Page 14 of The Bratva Queens' Kings

Lana looks at me, confusion etching her features. "What is it?"

I don't beat around the bush. "What did Bella do that's got you so worked up?" My voice is more forceful than I intend.

She hesitates, a pause so unlike her usual directness that it sends a spike of worry straight through me. Then, with a steadiness that belies the bombshell she's about to drop, she just says it. "I'm pregnant."

"Y-you're pregnant?!" The repetition is stupid, but I'm grappling for something to hold onto, a lifeline in the sudden storm. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I just found out about it," she admits, her voice a mix of defiance and vulnerability. "And I couldn't tell you just yet."

Lana is pregnant.

"How far along are you?"

"A couple weeks I believe."

"Are you going to keep it?"

Lana meets my gaze, her resolve as clear as day. "Yes, I'm keeping it."

That settles it then. Her decision, firm and unwavering, commands respect. "Is that why you didn't drink at the party last night?"

"Yes..." she admits, and there's a weight to that single word, a depth of concern that goes beyond just her personal health.

"And why... are you worried about Bella?" I press on, trying to understand the full scope of the situation. If there's a threat to Lana, it's a threat to all of us.

Lana's expression darkens, a shadow passing over her face. "I know Bella more than she realizes. She's observant... She pointed out me not drinking last night and my sudden change of clothes... I think she knows."

Fuck. That's the last thing we need. Bella, with her newfound leverage, could turn this situation into a nightmare if she chooses to play her cards right.

I lean in, my protective instincts flaring. "We'll deal with Bella. She won't be a problem." The assurance in my voice is as much for Lana as it is a promise to myself. No one threatens our family, no one uses what they know against us. Not without facing consequences.

Lana nods, a silent acknowledgment of the plan. "I think Perez’s mistress sees that as a weakness."

I wave off her concern with a dismissive hand. "Bella? She's small fry. As long as you've got me, Luca, and Grigori, nothing's gonna touch you or the baby. You know that." My voice is firm, brooking no argument. Protection isn't just what we do; it's who we are. Lana, with all her fire and ice, is under our watch. Always has been, always will be.

I can't help the grin that breaks across my face, thinking about it — a kid. A freaking kid that's half me, half her. Our kid. The thought sends a thrill through me, a mix of fear and something like... excitement.

Lana catches the smile, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Why are you looking so pleased about this?" She's eyeing me like I've lost my mind.

I lean back, the truth spilling from me with uncharacteristic openness. "Because, despite the madness of it all, I love the thought of being a Dad."

She looks like she's about to say more, her lips parting, a hesitance there I've rarely seen. But then, the moment's gone, swallowed up by the weight of our situation.

I'm aware, painfully so, of the delicate balance between us four. My happiness at the thought of fatherhood doesn't change the precarious nature of our relationships. But this baby, it's a game-changer, a shake-up in our dynamics that none of us can ignore.

I'll be the father of this kid and this puts me in a new light, not just in Lana's eyes, but in the eyes of our entire operation. It's a thought that's both daunting and, if I'm honest, a bit exhilarating. It's not about winning or losing; it's about something more, something deeper.

"Look, Lana," I say, my voice softening. "Whatever comes next, we'll handle it. Like we always do. Together." I mean every word.

And as for Bella's suspicions, her pointed observations at the party? Let her speculate. Let them all wonder. As long as Lana's safe, as long as she's supported, nothing else matters. Not really.

Catching Lana's eye, I lean in, my voice dropping to that low, suggestive tone I know gets her attention. "How about we celebrate? You know, a little congratulatory sex?"

To my delight, Lana laughs, a genuine, heartfelt sound that cuts through the tension and wariness that's been shadowing her since she dropped the bombshell. It's the first time I've seen her truly light up tonight, and it sends a surge of warmth through me.

"You're impossible." she says, shaking her head, but there's a sparkle in her eyes that wasn't there before. "But... I suppose there are worse ways to celebrate."

I immediately notice her blush, as she tries to hide a smile. It's a sight that could make angels sin and demons pray. Fucking hell, Lana... I want to devour her right here, right now.

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