Page 79 of Twisted Pact

Alexei’s voice carries through the reinforced steel. I’ve been hiding in here since Dr. Orlov delivered the news, trying to process what this means for my future.

“Go away,” I demand with a childish whine.

The door handle turns. Of course, he has keys to everything in this place.

Alexei steps inside, carrying a tray with soup and crackers. “The doctor said you need to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You’re eating for two now. That changes things.”

I sit up in bed and glare at him. “Don’t start with the ‘eating for two’ crap. I just found out I’m pregnant. Give me five minutes to process before you start making decisions about my nutrition.”

He sets the tray on the nightstand and sits in the chair by the window. “How are you feeling?”

“Terrified. Angry. Trapped.” I pull my knees to my chest. “How do you think I’m feeling?”

“I think you’re overwhelmed. But this doesn’t have to be a disaster.”

I sputter my lips. “I’m pregnant with a baby I didn’t plan, while hiding in an underground bunker because people want to kidnap me. My entire life just got derailed.”

“Your life isn’t derailed; it’s just taking a different direction.”

I want to throw something at his head. “A different direction? Alexei, I’m twenty-three years old, and I only have one semester left before I get my doctorate because I’ve busted my ass to get it done early. I was supposed to graduate. Now what? I drop out of school to raise a baby in this world?”

“You don’t have to drop out. You would graduate before the baby comes.”

“And how can I finish my degree while pregnant and dealing with constant security threats? How can I attend classes ordefend my thesis while hiding from people who want to use me as leverage?”

His shoulders slump as he replies, “What do you want me to say?”

“I want you to acknowledge that having your baby means I can never go back to my normal life. That I’ll be permanently tied to your world whether or not I want to be.”

“Would that be so terrible? Being permanently tied to my world. To me. Would it really be the worst thing that could happen?”

“That’s not the point.”

“Itisthe point. You’re acting like this pregnancy is a prison sentence. Like being connected to me is a punishment.”

I stare at him in disbelief. “You’re missing the point. This isn’t about whether being with you is good or bad. It’s about choice. About having control over my future.”

“You have choices.”

“My choices are to accept this life or raise a child alone while constantly looking over my shoulder for your enemies.”

“That’s not?—”

“That’s exactly what it is. This baby makes me a permanent target. Anyone who wants to hurt you can use our child to get to you. Anyone who wants to control you can threaten us. My independence just became impossible.”

Alexei stands and stuffs his hands in his pockets. “I’ll protect you.”

“For how long? Forever? What kind of life is that for a child?”

“My father protected me and Dmitri. We survived.”

“Survived isn’t the same as thrived. Do you want our child to grow up the way you did? Locked away from the world and taught to be afraid of everyone outside the family?”

“I want our child to be safe.”