HER ALEXEI (Her Volkovs Book 2)

Chapter 29. Rough Patch.

Dedicated to everyone who followed, voted and posted their comments. I love you all. 

♥♥♥♥♥

I could not believe that Artan would go through such length just to prove a point and ruin my relationship with Nikolai. I have told him so many times that we will never happen, that I love Nikolai and not him but he would not stop.

I know I'm the reason why Nikolai is still not plotting Artan's demise. I made him promise many times before not to do something to Artan because of Aria. I have practically tied Nikolai's hands and in turn it has made Artan invincible against my future husband. And knowing Nikolai, he's the kind who hates losing control over a situation. I absolutely understand why he acted the way he did the past few days. I was giving him no choice. I was slowly killing him.

"Nikolai, these pictures are nothing. This happened in the race track, that time when I went to the privy. Look at my dress. I didnt know that Artan was there. He was forcing his way to me so I begged him to stop. And then after I went out to get some air, Artan's men are already pointing guns at us. It all happened so fast. I didnt tell you because there's so much chaos going on and I did not want you to harm Artan. He's the only one left for Aria and you know that."

"So you would rather protect Artan and the Albanians than protect our own family?"

Nikolai's words cut like a knife. I did not know how to respond.

"Nikolai, you know that's not true." I wrapped my arms around his neck to hug him tight.

"Do you know how much pain you have just caused me baby?" Said Nikolai while sounding all defeated.

"I'm sorry Nikolai, please listen to me. We need to get past this I beg you. Be strong for me." And for our baby... I am tempted to tell Nikolai about my possible pregnancy but I dont want to keep his hopes up if Im still not sure.

"You chose to protect Aria and Artan than to protect us." Continued Nikolai without listening to my plead.

I know that Nikolai and Alexei think that I betrayed them. Deep in my heart, it was never my intention. Nikolai is right, I chose Artan more than our own family the moment I kept what happened in those pictures. And I know I have hurt Alexei so much. He made me promise not to keep secrets from them but I broke that promise.

I held hands with the two and kissed the back of their hands one by one. They just dont know how much I need the two of them now more than ever.

"Nikolai, what do you want me to do? Tell me baby."

I kissed Nikolai on his lips but it was emotionless. Nikolai did not even attempt to kiss me back. He looked so disappointed in me. Several seconds later, Alexei spoke in Russian which made Yuri pull over the SUV.

"Where are you going Alexei?" I grasped his hand but he remained still and indifferent. I slowly loosened my grip and let go of him. I know at this point Alexei is too upset to talk.

Alexei left without saying a single word to me. He transferred to the other SUV and went away. I feel like my eyes are being pinched by tiny needles. Alexei only gets upset when he thinks I have done something that would put me or anyone of us in danger. And I think I did just that.

I palmed Nikolai's face hoping that he could listen to me. "Nikolai please baby... look at me."

"You are going back to the penthouse."

"Why only me?"

"Because I have a business to run and a family to protect Belle."

I wave of pain in the heart instantly struck me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and decided to let it go.