Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Abby

The first light of dawn creeps through the heavy curtains, barely lighting up the room. For a brief moment, I forget where I am, but as my eyes adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings, the events of last night come rushing back. The safehouse, Maksim, the mafia. It’s all so surreal.

I sit up in bed and take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering remnants of my nightmares. It’s been an exhausting night, but at least it went smoothly. My gaze flicks to the row of cribs nestled along the wall, their gentle rocking motion soothing my frayed nerves. Despite the chaos surrounding us, I’m determined to keep my babies calm and safe.

As I swing my legs over the side of the bed and plant my feet on the plush carpet, there’s a sudden knock on the bedroom door. My heart skips a beat, my pulse quickening with fear. I glance back at the cribs, half expecting the babies to start crying, but they’re still peacefully sleeping, blissfully unaware of all the danger lurking just outside.

“Who is it?” I call out hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Good morning, Miss Abby. It’s Nadia, Maksim’s housekeeper,” comes the soft reply from behind the door.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I cautiously crack open the door and peer out. An older woman with kind eyes stands in the hallway, an inviting smile on her face. She holds a tray laden with breakfast—eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, and coffee—the rich aroma wafting through the small gap between the door and its frame.

“Good morning, Nadia.” I force a weak smile, trying to hide my anxiety. “What’s all this?”

“I thought you might be hungry after such an eventful night,” she says warmly. “May I come in?”

“Of course.” I step aside to let Nadia enter, feeling an odd mix of gratitude and unease. As she sets the tray on the small table near the window, I can’t help but eye the food hungrily. My stomach growls softly, betraying my hunger.

“Thank you, Nadia. This looks delicious.” I take a seat at the table and start picking at the fruit, not quite ready to dive into the more substantial fare just yet.

“Miss Abby, if you don’t mind me asking, how are you holding up?” Nadia asks gently as she takes a seat across from me.

I hesitate for a moment before answering. “I’m managing,” I admit, finally taking a bite of toast. “It’s been difficult, but I know I have to stay strong for the babies.”

“Of course,” Nadia agrees. “And Mr. Maksim? Do you trust him to keep you safe?”

Trust is a loaded word when it comes to Maksim Pavlov. But somehow, I find myself nodding. “I think so,” I say quietly, avoiding Nadia’s eyes. “He seems to genuinely want to help us.”

Nadia smiles softly, a knowing glint in her eyes. “He can be difficult at times. But he has a good heart. He always looks out for those he cares about.”

“Tell me more about him,” I request, my curiosity piqued. “I want to understand the man who’s turned my life upside down.”

Nadia hesitates for a moment before answering. “Maksim is a complex man,” she begins slowly, picking her words with care. “His family is very important to him. He would do anything for them.” She hesitates a moment before continuing, “I’ve been with Maksim’s family for his entire life, and most of mine.”

“Really?” I ask, intrigued.

“Da,” she nods, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. “I was his dear friend’s mother.”

My fork clatters onto my plate, the surprise evident on my face, and I ask on a hunch. “Sasha?”

“Da,” Nadia repeats softly, her smile tinged with sadness. “Maksim and Sasha were like brothers. They grew up together and always had each other’s backs. When Sasha died…” Her voice trails off, as if the pain of the memory was still fresh.

“I’m so sorry,” I murmur, swallowing the lump in my throat. Hearing the story of Maksim’s bond with Sasha humanizes him for me, makes him seem less like a cold mobster and more like a loving, loyal friend.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “It was a long time ago, but it still hurts. That’s why he’s been so supportive of your organization, always writing those big checks every year in memory of my Sasha.”

My mind reels at this revelation. Was he the mysterious megadonor all along? I somehow get the feeling that he is. “Wow,” I breathe, the weight of this new information settling on me. “I don’t know what to say.” He’s literally been the reason we were able to get so far, so fast with the organization.

“Say nothing,” Nadia advises gently. “Maksim does not like to draw attention to his good deeds, especially when they involve matters close to his heart.”

“Can I ask you something else, Nadia?” I inquire, my voice hesitant.

“Of course, Abby,” she replies with a kind smile, encouraging me to continue.

“About Maksim’s work. What exactly does he do? And why does he have such a tough exterior?”

Nadia’s expression changes almost instantly. Her eyes flicker with a hint of unease, and her lips press into a thin line. I realize that I might have crossed a line, but I can’t help it. The curiosity gnaws at me.

“Abby,” Nadia starts softly, shifting in her seat. “Maksim’s line of work is not something I can discuss freely. But I will say this, his profession demands strength and resilience. It is not an easy life, and it has hardened him in many ways.”

I bite my lip, trying to process the little information she’s given me. She’s being evasive, and I don’t want to push her further, but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this story than meets the eye. If I’m honest with myself, I do think I know. My previous fear that he was involved in the Bratva comes circling back through my thoughts, and I can’t help but replay his response to my accusing him of murdering Booker. The way he insisted it wasn’t him and ‘his guys’ who did it, that they only beat the man up for information.

Anyone else would have balked at the very notion of murder—or being accused of it. Maksim just insisted that this murder wasn’t his.

But it’s as if my brain refuses to accept that the father of my babies, and the Bratva, are in any way connected. Like I need it to be confirmed, and until somebody says it out loud, it couldn’t possibly be true.

“Is he involved in something dangerous?” I whisper, my pulse quickening at the thought.

“I am sorry, Abby, but I cannot speak about it. Just know that he is doing everything in his power to keep you and your babies safe,” Nadia responds, her tone firm but gentle.

“Alright,” I mumble, my stomach knotting with anxiety. “Thank you for answering my questions,” I finally manage, forcing a smile. “And for the breakfast.”

“Of course,” she says, rising from her chair. “If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Will do,” I say, watching as she leaves the room.

I sit in the silence of my temporary sanctuary, feeling the weight of Maksim’s unspoken secrets bearing down on me. Each revelation about him only seems to deepen the mystery that surrounds his life. Despite the gratitude I feel for his protection and support, I know I must tread carefully if I want to keep my babies and myself safe in this uncertain situation.