Bile rises to my throat and it burns so badly I lose vision for a few seconds. I swallow hard, and the smell of vomit and desperation threatens to break my composure.
“Then… well, you know what happened. I think he felt guilty afterwards. He left me alone for a while, but then it started again. Phone calls, unexpected visits. Threats. I knew he wouldn’t stop this time. Ravil was gaining power and he was losing face. Who could have faith in a don who couldn’t keep his own brother in line? So I decided that if I died, then it would take care of the problem. Kolya would have no reason to hurt you anymore. But like I said, I had no idea you were pregnant.”
My head is going a million miles per minute. This can’t be real life. In the real world, there aren’t dynasties and heirs and factions an
