but serene. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, my mind swirling with unspoken thoughts.

" Kiska ," I began, breaking the silence. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

She turned to me, her eyes soft. "I'm just tired, Aleksandr. But I'm glad to be going home... to your home." She choked on the words, averting her eyes to look out the passenger window.

Her words touched something deep inside me. "It's your home, too," I replied quietly.

"Is it, though?" she questioned wearily. "Sandy said the only reason you insist I stay in the mansion is because it's the safest place. If my life wasn't being threatened, and I wasn't pregnant with your baby, I doubt I'd be in your home."

I wanted to tell her that wasn't true. The beast in me reared up, desperate to tell her that she'll always belong to me, no matter the circumstances. Instead, I remained silent. There was too much going on in my head to say what I knew she needed to hear.

When we arrived, I helped her inside, guiding her to her bedroom and settling her on the bed.

"You need rest," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "The children will be happy to see you."

Her face lit up at the mention of Sasha and Maxim, and it struck me how much they had come to mean to her. I left her to get comfortable and went to find the children, enlisting their help making popcorn and gathering snacks. Their laughter filled the kitchen, easing the turmoil in my mind.

We brought the snacks to Talia's room, and the kids immediately climbed onto the bed, snuggling up to her as they picked a movie. Her smile was radiant, her affection for them evident in every touch and laugh. Watching them together, I felt a warmth I couldn't quite explain.

As the movie started, I lingered at the door, watching the scene unfold. Talia caught my eye and smiled a silent invitation. I hesitated, then stepped inside, settling into a chair near the bed.

The movie played on, but my attention was on Talia and the children. They were so at ease with each other, a small family within the larger chaos of our lives. Talia's laughter, soft and genuine, wrapped around my heart.

"They mean the world to me," she whispered.

"And you to them," I replied, my voice thick with emotion.

We sat in silence for a moment, eyes locked on each other. Finally, I stood, needing to escape the feelings she stirred in me.

"I have to take care of something," I said, my tone serious. "Stay here with the kids. I'll be back soon."

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Be careful, Aleksandr."

"I will," I promised, kissing her forehead. The gesture was instinctive and surprised both of us.

Leaving them to their movie, I retreated to my office, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders again. A message pinged on my phone, and I quickly opened it. One of my vors had spotted Vic.

I dialed Dimitri's number. "We have a lead," I said as soon as he answered. "Message Anton and both of you meet me at the address I'm about to send you."

" Da , pakhan ," he replied without hesitation.

I sent the address and sat back. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for. Ending Vic was the only way to avenge Mikhail, ensure Talia's safety, and end the threat that loomed over us.

But as I prepared to leave, a thought lingered in my mind. Was keeping Talia in the mansion really just about protection? Or was there something more I couldn't admit, even to myself?