Page 67 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

I sip the water slowly and then move away. The cool liquid helped to soothe my throat. I sigh and blink my eyes open. The lighting is soft in the room, but it’s unmistakably a hospital room—although, with all the flowers and teddies, it looks like an entire gift shop.

“You’ve been out most of the day,” Danil says. “I got bored.”

“Bored?” I ask, a little confused. “What hap-happened?”

“You blacked out. You were dehydrated and exhausted. I didn’t realize, I’m so sorry.” He squeezes my hand. I’m so confused. Why is he so nice to me all of a sudden?

“You hated me… at breakfast,” I say quietly.

“No, I could never hate you. I was hurt, and I was upset, but I still loved you. I still love you. I’m sorry I was so cold with you this morning. You didn’t deserve that. And you can never get rid of me now.” He smiles at me, and I tilt my head.

“Why not?” I ask, a little flutter in my heart.

“Because I know about the baby.”

I look at him surprised and then clasp my hands over my belly.

“Is the baby okay? Did I hurt it when I passed out?” I ask.

“The baby is fine. You’ll be fine. They’ll discharge you tonight. I have a surprise for you at home.” He strokes my hands, still resting on my stomach. He’s smiling at me.

I give him a nervous smile. “So you’re not going to divorce me?”

“No, but we’ll talk about that at home. Let me get the doctor and get you out of here. I’ll let Renat pack this all up for you.” He stands, and I am hesitant to let go of his hand. He brings mine to his lips. “I promise I’ll be right back.”

That’s all I want to hear. Because I fucking love him fiercely. A smile settles on my lips as I watch him leave.

The minute he told me he would give me a divorce, I knew I didn’t want it. I wanted to be a family with him. To make more babies with him. I tried to tell him everything, and I had planned to. I was just giving him some time before I sprang it on him.

I’m glad he knows now. I’m so happy it isn’t a secret anymore.

I rest back and look around at the various things he’s bought for me. He must have been seriously bored.

A nurse comes in to check my vitals, and I get her to raise my bed so I’m in a sitting position by the time Danil comes back. I smile brightly when he comes in.

He smiles back at me and comes to stand next to me to hold my hand. “See, Doc, all well.”

“Yes, I can see that. Mrs. Milov, how are you feeling?” the doctor asks.

“Ready to go home,” I say proudly. Our home. It’s waiting for me.

Once the doctor goes over my vitals, he smiles. ”Good as new. Let me take this out for you.” The doctor takes the drip out of my arm. “Now get plenty of rest, and keep hydrated. Mr. Milov, please sign the release form.”

“I’ll make sure of that,” Danil says, then signs the form to release me from the hospital. He then helps me out of bed and makes sure I’m steady on my feet before he lets me go.

I smile at everyone and nod. “Let’s get going.”

Danil guides me out and toward his Land Rover. He helps me into the seat and buckles me in. “I’m not an invalid.”

“I just want to take care of you,” he says. Then, the awkwardness descends. We don’t say one word to each other on the drive back. Because, in reality, although we seem to be finding our footing, I still betrayed the family and Danil. I wonder what my punishment will be.

When we get home, we get out of the car, and Danil leads me to the front door. “While you were out, I made a surprise for you.”

“A surprise for me?” I ask.

“Yes. Come upstairs with me.” He takes my hand, and we walk slowly up the stairs. He seems to be worried I’ll pass out again, but I know he’ll catch me if I do.

We stop outside the guest room and he grins. “Are you ready?”

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