Chapter 22

**Jules**


It was harder than I imagined playing the part. the perfect fiancée to a man I hated with all my heart. He thinks I’ve betrayed Vadim and Alexei. He’s wrong. They’re all wrong. I’m only doing what I have to do in order to survive. Adrian’s existence made me want to vomit. Yet, here I am next to him at a “family dinner” with them. The enemies. The reason Alexei was being tortured. It pained me to think of what Yuri has made him do.

“You know, it didn’t have to be this way.” Yuri stated, cutting through his steak. “I didn’t want it to escalate to this. This war never had to happen.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
Yeah right.

“Tell me about Luciano. That’s why we’re having a dinner, yes?”

“Right to the point. I knew there was something about you I liked.” Yuri smiled.

Too bad you’re gonna die.

“Luciano was a loyal soldier to me. Unfortunately, he met a girl and fell in love. He found the perfect girl to bring home to mother. But… she didn’t approve. You see, love always comes at a price for men like him. Like me.”

“You’re not talking about Luciano anymore, are you?”

He pointed his fork. “And you’re smart. You joining our side proves that. Back to the story, Luciano’s happiness didn’t last for long. You see, he fell for the enemy. Daniella was the sister of a very corrupt man. A dirty cop gone rogue and his mission was to ruin me. And ruin me, he did just that. Isn’t that right, Adrian?”

“Daniella fell pregnant with Luciano’s child.”

“I don’t understand why you’re telling me this. I thought this was about… I thought you were going to tell me about my brother.” I didn’t understand what this had to do with Vadim or Alexei.

“Be patient, this will all make sense soon. As I was saying, she fell pregnant and Luciano did his best to keep her hidden. He almost…” Yuri took a deep breath. “Daniella was Regina’s daughter. You’ve met her, yes?”

Oh, shit.
Daniella is… was Regina’s daughter.
The woman who was so nice to me.
That’s why she was so kind.

“Vadim’s father got word that Luciano was part of my family circle and took matters in his own hands. He. Had. Her. Killed.”

Tears threatened to spill as I shook my head and whispered. “No, he wouldn’t. I’ve met him. He was kind to me.”

“He isn’t who he seems to be, darling. He’s a murderer.” Adrian murmured.

“You’re lying. Stop lying to me!” I hissed, standing up from the chair. I could hear Adrian calling me, but I ignored him. He was lying. He had to be. Vadim’s father wouldn’t hurt an innocent person, right? I heard heavy footsteps coming closer. I didn’t have to look to know who it was.

“I know you don’t trust us…”

I twirled around and glared. “You’re right. Trust is earned not demanded.”

Adrian sighed. “Look, I know this is hard, but I need you to trust me. I’ll be your husband soon. If anyone suspects that you’re not on our side, it will end badly. For everyone. You especially.”

“So, you need a docile wife to fulfill your needs? Shut her pretty little mouth and be your slave? Fine, I’ll play the part, but know this, you’re a lying bastard.”

Adrian pursed his lips and wrapped his arms around my waist. He leaned into my ear and whispered. “Things aren’t as they seem. I need you to trust me.”

“Ok, I’ll trust you, but I have some requests.”

“Anything.”

“Tell me what happened to the baby. Where is she or he?”

“The baby survived, but it came at a cost. She’s tucked away safely living her perfect life in San Antonio, Texas. She doesn’t know who she really is and that’s the way it’s going to stay. That’s what got Luciano killed. He got too close and paid the price.”

“Who really killed Luciano?”

Adrian opened his mouth but closed it quickly.

“Oh my God, you don’t know, do you? You have no idea who killed him and that’s…”

Adrian covered my mouth and whispered harshly. “Hush, there are cameras everywhere. If you want to talk, I have to convince Yuri to let me take you out so we can talk. I need you to trust me.”

“Alexei, I want to see him.” I mumbled through his hand.

“Fine. Meet me in our room in an hour and I’ll say that I need him to clean my room. You fuck me over and I’ll make him suffer severely.”

I pulled his hand away from my mouth and frowned. “What are you planning?”

“And you, what’s your endgame? I know you’re not on our side.”

“I am.” I argued.

“I know you and I know you’ve got something up your sleeve. I don’t care, but I do care if you cause all my hard work to go to waste. I need to know that you’re not gonna stab me in the back if you get the chance.”

“I’m confused. I thought you were on team Yuri.”

“I’m on my own team. I’ll do anything to make my brother suffer for what he’s done… what his father did.”

“I don’t believe it. Yuri has brainwashed you completely.”

“Let me make one thing clear, sweetheart. I am not brainwashed. My father has done nothing to me. It’s Vadim’s father I want. If I have to go through Vadim and his army so be it. I’ll stop at nothing to make him pay. You were never supposed to be part of the plan. Alexei either. It’s only Vadim and his father I want.”

“You were never going to hurt me.” I murmured. “Why?”

“Because I promised Daniella I’d protect you and Luciano. I may have failed Luciano, but I’ll be damned if you get hurt in the process.”

“You were in love with her. That’s why you… oh God, was the baby even his?”

“I never touched her if that’s what you’re asking. And yes, I loved her so much it hurt. Do you know what it’s like to stand back and watch the girl you love pick the other man? It hurts like hell.”

“Did…” I paused, choosing my words wisely. “Did you kill Luciano?”

“No. I’d never hurt him.”

“But you would hurt Vadim?”

“Vadim is dead to me. The day his father had Luciano killed was the day they killed me. They started this war and I intend to end it. Vadim’s reign ends now.”

I took a step back and covered my mouth. This wasn’t good. Vadim and his father didn’t do this. I know they didn’t. They couldn’t have, right? Yuri must have lied to him to get him to be on his side. A sharp pain in my abdomen causes me to wince and hold my stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Adrian panicked. “Shit, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine. I just need to lie down.”

Adrian puts his hand to my forehead and cursed under his breath. “Fuck, you’re burning up.”

“I… I’m fine.” I argued.

A wave of nausea overwhelmed me and before I know it, Adrian has me in his arms. I closed my eyes and the last thing I hear is Adrian calling for help. When I come to, Adrian is sitting at the edge of the bed. He’s got his head in his hands and hunched over. I glanced across the room to see Alexei sitting in a chair. Our eyes meet and I swear, my heart skipped a beat. Only Alexei can make me feel this way. Only Vadim and Alexei.

“What happened?” I managed to ask.

“You’re exhausted and need to rest. Doctor’s orders.” Adrian says. “I’ve convinced Yuri to let Alexei stay with you just in case it happens again. Please, don’t let me regret this. If you fuck me over, then this is all for nothing.”

“You haven’t even told me what this is?”

“I’ll tell you but not here, not when there’s eyes and ears everywhere. I’ll give you some privacy, but not for long. So, you better make it count.”

Alexei rushed to my side and cupped my cheeks. “Baby girl, I thought… I thought something horrible happened to you. I thought…”

“I’m okay.” I answered, wrapping my arms around his neck and buried my face into it. “I have a plan. I’m going to get us out of here.”

“No, just rest, baby.”

I pulled back to look him over. One eye is swollen shut and dry blood caked his face. “What did they do to you?”

“I’m okay, baby girl. We’re gonna be okay.”