Page 95 of Queen’s Gambit

“Okay…but what does this have to do with Christov and not having his child.”

“It will be a week-long spa getaway. I’ll give you the location and it must be for the second week in January.”

My mother tilted her head, and I could see her thinking. I licked my lips, my heart racing as I prepared to give her everything she required to take me down and have me locked up until my wedding day if she betrayed me.

“I’m going to trust you with this information, Mom. But if you break my trust, we are done forever.”

She squeezed my hands before replying.

“I swear that I won’t betray you. I’ve already done too much of that by being compliant with the way this world works and my role in it. On my life, I will go to my grave with your secret.”

“Eddie will meet us there, and I will get pregnant. I’ve gotten some extra help to make sure.”

“Like hormones?”

“Among other things, yes. Once I have my baby, I’ll need your help again. Please say you’ll do this. I can’t have that monster’s child.”

Mother pulled me into a hug, and I allowed myself the little bit of comfort that I’d longed for since the day my world crashed around me.

“Yes, I’ll help you. It’ll be dangerous, but I know just who to call.” Mother pulled back and cupped my face. “I love you, my daughter, and from this day on, you will have me by your side for anything you need.”

“Thank you. I love you too, Mom. Please don’t hurt me like Father.”

“I won’t. Now, let’s have that coffee and catch up. I have so much to tell you.”

Smiling, I let her lead me back to the table, and for the first time since my birthday, there was a real ray of sunshine and a glimmer of hope.

January

Yulianna

The door opened, and I stepped out of the jet. Spain’s hot sun beat down on me, and there was nothing that could keep the smile off my face. We’d made it. This last week, I’d been so sure that something terrible was going to happen and all my plans would be canceled.

“Oh my god. I’m so excited,” Frida said as she exited the plane behind me.

Reaching the bottom, Vlad helped me step off the final step and then did the same for Frida, Ella, and my mom.

This is going to be so much fun. Ella signed.

It really is.

I hadn’t told Ella the extent of my plans. It was safer if she didn’t know every last detail.

Mylo and Vlad grabbed the bags as we piled into the waiting limo. With each passing second, my anticipation and nervousness ratcheted higher.

My mother had our whole week planned out. The perfect escape to paradise. She’d booked everything from massages, mud baths, and manicures to a private chef and a daylong boat cruise. And while I would join them for the fun, my main reason for coming here had nothing to do with a bachelorette party and everything to do with Eddie.

We chatted and laughed all the way to the beachfront resort. Mom had booked the best of the best and spared no expense. For once, the overspending would be helpful to ease any lingering thoughts my father might have still had to ruin this week for me.

It was still a twenty-minute drive, but everything here was like a dream. As the lush scenery passed, I couldn’t help thinking about the times I’d visited Eddie in Italy. Spain apparently had the same warming effect on my soul.

When we finally reached the hotel, I was vibrating with excitement. Walking into the lobby, I couldn’t help spinning in a circle. It was incredible, but I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of Eddie. My phone dinged, and I smiled.

E: You looking for someone?

I turned again slower this time, scanning every single person in the lobby.

Y: I am, actually. He’s a total cliché. You know, the type tall, dark, and handsome with just the right amount of threatening demeanor that promises a good time. You wouldn’t know where I could find such a man, do you?