Chapter 62

Chapter 61

Sophia

LUKA'S MANSION'S gone through a total makeover, and it feels like I'm trapped in some over-the-top reality TV show. Giant golden balloons are everywhere, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and there's enough glitter on everything to make me squint. The maids are running around with golden swags and potted plants, turning the garden into something out of a fairy tale.

"Watch where you're going!" one of them barks at me as I almost send a ladder crashing down.

"Sorry!" I yell back, faking the frantic energy in the room. It's chaos in here, and all I want to do is get through the day without getting run over.

But there's a storm in my head, a chaos I can't escape. I'm walking a tightrope, and one slip could ruin everything. Like tipping off Anya about today's plan? That fear gnaws at me.

My palms are sweaty, my heart's racing, but I can't let anyone see that. I scan the room, looking for Anya, but she's vanished.

What's she up to?

Luka's words are a blunt reminder: "Act like normal, krasotka. Anya's not just in the kitchen, she's watching. If she gets to you, make sure Aleks doesn't know what we're planning. Understand? That asshole cannot know that we're preparing for him."

Normal? There's nothing normal about any of this.

Once, I was a puppet on Aleks's string, living every second with a lump in my throat, never knowing when he'd yank it tight.

Then came the whole "fake" nanny gig. And what do you know? I fall for Yulia like she's the kid sister I never had.

And Luka, that infuriatingly irresistible man, somehow sneaks past all my defenses. Now I'm carrying his child.

How the hell did I get here?

I find my hand drifting to my belly, where Luka's were just last night, those dark and dangerous eyes burning into mine. The guy looked like hell, but still managed to be painfully sexy. I wanted him to stay with me, to make everything seem okay, just for a little while.

But he left, lips on mine, and a quick, "We need to keep things as they are right now. Nothing out of the ordinary."

I bite my lip, feeling a sudden wave of nausea followed by panic. Then Luka's voice comes back to me, deep and reassuring, "You are part of us now; you are one of the Ivankov."

The Ivankov. I take a deep breath and straighten my back, pushing the fear down.

Yes, Luka kept his promise.

He saved Nilo and Wren.

It's been a long time since anyone made me feel protected. Not since Mom and Dad died, not since Nana fell ill and Nilo went off the deep end.

No one's looked out for me like this until now.

The room's busy, filled with people scurrying about, but it's all just noise to me. My mind is fixated on Luka, on his words, on the feelings he stirs up inside me. It's unfamiliar and scary, yet it's something I realize I've been needing all along.

I've been alone for so long.

Is it wrong to want this?

To want to feel secure and protected when everything's on the brink of collapse? That's what Luka's offering me, and it's tantalizing. It's a lifeline in a world where I've been adrift for so long. His promises, his touch, they make me feel like everything might just be okay.

Walking into Yulia's room, my eyes lock onto Anya, who's combing Yulia's hair like she's got every right in the world to be there. My heart kicks into overdrive, and a nasty taste fills my mouth.

"Hello, Ms. William," she greets me, and that damn smile on her face has me clenching my fists. She's playing a game, acting like a doting caregiver. "I found Yulia alone in her room and thought I would keep her company."

I want to grab her by the hair and demand answers. But I can't. I've got to act "normal." Whatever the fuck that means.

"Hi, Anya," I reply, forcing a sweetness into my voice that makes my skin crawl. I inch closer to Yulia, feigning nonchalance. "I was just out in the kitchen to refill some water for her."

My mind's racing a mile a minute. How the fuck did she get past everyone? What's she doing here?

Without warning, she's up and yanking me toward the bathroom. I flinch, but she doesn't seem to notice, her eyes darting as she whispers. "Everything is on track today. Bring Yulia to the barn at eight tonight."

My heart pounds in my ears. "What? Why?" I choke out, panic edging my voice.

Her grin morphs into something wicked, something evil. "Because we have a surprise for the Ivankov. If you want to see your brother and that bitch best friend of yours, you'd better listen to me."

I fight the urge to lash out. She doesn't know. She doesn't know that Nilo and Wren have been rescued.

But why?

I shove my fear down and put on a mask of obedience. "Of course, Anya. I'll do whatever you need."

Her eyes narrow, and she leans closer. "Remember, eight at the barn, and don't fuck this up."

I nod, pretending to fall in line. "I understand."

Her laugh is a cold, cruel sound. "See that you do."

She leaves, and I'm left reeling, fury and terror warring inside me. I glance over at Yulia, her innocent eyes wide and curious.

"Where did Anya go?"

"She just had to run an errand," I say with a soft smile." My gaze drifts to Max, who's gnawing happily on his favorite squeaky toy. "Look at Max. He's already excited about your party. The circus crew will be there, remember?"

Yulia's face lights up. "Luka said they'll do all those amazing tricks and stunts, too!"

"Yes, and Max will probably outshine them all. Might even learn a trick or two from them."

Her joy dims for a second, and she looks up at me with big, worried eyes. "What about Luka, Dima, and Erik? Will they be able to come? I miss them so much."

I bend down to hug her, trying to convey reassurance. "I know you do, sweetheart. They'll try their best to be there. They wouldn't want to miss your special day."

"Promise?"

My heart drops, but I puff out my chest, hands on my hips. "Of course! They wouldn't dare miss it. If they do, they'll have me to deal with." I fake an angry pout, and she giggles.

Yulia's eyes bounce back and forth to the door like she's expecting Luka, Dimitri, and Erik to pop up out of nowhere.

"Let's get ready, princess." I look at the time, my heart pumping in anxiety, knowing things may get nasty tonight.

I've never thought I would come across someone so near to evil. My feelings for Aleks are beyond anger, beyond hate; it's a gnawing loathing that eats at me every time I think of him.

At Yulia's birthday party! Fucking bastard Aleks!

I glance at my watch, and my breath catches.

It's five now.

Svetlana's voice is loud and clear in my head. "Mr. Ivankov's guests are arriving today at six p.m. Cocktails and food must be ready by then. We will have the circus crew performing from seven until eight," she announced this morning.

If she knows what's really going on, she's doing a damned good job of hiding it. There's no sign, no hint, nothing. Just the same cold instructions. It's maddening.

Only another hour before the guests start arriving. Who are these guests, anyway? Friends of Luka? Business associates? Or just random people here to gawk at the spectacle?

My mind spins, and I can't shake the feeling that tonight's event is a ticking time bomb.

I need to tell Luka about Anya's plan, plain and simple. She's up to something, and I can't let my guard down. Right now, my job is to protect Yulia, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

"Sophia?" Yulia's voice pulls me back from my anger. I look down at her innocent eyes, a calming presence.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Will there be cake?" she asks, her eyes wide and hopeful.

I laugh, shaking off my irritation. "Of course! The biggest and tastiest cake you've ever seen."

She beams, and my heart lightens.

"You know," I add, steering her attention back to the wardrobe, "the cake's going to be amazing, but what would make it even more special is the perfect dress to match it. I have just the one!"

I walk over to her inner closet and pull out a pink Chanel dress that's a work of art in itself. The fabric is a soft silk that feels like a cloud, with delicate lace detailing around the neckline. Tiny sparkling crystals are embedded in the material, catching the light as I move it. The dress probably cost more than my entire year's salary from my old jobs. It's ridiculous and beautiful at the same time.

"Oh, sweetheart, you're going to love this one. It's tailored just for you. Sparkling like the stars." I reveal the dress, watching her eyes widen at the glitz.

She hesitates a bit, biting her lip, looking between the dress and me. "It's really pretty," she says slowly, "But, um, can I wear a suit like Luka?"

I pause, then smile warmly, understanding the longing in her eyes. "A suit? Now, that's a stylish choice. Luka would be proud."

Her face lights up, and she dashes over to another section of her closet, pulling out a smart little suit that's every bit as tailored as the Chanel dress. "This one!" she exclaims, looking at me for approval.

I laugh, nodding. "That's the one! You're gonna be the best-dressed kid at the party!"