Page 139 of Sweet Deception

A distant roar cut through the air. My breath hitched as I turned toward the sound. A chopper. My chest tightened as the aircraft grew closer and closer, finally touching down with a violent gust of wind.

“Gleb will not be pleased with this,” I said, desperation curling around my words.

Grandma exhaled, unbothered. “Of course, he won’t. He’ll go mad, maybe even declare war. But it’s already been handled.”

I shook my head. “You’re wrong. He won’t let this happen.”

She gave me a pitying look. “You may think he loves you, but he doesn’t. It’s obvious. He couldn’t even bring himself to touch you.”

“That’s not true.” My voice wavered.

Two men approached, gesturing for me to step forward. I understood immediately, if I didn’t go willingly, they’d force me in.

“Please... Grandma.” I pleaded.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said gently. “But if your parents wanted you dead, they would have done it years ago.”

I hesitated, my pulse pounding in my ears.

Valentina scoffed. “He won’t be coming. He doesn’t even know you’re missing.” She smirked. “We have eyes on him.”

I panicked. “I’m pregnant.”

One of them scoffed as he grabbed me. “How? He hasn’t even touched you.”

Rage flared in me. I shoved him back violently. “Stop fucking touching me!”

Valentina’s eyes narrowed, then she lifted her hand, and the men backed off slightly.

“He’s had sex with you?” she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.

I nodded. It was a lie, a desperate stall for time. I prayed Zoya had already realized I was missing. Maybe, just maybe, Gleb would find me in time.

Valentina stared at me, as if weighing the truth. “Don’t lie to me, sweetheart. I can call a doctor right now.”

“I’m pregnant,” I said again, firmer this time.

Valentina let out a slow breath. “Take her inside.”

I was led into an unfinished house, cold, dimly lit, the scent of damp wood thick in the air. A wooden stool sat in the middle of the room. I sank onto it, my heart racing.

Please, Gleb. Find me.

Valentina strolled in, holding a small bottle. “Doctor will be here soon. In the meantime, he asked for a urine sample.” She handed me the container.

I took it with shaking hands. “Where’s the toilet?”

She smirked. “There isn’t one.”

I froze, glancing around. Several men stood in the room, watching.

Valentina waved them away. “Out.”

Once they left, I still felt exposed, humiliated. But I had no choice. I did what I had to do and handed her the bottle.

She stared at me. “Are you really pregnant, Anna?”

“I guess the doctor will confirm it,” I muttered. Then I lifted my eyes, locking onto hers. “You’re a wicked woman.”