Page 77 of Scarlet Promise

“What’s bothering you?” I ask her in Russian. “And don’t lie. I can tell.”

She heaves out a breath as Albert scrambles up on the bed and forces his way in between us. Though he allows me to still hold her, I do have to move to let him take a nice warm spot.

Alina pets his soft fur. Slowly, she explains to me about the shelter and how she wants to buy the land.

“You can’t just buy the business?”

“No,” she says. “The block was for sale, and I think I can buy it with the right offer, but that’s a lot of money. Like a chunk of my trust fund.”

“I’m guessing that means you need Demyan’s permission to access it.”

“Yep.”

I sigh. “Talk to him. Demyan loves you, Alina. I can’t see him denying you anything.”

“I can.”

“Well, he’s a stubborn ass, but as I said, he loves you. I think this could be a way forward to help mend the rift. It would give him the feeling of being involved. Don’t you think?”

“Maybe. I hope so.”

“Demyan might just surprise you.”

She slaps me playfully on the arm. “I’ll think about it.”

I sit up, and Albert gives me a side-eye.

“Let’s celebrate.”

“Ilya, it’s too early.”

“I meant the baby.”

She smiles. “So did I.”

“We can celebrate the fact that no matter what happens, we got pregnant. So if this doesn’t work, we can do it again. Just…”

She nods slowly. “I’ve never been pregnant. I never tried, but…I get it. Okay.”

“If you’re up to it, that is, I say. There’s a new Italian place?—”

“Occo? I’ve heard amazing things about it. Can we get in?”

“I can do anything. For you.”

“Well, for you, I’ll try and keep the food down.” Her lips twitch.

I kiss her. “Sorry, Albert. You stay here.”

He doesn’t seem bothered.

“Get ready, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

She nods and gets up, sweeping up the sheets and trailing out with Albert on her heels to her room.

I shower and dress then head downstairs to call and get a table at Occo, which doesn’t take much more than my name and an unspoken tip to the host.

Afterward, I pour a bourbon, and then I plunge in and call Santo.