Page 133 of Wicked Refusal

How, when I’m the one who pushed her this far?

“Ginny, please.” It’s all I can think to say. “Please, don’t take my son from me.”

“I’m sorry.” Her tone is clipped, distant. “But I have to do what’s best for me. Even if it’s not what’s best for you.”

Then she’s leaving.

As soon as she’s gone, my knees give out.

“Mia!” I can hear Kallie and Nik, can see the flurry of activity as they rush to me, but it’s all so far away. It’s nothing compared to the despair that grips me.

I’ve lost my family.

I’ve lost my sister.

And now, I’m going to lose my kid, too.

As I close my eyes and slip into unconsciousness, one last thought fills my heart. A crazy, impossible wish.

I wish Yulian were here.

When strong arms lift me up, I barely feel it.

When warmth surrounds me, I barely feel it.

And when the scent of cedarwood and amber engulfs me?—

“I’ve got you,kotyonok.”

—the world’s already gone black.

46

YULIAN

I knew I couldn’t leave her.

Ever since this morning, I had a sinking feeling something was going to go south. Call me crazy, but I’ve learned to trust my gut. And my gut told me to stick around.

Now, with Mia in my arms, I’m glad I did.

As I put her in the back of my car, Isaak gives me the CliffsNotes of what happened. I wish I could say I blame him for dropping the ball, but I’ve known the guy too long. And I know Mia.

She refused to let him cross-examine Ginny.

She refused to put Eli on the stand.

She refused to let anyone get hurt.

I thank Isaak and tell him to keep me posted. He assures me he will. Then I’m driving.

Once we’re back at the penthouse, I tuck Mia into bed and lie down beside her.

“How is she?” Nikita calls to ask.

I have no idea.That’s the ugly truth of it. Physically, she seems fine, but mentally? She’s suffered the kind of blow I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy: betrayal.

I make arrangements with Nikita to pick up Eli from school in the afternoon. Afterwards, I call Maksim, leaving instructions on how to handle today’s matters at the office. Then I lie back down and wait for Mia to wake up.