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“Hmm,” I mutter, opening her messages. “Looks like I need to ruin some things for her.”

5

“You’re goingto have my baby.”

Julian’s words replay in my head like Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” did in 2008.

Talk about cliffhanger of the freaking century.

When he returns, I’m telling him he’s batshit crazy and to take me home.

Is going home even safe?

I gulp.

Will the Russian war-fucking-lords come looking for me, thinking I’m Dima’s wife to be, and Julian won’t be there to protect me?

First things first.

I need to get out of these bloody clothes.

I kick off my chunky heels, undress to only my bra and panties, and walk upstairs in search of a closet. The only unlocked doors are bathrooms, and I find nothing. Defeated, I return downstairs and find the laundry room.

I open the dryer, and it’s empty.

Just perfect.

As I make my way back to the kitchen, I spot a black blazer spread over the back of an island stool. I snatch it and put it on.

Unsure of what else to do, I snuggle on the couch and wait.

Wait and think.

Has my entire life been a lie?

My father was a well-respected Wall Street broker. He founded one of the largest investment firms in the country and managed billions of dollars for clients, ranging from tech CEOs to those on Forbes richest list and government officials in other countries.

No way he could have gone broke.

But why else would he have sold me and put a bullet in his own head?

Even if he did have a contract with the Russians, it’s not like Dima could take me to court and force me to marry him, right?

I wish I had my phone so I could call 911. My father might’ve done a shitty thing, but he didn’t deserve to be left dead in his office. I also need to get in contact with my mother to tell her everything and ask where she is. We haven’t talked in days, but that’s not unusual. Our relationship isn’t the best.

I grab the remote and attempt to make myself comfortable.

My mind returns to Julian.

Why is he doing this?

I’m his sister’s friend, yes.

But he made it clear he didn’t like or trust me.

Why in the world would he want me to have his baby?

I sawmy father shoot himself and haven’t cried.