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“Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice barely audible, still unable to shake off my unease. I can’t help but wonder what’s expected of me in return for such luxurious treatment.
“Everything is prepared to your liking, I hope,” Portia says, offering a small smile as she stands by my side.
“Uh, yes, it looks wonderful,” I reply, trying to muster up some enthusiasm despite the underlying tension that courses through my veins. I take a bite of the duck, and its tender, juicy meat melts in my mouth like butter, followed by the rich, velvety bisque that warms me from within.
I told Nikhil that I would eat…and it’ll definitely be an easy task with this food.
“Do you want anything, Portia?” I ask between bites, realizing she’s been standing there watching me eat without having any food herself.
“No, Miss Tryst, I’m here to assist you, not partake,” she replies, her voice laced with a mix of deference and fear.
Right…she’s a maid. I’ve never been on the other side before.
“Please, call me Annalise,” I say, hoping to break down some of the barriers between us. “Is there anything I should know about…them?” I ask cautiously, trying to glean any information about the dangerous Volkov men.
Portia hesitates, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. “Just…be careful, Annalise,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “And remember, family means everything to them.”
Her words send a shiver down my spine, and I swallow hard, my appetite suddenly vanishing. Despite the lavish surroundings and the decadent meal laid out before me, all I can think about is my children and the lengths I’ll go to protect them.
The heavy double doors creak open as Nikhil and Cassius enter the dining room. They look imposing in their tailored suits, predatory gazes focused on me as they take seats on opposite sides of the table. My heart races, but I manage to keep my posture straight and my expression neutral.
“You’re excused, Portia,” Nikhil says, his voice silky smooth, like a snake’s hiss. Portia quickly leaves the room.
“Is everything to your liking?” Cassius asks, his blue eyes glinting dangerously beneath the dim chandelier light.
“Y-yes, thank you,” I reply, trying to steady my voice.
“Good.” He smiles, revealing a hint of amusement as he signals for one of the servants. “Bring us some wine.”
A bottle of expensive-looking red wine is quickly brought to the table, and Cassius pours himself a glass before offering it to me. I shake my head, declining the offer. “No, thank you. I don’t drink.”
“Suit yourself.” He shrugs, taking a slow sip of his own wine.
I can’t wait any longer to ask, “My kids…where are they?”
“Your children are under our protection,” Nikhil replies without missing a beat, his voice cold yet reassuring. “They’re in good hands.”
“Can I see them?”
“Patience, Annalise,” Cassius interrupts, setting his wine glass down with a sharp clink. “All in due time.”
I clench my fists under the table, trying to contain my frustration. I’ve been patient long enough, and I worry that with every passing moment, my daughters are slipping further out of reach. But for now, I must keep playing their game, biding my time until the opportunity to reclaim my life—and my children—arises.
“This is quite the secret you hid from us.” Cassius raises his chin at me. “They’re as much yours as ours.”
“I’d beg to differ,” I begin cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m the one who raised them.”
“Because you didn’t give us the chance.”
“I’ve given them my last name. They’re Trysts, not Volkovs.”
Nikhil’s piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, his expression unreadable. With deliberate slowness, he sets down his fork and leans back in his chair, exuding an air of dangerous calm. “We are well aware of that little detail, Annalise,” he replies, his baritone voice dripping with menace. “But do not worry, we will fix that soon enough.”
My blood runs cold at his words, and I feel a chill snake its way down my spine. I turn to Cassius, seeking some semblance of reassurance or support. “You promised you wouldn’t tell them,” I remind him, desperation creeping into my tone.
Cassius meets my gaze, his striking blue eyes devoid of warmth. “I told you that promise wouldn’t last long, Annalise. I can’t keep such a secret from my family.” He pauses, his voice dropping lower as he adds, “Family is the most important thing to us, more than any fleeting promise made to a stranger. Although, you’re hardly a stranger at this point.”
The weight of Nikhil’s gaze is heavy, his piercing blue eyes studying me as he delivers his next blow. “That’s why the kids will be staying here, and so will you.”
