Page 58 of The Bratva Bosses' Surrogate

I give him a sultry smile, stepping closer to him until our bodies are almost touching. “Oh, don’t worry,” I purr. “I have plenty of ideas for later.”

He smirks, the corner of his mouth twitching with promise. “I’m counting on it.”

We leave the ruins of our breakfast behind and a short while later, follow Viktor out to the car where Ivan is waiting. The energy between us is palpable, every glance speaking volumes.

Maxym leans close to whisper, “Thinking about later?”

My face must say it all because he chuckles, a deep sound that resonates within me. The nurse calls our names, bringing us back from the tightrope we’re walking on.

In the car, Ivan breaks the silence first. “So, we’re about to find out if we’re having a little Bratva princess or a mini mob boss,” he says, a rare note of humor in his voice.

Viktor chuckles, glancing back from the passenger seat. “My money’s on a girl. We’re clearly destined to be outnumbered.”

I lean forward, joining in the banter. “As long as she inherits my looks and not your questionable charm, Viktor,” I tease, catching his eye in the rearview mirror.

Maxym, ever the driver in more ways than one, adds, “She’ll be perfect, no matter what. But I’m hoping for a girl too.” His hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

The doctor’s office is a world away from our usual haunts, a place of sterile lights and the soft murmur of hushed voices. As we’re called in, I feel a mix of nerves and excitement. This is it—the moment of truth.

The ultrasound is a blur of emotions, the doctor’s voice a calming presence as we gaze at the screen, trying to make sense of the shapes and shadows that represent our future.

“And would you like to know the gender?” the doctor asks, a smile in her voice.

“Yes,” we say almost in unison, a collective breath held.

“It’s a girl,” she announces, and the room erupts.

“A girl!” Viktor exclaims, his earlier prediction vindicated.

Ivan whistles, a sound of genuine delight. “A princess indeed. We’re in trouble now.”

Maxym’s grip on my hand tightens, his joy palpable. “A daughter,” he whispers.

I can’t help the tears that spring to my eyes, the reality of our situation hitting me. We’re having a daughter. A little girl who will be loved and protected by the most unlikely band of guardians.

“As long as she doesn’t start dating until she’s thirty,” Maxym half-jokes, but there’s an edge of seriousness to his words.

“Thirty? Make it forty,” Viktor chimes in, and even Ivan nods in agreement.

I laugh through my tears, overwhelmed by the love already surrounding our unborn child. “You hear that, little one? You’re going to have the most overprotective family ever.”

Chapter 23

Maxym

Seven months in, and Sofia’s bump is unmistakable, a round testament to the life we’re about to welcome. We’re at the old pier, a place I’ve taken to going for moments of solitude, now shared with her. The sea’s vastness mirrors my thoughts, endless and tumultuous.

“Think she’ll like fishing?” I ask, nodding towards the sea, trying to imagine family outings that don’t involve dodging bullets or negotiating peace among rival factions.

Sofia laughs, her hand resting on her belly. “With you as her dad? She’ll probably be catching sharks by the time she’s five.”

I grunt, amused despite myself. “Sharks, huh? As long as she doesn’t bring them home.”

She moves closer, her presence a comforting warmth at my side. “You know, she kicks a lot when we’re near the water. I think we’ve got a little mermaid on our hands.”

I look down at her, at our future wrapped in the curve of her belly. “Mermaid or not, I’m wrapping the whole pier in safety nets.”

Her eyes roll, but she’s smiling. “Overprotective much?”

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