Page 36 of Mafia Prince's Secret Baby

He smirks, a maddeningly smug expression that makes me want to slap it clean off his face.

“You can’t blame a guy for trying to make the best out of a desperate situation. Now be a doll and get the kids. We’re leaving.”

Every word from him grates against my nerves, but I know it’s pointless to fight him. I could stand here and argue all day, but it won’t change a thing. And honestly? I don’t even know what I want anymore. My mind feels like it’s unraveling, every sharp edge of my anger dulling into helplessness.

Before I can summon a retort, a soft creak draws both our attention. I turn toward the doorway and freeze.

Sofiya and Damien are standing there, their wide eyes darting between us. My heart sinks. How long have they been watching? Did they see the worst of it?

I step back from Igor, forcing myself to take a deep breath. My lungs burn, but I smooth my expression, softening my gaze as I look at Sofiya. She doesn’t need more reasons to dislike him—or to fear him.

I force a smile to my lips and sign,“Don’t worry. We came to get Damien, and now we’re going to another house.”

Sofiya frowns, tilting her head.“All of us?”

I hesitate, but the look in her eyes—so full of hope—feels like a knife twisting in my gut.“All of us,”I sign back, even though the words feel like a betrayal. There’s no choice. If I resist Igor, he’ll take Sofiya from me. And that’s a risk I can’t take.

Sofiya shifts her gaze to Igor, studying him like she always does. To my surprise, his posture softens. He kneels in front of the kids, and for a brief moment, he almost looks human. His icy eyes lock on hers.

“What did she say?” he asks, his voice quiet but firm.

“It’s none of your business,” I spit, the defiance in my tone making his shoulders tense.

But he doesn’t take the bait. Instead, he turns to Damien. “We’re going to Babushka and Deduska’s house for a few days,” he says, his tone gentle. “Grab whatever toys you want, okay?”

Damien nods and scampers off to his room. Igor watches him go, and for just a second, I see something in his expressionI wasn’t expecting—a small, fond smile that makes my knees threaten to give out.

Sofiya glances at me, her little hands moving quickly in sign language.“Should I help Damien?”

“Yes,”I sign back, my hands steady even as my chest tightens.“Go help him pack.”

Sofiya doesn’t hesitate. She darts after Damien, leaving me alone with Igor once again.

I glare at him, my anger rising like a tide. “This isn’t a joke, Igor.”

His face hardens. “I know it’s not. Which is why you’re going with me.”

“To Nik’s house,” I counter, my voice firm. “You know we’d be safer there.”

His expression darkens. “No.”

“But—”

“Don’t push me, Katya,” he growls, his jaw clenching. “I’m not in the mood for another argument. We’re all going to my parents’ house, and that’s final.”

“Fuck you,” I snap, my voice low and sharp.

He moves so fast I don’t have time to react. In three strides, he’s caging me against the wall, one arm braced beside my head while his body looms over mine. His presence is suffocating, his voice a dangerous whisper.

“I don’t think you heard me,” he says, his tone chillingly calm. “I won’t tolerate defiance. Once in a while is fine—it keeps things interesting. But keep pushing me,volchitsa, and I’ll have to force you.”

I want to tell him to go to hell. I want to tell him he’s the last person I’d trust with Sofiya’s safety. But before I can open my mouth, Sofiya and Damien reappear, holding their bags.

Igor steps back like nothing happened.

“Let’s go, kids,” he says, ushering us toward the door. He pauses, glancing at me as his hand hovers over the handle. “It should be cleaned up by now.”

I stiffen. “What was it?” I ask, my voice quiet, though I don’t really want to know.