Page 61 of Cruel Russian King

Ninel was pregnant.

After listening to Vera and Katya talk about their pregnancies…I was pretty sure that's what was wrong with Ninel.

I glanced at the watch on my wrist. It was three in the morning. I had just come from beating the shit out of someone who was trying to steal my drugs instead of selling it like he was supposed to. I was going to head back to headquarters, but I made a U-turn and raced home.

Did she know about the pregnancy?

Fifteen minutes later, I stormed into the house and hurried to the bedroom. Ninel wasn't in bed. A few seconds later she and Kira stepped out of the bathroom. Ninel looked dead on her feet. But, I didn't give a fuck. I wanted answers.

“Kira, leave,” I snarled before either one of them could say anything.

“Let me just get her to the…”

“I said leave!” I bellowed.

Kira jumped and hustled out of the room. Ninel looked at me, her face blank. When she swayed on her feet, I rushed over and grabbed her arm.

“You're pregnant,” I snapped.

Ninel didn't say anything.

“I have a headache, do you need to shout?”

I squeezed her arm enough for her to wince.

“I asked you a damn question and I expect an answer.”

“Artyom, you're hurting me…”

“Ninel, I'd do a lot more if you don't fucking answer me.”

It was quiet for a few seconds before she spoke.

“Yes. I am.”

“Son of a fucking bitch,” I muttered, and dropped her arm as though it pained me to touch her.

I glared at Ninel then stormed out of the room. I didn't stop until I was back in my car speeding towards the city.

I slammed my hands against the wheel.

She fucking knew! That's why she didn't want to go to the clinic or let the doctor check her at the house.

Two fucking weeks.

She went to the damn pharmacy! And probably bought a fucking test!

Two fucking weeks she knew!

Then it dawned on me that she wasn't planning on telling me!

And if she wasn't planning on telling me it meant that she was probably looking for a way to sneak out again and abort the baby.

Not on my fucking watch.

I pulled out my phone and called Ruslan.

“Mrs. Rykov is not to leave the house under any circumstance. Get the key from Kolya. Lock the doors. If shedoes leave and ends up in the city every single guard on duty will end up with a bullet through their skull. Got it?”