“It does.” She steps closer, grabs my hands again. “Because I care. I’m not going to leave your safety in the hands of someunderground mafia doctor who might just be in it for a quick payday.”
“No.” I shake my head firmly. “I’m not risking your life.”
“And I’m not risking yours.” She’s unflinching—a force of nature in a maternity dress. “So, if you won’t do it for me… then doit for them.” She puts my hand on her belly and holds it there.
It nearly undoes me. The warmth of my child growing there, the reminder of all I’ve got to lose.
“I am doing it for them,” I insist. “I’m doing it for both of you.”
But Mia shakes her head. “I’ve already had one baby growing up without a father, Yulian. I won’t do it to this one, too.”
“What about Eli?” It’s a last-ditch effort. “He still needs you.”
