Uncontested (Unmatched Book 3) by Alyssa Turner

Author:Alyssa Turner [Turner, Alyssa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quipt Media
Published: 2022-03-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The funeral turned out to be an intimate affair, with only family, the closest of Luka’s captains, and a few other associates in attendance. It proceeded with very little pomp and circumstance, far less than she could expect if one of her parents passed away. That funeral would be spilling over with loose acquaintances and even more wannabe loose acquaintances. Sam would be relegated to a parade of countless anemic hugs and shallow condolences until she was ready to slit her own wrists just be done with it all. But this was a beautiful send-off from the people who cared about Luka. Even his ex-wife arrived with a reverent smile when she spoke about him. Sam learned the two had married young but split with mutual respect for one another three years before Oleg was born. They’d remained gracious from a distance during Ana’s formidable years.

Back at Ana’s home, the men and women filtered into different rooms. Samantha barely had a chance to say anything to Henri. She texted him a simple message, she missed him, just as the maid offered her a glass of water.

“Unless you would like something stronger?” Ana asked from her place next to Samantha on the sofa.

Sam shook her head. “Water is great, thank you.”

Ana looked at her a little longer than seemed natural for the exchange, and her penetrating stare prompted Sam to excuse herself. Only, Ana followed her through the open French doors to the small balcony.

“Samantha, listen,” she started in a low voice, “tell me to mind my business, and I will, but,” she glanced over her shoulder before continuing. “Lucian told me you were sick to your stomach this morning, and well, unless you are particularly health-conscious, refusing wine at dinner is practically unheard of in Europe.”

Samantha wanted to stop her from finishing. She wanted to tell Ana in no uncertain terms she should definitely mind her own business, but the truth weighed so heavily. She felt her face crumple despite the fact that it was the exact opposite of what she wanted.

“Oh, sweetie,” Ana said. “It’s true, then? You’re pregnant?”

Samantha didn’t have the strength to deny it. “You can’t say anything to Oleg, or to Marjorie.”

“No, no. It’s not my place.” She swallowed and looked out over the manicured landscaping. “But take it from someone who knows. Raising a child in that environment is not easy.” She looked at Sam again. “For you or the child.”

Sam steeled herself. “With all due respect, you don’t know me, and you don’t know Oleg.” She wiped at the errant tear spilling down her cheekbone. “You have no idea what our life is like.”

Ana nodded. “You’re right. I don’t. But I do know the mafia. I know what your life will become.” With that, she squeezed Samantha’s hand and turned to leave.

Samantha grabbed her wrist. “I’m scared.” It was a moment of revelation for Sam. She was scared…of motherhood, of how Oleg and Henri would react, of the truth of whose baby it was.

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