Page 35 of Dark Desires

“Well, Miss Mancini, all your tests came back clear. No lasting issues from the injury, and most importantly, the baby is perfectly healthy.”

I blink, my breath catching. “The baby’s OK?”

The doctor nods, a small smile on his lips. “Yes, absolutely. No abnormalities, no concerns. You’re about ten weeks along now, based on the bloodwork and how the baby is measuring.”

ten weeks. That means the first trimester is almost over. Two more, and I’m going to be a mom.

He finally looks up from his notes. “Anything else?”

“How much time before I start showing? I mean, I can see a little bump. But how much time…” I trail off, hoping my implication is enough.

“Everyone is different and a lot of it is based on your body frame and how quickly you gain weight. Though I would guess you still have a couple of months before it’s obvious.”

I nod and he sits down, his expression turning serious.

“Is there a home life situation that’s making you want to hide your pregnancy? Do you feel unsafe?”

I cut him off right away. “No. Nothing like that. Just that this wasn’t expected, and I want to know how much time I have to figure out how to drop this particular bomb.”

Another smile forms on his face. “I understand. Please take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything at all.”

“Got it. I appreciate it.”

“Any other questions?”

I shake my head. “No. Thanks, Doc.”

“Take care of yourself—and the little one. And congratulations. Make sure you make an appointment with an OBGYN as soon as you can. You’re going to need monthly visits and vitamins.”

With that, he gets up and leaves. The door clicks shut, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

I step out into the hallway, feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head’s spinning, my chest tight. Ten weeks. Healthy baby.

As I round the corner, I freeze. Alexei is standing a few feet away, his phone to his ear. He hasn’t seen me yet, but he’s close—too close. Close enough to have heard everything if he was paying attention.

His conversation wraps up, and his gaze lands on me. His expression shifts, concern flickering in those sharp blue eyes.

“Isabella,” he says, slipping the phone into his pocket. “You were with the doctor? What did he say?”

My heart skips. “Nothing important.”

“So, everything’s alright with your arm?”

“Yeah. Arm’s fine. Might need a little therapy to help get the image of a guy getting blown away in front of me out of my head, but you know, all part of the Mancini lifestyle, right?” I offer a weak laugh, one that he doesn’t match.

He frowns. “You look pale. Are you sure you’re alright?”

I fold my arms, putting up a wall. “I’m fine, Alexei. Don’t start playing the worried brother-in-law-to-be now.”

His brow furrows, confused. “Isabella, what the hell are you talking about?”

Before he can say another word, I turn on my heel and bolt down the hallway. My thoughts are a tangled mess, and I need air. I need space. I need not to feel like my world is crumbling under the weight of this secret I’m carrying.

The cold air bites at my skin as I step outside. As soon as I’m out in the chill, it dawns on me how alone I am in all of this. How the hell am I supposed to tell anyone about this baby? And what do I do when my family finds out?

It’s all so overwhelming. Nightmare scenarios flash through my mind, like the Ivanovs learning the truth and throwing the alliance in the trash. Without the Ivanovs, we’re sitting ducks for whatever might come. Did a single night of reckless fun doom my father, my cousin, my whole family?

All the emotions spill over, and I break down. I don’t know how long I sit there, crying, but then I feel a presence. I look up to find Alexei standing over me.