Page 69 of The Bratva's Hostage Bride

I reach up and stroke the tears away. “You’re free to go,” I say quietly. “Go stay with someone you trust for a few weeks, though, until I can arrange a new apartment for you and Kitty because they know where you used to live. Can I do that, at least?”

“Yes,” she pulls my hand up to her face, and I cup her cheek in my palm. “Thank you, Luka.”

I swallow hard. “I’ll mail you the divorce papers. If you choose not to come back, I will respect your decision.”

“Thank you.” She stands and wipes her eyes. “Thank you for understanding.” She leans forward and kisses my lips softly.

She leaves the room, and I feel tears welling in my eyes. I rub them away and then stare, blinking at the ceiling, willing this wave of emotion drowning me to ebb away.

I doze off for a while but wake up when I hear a chair moving. It’s Arseny. He’s cleaned up and sits on a chair beside my bed. “I’m here to keep you safe.”

“I’m sure we have guards to do that.”

“We nearly lost you,” he says. “I don’t think you realize how injured you were because they gave you painkillers. You’re lucky we got to you when we did.”

“Well, don’t take so long next time,” I jest, but he’s not in a laughing mood.

“What’s happening with Hannah?” he asks. “Kervyn mentioned that she said something about cutting ties.”

“She just doesn’t understand,” I say. “Kervyn mustn’t hurt her.”

“He won’t, but she said something about getting packed up and going back to your estate to grab some of her things with Asher and some guards. Is she leaving you?” He sits back. “Mama won’t be happy with a divorce. We don’t divorce in this family.”

“We weren’t properly married, so Mama shouldn’t stress. If Hannah decides to come back, we’ll have a proper wedding, and Mama can go mad over her.” I close my eyes. “Did you kill everyone at the warehouse?”

“Except for two Italian kids who Kervyn is busy talking to right now.” Arseny crosses his legs. “Luka, how could you let her go? She knows so much about us.”

“She won’t betray us,” I say.

“How can you be sure?” he asks.

“Because in her own way, even if she doesn’t return, she loves me and wants to protect me. I need to protect her by agreeing to the divorce. Will you call the lawyer and have it done up for me?” I look at him.

“You sure? We could mail her fake ones.” He grins.

“No, I’m giving her what she wants. I will always give her what she wants.” I swallow hard.

“You really do love her.” He touches my shoulder softly as he stands. “I’ll get them drawn up for you and mailed to her.”

“Thanks.”

As he leaves, I’m staring at the ceiling again, blinking again.

Chapter 23 - Hannah

I didn’t expect him to agree to the divorce, and now that he has, I feel a pain in my chest. It’s like someone stabbed me, and I’m just walking around with the knife still stuck in me. I pack up my things at Danil’s estate after convincing Meryl I needed somewhere to stay because I was having marital problems.

She claims she never trusted Luka; he was too good-looking, but I assure her it isn’t him, it’s definitely me.

After I pack up at Danil’s estate, Asher takes me to Luka’s home, and I start packing my things there. “You need to take all the sound equipment,” she says. “Luka said you’re to keep everything he bought you.”

“I can’t do that. I feel so guilty.” I look around.

“He insisted, please do this for him.” She’s been gentle with me, but I can hear how protective she is of Luka. “It’s best there’s nothing that reminds him of you when he comes home. At least to start with.”

That’s just it. They’re just erasing me from their lives as though I never married into this family.

That’s because you didn’t, Hannah. You didn’t choose to marry into this family, but fuck do you like them. I hug Asher suddenly and she hugs me back.

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