Page 61 of Secret Heir

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” But she looks scared. “I just—I’m not feeling well. I think Daniel and I will eat in our suite tonight.”

What is this about? “Aria, you have to tell me what’s going on.”

“Please.” Her voice is strained. “I just need some space.”

She disappears up the stairs before I can argue, and I’m left staring after her in confusion.

When I return to my office, Nikolai notices immediately. “Where’s Miss Delano?”

I shut the door, unable to shake the strange feeling. “Not feeling well. She and Daniel will eat upstairs.”

Nikolai’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Convenient timing.”

I give my brother a sharp look. “What do you mean?”

“She seemed fine until Alexander and I arrived.” He takes a sip of vodka. “Does she have a problem with us specifically?”

This is the first time she’s met Nikolai so it’s not him. It’s something to do with Alexander, I know it. Her strange reactions and her escape attempt started soon after he arrived. “I don’t know. She’s been acting odd for a while.”

“Hmm.” Nikolai exchanges a glance with Alexander. “Perhaps she’s simply overwhelmed. The Bratva world can be intimidating for outsiders, especially women who’ve been away from it.”

“Perhaps,” I agree, but it doesn’t feel right.

Alexander speaks for the first time, his eyebrows knit with concern. “I hope I haven’t done anything to make her uncomfortable. If there’s an issue, I’d be happy to address it.”

“No, it’s not you.” The words come automatically, but as I say them, I wonder. Is it Alexander? Is there something specific about him that triggers Aria’s panic?

We have dinner without them in the formal dining room, discussing business and family matters. Nikolai tells stories about our father, and the old days in Brighton Beach. Alexander contributes his own memories. He’s been part of the organization so long he has his own history with the family.

But part of my mind is upstairs with Aria and Daniel, wondering what she’s so afraid of.

After dinner, Nikolai and Alexander leave, and I go to Aria’s suite. She’s putting Daniel to bed, reading him a story. I wait until she’s done, and our son is asleep, before I confront her.

“We need to talk.”

She closes Daniel’s door softly and faces me. “About what?” she asks, her shoulders tight.

“About why you panic every time Alexander is in the house.” I keep my voice low, aware of Daniel sleeping nearby. “You were fine around Nikolai without running away. But Alexander shows up and you go pale. Why?”

Aria’s lips thin. “I already told you. I don’t like him. I don’t trust him.”

“That’s not an answer, Aria. That’s deflection.” I move closer. “What is it about Alexander specifically that terrifies you?”

She wraps her arms around herself. “I just…I get a bad feeling from him.”

“Not this shit again.” My patience is wearing in. “I’m really getting fucking sick of your paranoia.”

“It’s not paranoia,” she snaps, looking irritated, her dark brown eyes narrowed. “It’s—” She stops herself, biting her lip.

“It’s what, Aria? Say it.” I grind out, so fucking frustrated with her. “Give me one concrete reason to distrust Alexander.”

She’s silent, and I can see her struggling with something. Then she asks softly, “How well do you actually know him?”

The question catches me off guard. “What?”

“Alexander. How well do you know him? Not as Nikolai’s lieutenant, but as a person.”