Page 38 of Forbidden Boss
When we pull up to our building, the garage gate lifts. No one says a word as the driver pulls into a spot and we climb out. Lev, Yuri, and I take the private elevator up to the penthouse. As soon as we step inside, Yuri and Lev exchange a look.
Yuri nods and speaks into his comm, alerting the security staff, then disappears from the living room with his usual quiet grace. Lev steps farther into the living room and turns to face me.
“We have a lot to discuss,” he says.
“We do.”
I set my bag on the coffee table and sit on the couch, bracing myself for war. He stands in front of me, his hands on his hips. He looks me over like he’s checking for obvious damage. Then he sighs and sits down on the opposite end of the couch. He folds his hands in his lap and leans toward me. Every hair on my body stands at attention as I wait for his reaction.
“How far along are you?” he asks.
It’s an easy enough question.
“Six weeks.” I shrug. “Maybe seven. My bloodwork will confirm the exact date.”
He just nods, stands, and goes to the wet bar to pour himself a drink. He doesn’t say anything as he pours brown liquor. He looks up at me like he’s about to ask if I want one, then remembers that I’m pregnant and stops himself.
“It’s yours,” I say into the long silence, unable to stop myself. “I haven’t been with anyone besides you since we started… whatever this is.” I gesture lamely between us.
“I wasn’t going to ask,” he says.
“I know you weren’t,” I say, realizing how endearing that is. “I just wanted to make sure that was clear.”
“I don’t need you to,” he says, almost offended now. “I don’t doubt your intentions, Mari.”
“I don’t know what you’d question anymore,” I say honestly. “You have me followed twenty-four hours a day. You’ve had me locked up like a princess in a tower for weeks.”
I sigh and look around the living room, reminding myself it’s still a prison. Nothing about that has changed. But he’s a little warmer now, at least, and this secret isn’t hanging around my neck like an albatross.
“All of that has been for your protection.”
“As you’ve stated over and over.”
He sits back down with his drink and takes a long sip, considering all of this. I still have no idea what he’s thinking. His reaction so far has already been so different from what I would have expected from him. We are in truly uncharted waters, and I feel like I’m drowning.
“Is there anything else you’d like to know?” I can’t help but ask, feeling strangely bare in front of him.
He nods once, resets, and his tone becomes much gentler. “What do you need?” he asks.
I’m so taken aback by the question that I can’t even answer at first. I actually have to think about it for a second. What do I need?
“I don’t know yet,” I finally admit. “It’s all really new.”
“Are you sick? Nauseous? Dizzy? Are you having headaches?” He scoots closer. “Any strange cravings?”
I can’t help but laugh at his hovering. For once, it doesn’t feel like an overreaction. I’m literally growing a baby in my body, and the sincere look in his eye tells me he’s considering that too. It’s a little magical, and completely overwhelming.
“I’m okay right now,” I tell him honestly, still touched by his thoughtfulness. “I have everything I need for the moment.”
“Well, if and when that changes, just tell me. I’ll make sure all your needs are taken care of,” he says firmly. “And you’ll be working from home from now on.”
I stop short at this.
“What? Why?” I can’t help the edge in my voice. This is so typical of him.
“Given your current condition, it’s for the best,” he answers, taking another long sip of his drink as if he’s trying to calm himself.
“I’m not fragile, Lev,” I argue. “I can go to the office every day and work. It’s not like it’s a physically taxing job. Plenty of pregnant women go into the office every day all around the world.”