Page 49 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

She strips to her underwear while Kitty settles in the middle bottom of the bed. Hannah climbs back in and turns with her back to me.

I slide my arm around her. It’s the perfect position.

This is how I want to spend every night with her.

She’s still in my arms when I wake up, breathing softly.

I stroke her curls out her face and kiss her neck. She stirs slightly and then goes back to sleep.

I get up and go shower. Once I’m done, I start to get dressed, and then she sits up. “What’s going on?”

“Morning, beautiful.” I smile at her. “I’m getting ready to go to the gym.”

“Oh, okay.” She stretches and yawns widely and then looks around. “I’m going to go shower. Do you have time to have breakfast?”

“I’ll have coffee with you before I go,” I say. “If I’m late, they make me work extra hard.”

She gets up and hurries out.

I go downstairs and to the kitchen, where my cook, Madison, is busy prepping breakfast for Hannah. “A coffee for my lady.”

“Yes, sir,” she says. “I’ll send it out with Anica.”

I go to sit in the dining room. I message Arseny that I’m leaving soon.

Hannah comes in as Anica brings out her breakfast and our coffee.

She sets everything down, and I sip my coffee.

“Those girls were arguing over you yesterday,” Hannah says suddenly. I look up at her.

“They were, but I told them I was married. I meant it.”

“Were you a player before you met me? It just seems like everyone acts like you were.”

“I was a bit of a playboy, yes.” I’m not proud of it now, even though before, I would brag about it to anyone who would listen. “I think I just had to wait to meet the right person.”

“And you think that’s me?” She looks at me with a quirked eyebrow. “You’re setting the bar a little low.”

“Don’t talk down on yourself,” I scold her. “You’re attractive, smart, and funny. I’m batting out of my league here.”

She snorts and shakes her head, starting on her oats. “Hmmm, I need butter with this.”

“Anica?” I call. She pokes her head out the kitchen door. “Please bring Hannah some butter for her oats.”

“Yes, sir.”

Within seconds, Hannah has her butter and puts some in her oats along with some sugar. She sips her coffee and watches me for a moment. “Aren’t you going to be late?”

“It suddenly doesn’t seem as important,” I grin.

“Get going. I’ll be here when you get back from work. I promise.”

“Can you promise me one more thing?” I ask.

“What?”

“Please take two guards with you if you decide to go out today. I’m not trying to control you. I just want you to be safe.” I hold my hands up in surrender.

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