I shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”
“Okay. I am a businessman. I own a few restaurants and nightclubs, gun shops, boutiques, anything that will turn a profit really.”
I arched a brow in his direction. “I thought we were going to be honest with each other.”
He blinked, doing such a terrible job of trying to look innocent, it was almost laughable. “You think I am being dishonest with you?”
“No, I think you are being less than honest. You’re a businessman, sure. But we both know that’s not all you are.”
“Perhaps not but it is mostly what I am.”
“Another half-answer,” I grumbled. “Fine. Why is your life putting me and your baby in danger?”
“Because I have inherited an enemy from my father and my brother. One of the men charged with protecting my father many years ago killed the son of a man known as Dmitry Voronov. He is an old man now, but I swear the fucker won’t die until he’s gotten his revenge.”
“To kill your offspring?” I cringed at my words when the two women from the kitchen appeared and set multiples plates and bowls on the table along with two place settings. “Thank you.”
“Once he finds out about the pregnancy, that is very likely. His goal is to end the Romanov bloodline for good. Which is why I must keep you safe.”
“Wow.” This was unreal but the expression on Igor’s face was deadly serious. “How does he know who I am?”
His jaw clenched. “A question I am currently looking into myself.”
“So this guy is out for revenge for something that happened a long time ago?”
He flashed a grim smile. “Russians have very long memories.”
And I was caught up in the middle of their war. “You weren’t seeking revenge for your brother?”
“Not yet. I needed to secure the next generation first. With my brother gone, it is now my responsibility. But now that you are carrying my child, and not Maria as he likely assumed, I can give him my undivided attention.” That half-smile he wore was equal parts devil and fallen angel. It was oh so tempting and I found myself pressing my knees together to stop the ache.
“Which means I’m here until the baby arrives?”
Igor nodded, a solemn expression on his handsome face.
I didn’t want to argue, not when the mashed potatoes looked and smelled so good, and the steak steamed on a platter in the center of the table. “The food is incredible,” I said, breaking the silence after a few healthy bites of food.
“Marta is an excellent chef.” I assumed that was his way of agreeing with me.
“So, Igor. Why do you require a surrogate? You’re handsome and wealthy and besides the whole lying thing, you seem like a catch. Why not do this the old-fashioned way?” It was an intrusive question, but I was curious and since his baby was growing inside of me there was a certain level of intimacy in our relationship anyway.
His lips pulled into a slow, lopsided grin. “Would you have a child with me under these current circumstances?”
I nodded. “If I love you enough and trusted that you would keep me and our baby safe, yes.”
His gaze was heavy on me, boring into me until I was physically uncomfortable and images of that kiss flashed behind my lids. “You are unlike any woman I have ever met, April.”
“Thanks, I think,” I muttered and shoved a spoonful of potatoes in my mouth before I said something stupid likekiss me again, please.
We finished our meal in a mostly comfortable silence that was thick with sexual tension or maybe it was just me. Igor stood and helped me to my feet, keeping my hand in his as he guided me back up to my room.
“Thanks for dinner, Igor. It was delicious.”
“My pleasure.” He stopped at my bedroom door and gripped my shoulders.
Yes, please, I thought when he leaned forward, closer and closer. My heart beat wildly in anticipation of another of those panty melting kisses but it wasn’t that at all. He placed a chaste kiss on one cheek and then the other.
“Good night, April.”
