Page 45 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

“Good as gold, like always.” I stand up. “I’m not going to stay. I’m going to get going. I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow.”

Penny pulls me into a hug. “Thanks for babysitting. You’re the best godmother a best friend can ask for.”

“Aw, you just say that for the free babysitting,” I tease.

Kervyn chuckles. “Can I have you driven home?”

“Thanks, but I’m fine. I’m not falling asleep tired.” I wave. “I’ll see you both soon.”

One of the guards walks me to my car and opens the door for me. I thank him and take the long way home, stopping at the pier. A whole bunch of cars are parked around the pier, and many people are shouting. Maybe I can tell Luka? He could help me. He cares about me.

I watch from my car as the cars take off and hear it before everyone else—the sirens in the distance. I hoot quickly, numerous times and pull off. I see everyone scattering to their cars as I drive past and rejoin traffic on the main road. That was a close one. I don’t think I can outdrive cops like Luka can, and the last thing I need is to get further into trouble with Danil by getting arrested.

I don’t want to go back to the house. I have to face my reality then. I’m pregnant with a baby from a man who abducted me from my life because my little sister got in over her head.

Piper. I would do anything for Piper, and she will be so excited to be an auntie. She’ll make the best auntie there’s ever been.

I smile at the thought. Maybe I can move closer to her school and get a job on that side. I love Vegas, and I’ll miss it, but if it means I can get away from Danil, then why the hell not?

I pick up my phone to text her but quickly drop it when I see red and blue flashing lights in my rearview mirror.

I pull over and put my hazards on.

A policeman approaches the car slowly, touches the back, and then stands by my side. “License and registration please?”

“Sure,” I say, getting it out and handing it to him. “What was I pulled over for?”

“Driving while operating a cellphone,” he says. “Says here you’re Asher Milov. Are you related to those mobsters?”

“I’m not related to any mobsters,” I say quickly. Luka has taught me well.

“Ma’am, will you take a breathalyzer test for us so we can check your alcohol level?” he asks as his partner approaches with the machine.

“Sure,” I lean over and blow into the little hole of the wand. It says clear, and I smile. “It’s very late, gentlemen. Do you mind just writing my ticket, and I’ll get going.”

“No ticket, Mrs. Milov. I’ll let you off with a warning today. You drive home safely.” He tips his hat to me, and they leave. I pull back into traffic and sigh.

What a goddamn day. Pregnancy, work, hustling, babysitting, and now I have to get in bed with my baby daddy as though nothing is wrong.

The baby daddy who sent me a massive vase of lilies to my office to secure a date with me. I don’t know where this sweet side comes from, but it is just that—sweet.

Once I’m home, Renat comes out and escorts me to the house. I climb the stairs and walk into the bedroom where Danil is sitting up, reading some papers.

“I didn’t realize you were going to be so late,” he says, looking over his papers. “Tough day?”

“Busy one. Sorry, I should have texted. I stopped by Luka’s drag race to see how it was going. Lucky I did, ‘cause I could warn everyone the cops were showing up.”

“That’s kind of you,” he says. “You must be tired. Want me to rub your shoulders until you’re ready to sleep.”

“I’m going to shower, and then maybe, yeah.” I still feel awkward when he offers to do such intimate things with me.

I have a nice hot shower, wash my hair, dry it, and change into my silk nightie. I crawl into bed and fluff my pillow.

He sets his papers aside and sits up. I turn to him. “Do you mind if we just sleep? I’m so tired I just want to get a good night's rest, maybe sleep late tomorrow.”

He smiles and kisses my lips softly. “Anything you want, it’s yours.”

He reaches over, turns off his bedside lamp, and gets comfy.

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